Scotts #255 US stamps

#255 - 1894 Unwatermarked 5¢

5¢
Deep chocolate, yellow brown or chocolate
Triangles in Corner

Subject: Ulysses S Grant
Number issued: 31,000,000
Perforations: 12
Watermark: Unwatermarked
Scott #: 255
Issued: September 28th, 1894
Earliest date of use: October 23rd, 1894

Value

Used
$1 - $3
No postmark with gum (MH)
$30 - $60
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$80 - $140

255a

#255a
Imperf In-between stamps

Unique features

#255 is different from the rest of the 1894 Bureau's in that its triangle is cut smaller, see the illustration above, where I have compared the size of a 2¢ 1894 triangle with the 5¢. Also there is one less line between the white oval outer border above the words STATES and the edge of the design, as seen in the comparison between the 3¢ and 5¢ above.

Inspiration for the design

The design was taken from this 1873 photograph of Ulysses S. Grant by C.M. Bell

Triangles in the corner

As this was the Bureau of Printing and Engraving contract a small triangle was cut into the design at top left and top right in order to distinguish this printing from the earlier 1890 series

Chinese Postmarks

The US had a postal agency in Shanghai, look for the Shanghai postmark. These are highly collectible. if you have one on a complete envelope it could be worth $500 to $2,000.

An unusual and valuable (retail about $500) item to look for on 255 covers is the handstamp seen above. The Spanish-American War was raging at the time and consequently mail to Spain or its Colonies was forbidden. It can be seen on other covers, however as the foreign mail rate was 5¢ most will be found on #255 covers.