Issued: Jan 2nd 1893 but first placed on sale at the Columbian Exposition on Jan 3rd 1893

Plate Size: Sheets of 100 subjects (2 panes of 50)

Printer: The American Bank Note Company, thereafter, with one exception of the Overun stamps of 1943 all stamps have ssince been printed by the Bureau of Engraving

Watermark: None

Quantity Issued: 16,516,950

As with all the values of this issue, look for Columbia Exposition cancels, they marginaly increase value. Any stamp is more desirable with a clean cancel, preferably a town cancel, heavy cancels can detract from the value.

The design is a reproduction of Luigi Gregori's 'Return of Columbus and reception at court' , now located at the Univ. of Notre Dame in Indiana. I believe there is not an image for this painting in existance. A copy of this painting is not available.

Brookman mentions that there is a variety that has the words 'Columbus Presenting Natives' in long, thin and irregularly shaped letters, I have not seen this variety and if it is does exist it has not been worth the mention by those owning it. Other than this there are the occassional double transfers.

Occasionaly postmarks from states that had tiny amounts of mail in this year can add to the value. This is particularly true of Alaska and the Territories. For a list of the number of stamps issued by each state in the year ending 30th June 1894 click here.

237-P4
Plate Proof on card