Scotts #219D US stamps

#219D - 1890 Lake 2¢

2¢
Lake, carmine lake, lake red

Printing Method: Engraved
Subject: George Washington
Number issued: 100,000,000
Perforations: P12
Watermark: Unwatermarked
Scott #: 219D
Issued: February 22nd, 1890

Value

Used
50¢ - $1
No postmark with gum (MH)
$15 - $25
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$75 - $125

A full Pane

A full pane of 100 of #219D, there were four panes to a sheet of 400

First Day Cover

A first day cover of #219D, February 22nd 1890

The Ink Problem

The ink chosen for the 2¢ denomination was lake. However the ink was a little to fluid and as a result you see over inking on the stamps, an example is shown above. The ink was also not color fast, it rubbed off, which the public complained about.

No triangles in the corner

On the left is shown the detail of a stamp from the 1890 series, note the absence of a triangle in the top corners of the design. All the Bureau (after 1894) issues had a triangle cut into the design as shown on the right

A Problem Color

The lake color was derided as a color one would choose for hosiery for a bargain basement store. It was also called a 'Bordello' color. Due to these critiques and the ink problem the stamps color was changed to carmine.