#284 1898 15¢

Basic Information

Color: Olive Green
Subject: Henry Clay
Watermark: Watermarked double-lined USPS
Paper: Soft porous paper
Printing method: line-engraved intaglio on flat plates
Printer: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 284
Quantity issued: 15,993,313
Issued: November 30th, 1898

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: $75-$100
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $12-$24
A used stamp: $2-$4

About the 1898 definitive stamps

A Panama proof #284 (#284P2a)
Click the image to enlarge

The 1898 US definitive stamps (specifically the 1-cent and other denominations) were primarily issued to comply with Universal Postal Union color standards, changing the 1-cent from blue to green to assist international identification. These changes coincided with the Spanish-American War and the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition.

The change from the previous dark blue to olive green was to comply with U.P.U guidelines. This was especially important when it came to international mail. It assisted receiving countries identify which rate had been paid. In this case the triple rate for international mail (15¢ in the US) was colored olive green.

The change also helped differentiate the stamp from the new blue color assigned to the 5¢ stamp (#281).

#283 was printed on newer plates where the impingement had not been removed.

Usage

The earliest known use of #284, March 3rd, 1899

#284’s primary use was to pay the 10¢ registration fee plus the standard 5¢ fee for foreign mail. It was also used, in combination with other stamps, to pay higher rates.

Plates

#284 was issued with the following plate #'s

200 subject plates
264

The Inspiration for the Design

Henry Clay source photo

There was a decision made to feature historical figures in addition to the busts of past presidents. This led to the addition of Henry Clay who was a massive force in American Politics. A master at brokering deals he was able to delay the onset of the Civil War. Besides being speaker of the house for over a decade he was a supporter of high tarrif rates.