Scotts #555 US stamps

#555 - 1923 Perf 11 3¢

3¢ Violet, deep violet, red violet, bright violet or dark violet

Printing Method: FLAT PLATE
Subject: Abraham Lincoln
Number issued: 372,593,077
Perforations: 11
Watermark: Unwatermarked
Scott #: 555
Issued: February 12th, 1923

Value

Used
20¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
$1 - $3
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$6 - $19

The design inspiration

Of the 130 photographs of Lincoln, the bureau chose this one as the source of their vignette.

The bureau slightly adapted the existing intaglio print engraving that they had had on file since the early 1880's. The vignette is somewhat changed from that used on #254, noticeably in the hairline.

Hodgenville

#555 was first placed on sale Feb. 12th 1923, at the Post Office at Hodgenville, Larue County, Kentucky, the birthplace of President Lincoln. Above is a photograph of Hodgenville, Ky. as it looked in President Lincoln's time

First Day Covers

#555 First Day Cover from DC, February 12 1923, most probably mailed by Senator Thurman

#555 First Day Cover from Hodgenville, February 12th, 1923, the more common FDC

A Full Pane

A pane of 100 stamps of #555 there were 4 panes to a sheet of 400

Plate #'s

#555 was issued with the following plate #'s

14296-99
14734-37
15171-74
15550-53
15725
16399
16400-02, 73-76
16666-69
16709-12, 69-70
17921-25
18120-23