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: 617,250

Usage: Foriegn Registry rate

The original Felipe Maso painting is shown below, interesting that the painting title was 'Columbus before the Dominicans', althouth the place was indeed La Rabida

As with all the values of this issue, look for Columbia Expo cancels or on a Columbian Expo cover, they marginaly increase value. Any stamp is more desirable with a clean cancel, preferably a town cancel, heavy cancels can detract from the value and are common on this value.

The color ranges from Orange Brown to Bright Orange Brown. The stamp fades easily so try and avoid purchasing the dull brown copies as this was not the original color. 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.

239-P3
Proof on thin card

Trial Color Proof on card (239TC4)