#214 1887 3¢

Basic Information

Color: Vermilion
Subject: George Washington
Paper: Soft porous paper
Printing method: line-engraved intaglio on flat plates
Printer: American Bank Note Co.
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 214
Quantity issued: 20,167,800
Issued: September 1st, 1887

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: $40-$100
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $20-$40
A used stamp: $4-$8

A new 3¢ color

A pane of #214
Click image to enlarge

in 1882 the standard first class rate was lowered from 3¢ to 2¢, in 1887 the 2¢ stamp was changed from brown to green. It would have been confusing to have both the 2¢ and 3¢ stamps green. Therefore the green of the 3¢ stamp (#217) was changed from green to vermilion.

Usage

Earliest date of use of #214, September 5th, 1887

The first class rate had been reduced from 3¢ to 2¢, effective October 1, 1883. Thus the 3¢ stamp was issued in smaller quantities. Commonly used to pay heavier mail or in combination with other stamps to pay higher rates.

Plates

#214 was issued with the following plate #'s

421

The Inspiration for the Design

George Washington bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon

The vignette was based on a bust of George Washington by french sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon.

Created in 1785 the bust is considered the most accurate likeness of the first U.S. president. Based on a life mask and clay model made at Mount Vernon, it captures Washington at age 53 with precise facial details, blending a Roman, toga-style aesthetic with realistic aging. It is considered one of the most accurate representations of Washington.