Scotts #269 US stamps

#269 - 1895 Watermarked 4¢

4¢
Dark brown, black brown, dark yellow brown

Printing Method: Engraved
Subject: Abraham Lincoln
Number issued: 76,167,836
Perforations: P12
Watermark: Double Line USPS
Scott #: 269
Issued: June 5th, 1895

Value

Used
30¢ - 75¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
$15 - $25
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$30 - $70

Plate #'s

#269 was issued with the following plate #'s

200 subject plates
92, 94, 104, 106, 194-97, 456-463

Bisect

One of two covers with the bisected #269. The post office had no one cent and two cent stamps left so resorted to bisecting the four cent stamp.

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

Watermark

Unlike the 1894 3¢ Lincolns this stamp is watermarked. The double line USPS watermark on the stamp is shown above

Inspiration for the design

The design was taken from this photograph of Abraham Lincoln. This photo was taken before his presidency, whilst a Senator in Springfield Illinois. It was taken on February 9th 1860 at Brady's gallery in Washington DC