Scotts #709 US stamps

#709 1932 Washington Bicentennial 4¢

4¢ Yellowish brown, deep yellowish brown, brown, reddish brown, red brown,
dark red brown

Printing Method: Rotary Press
Subject: George Washington
Perforations: 11 x 10½
Number issued: 125,215,600
Scott #: 709
Issued: January 1st, 1932

Value

Used
15¢ - 25¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
25¢
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
25¢ - $1

First Day Covers

A first day cover, dated January 1st, 1932

Plate #'s

#709 was issued with the following plate #'s

Number only
20567-68, 93-94

The Story Behind the Stamp

The 200th anniversary of George Washington's birthday was considered by the Post Office a big event. The original proposal was to issue a series of bi-color stamps featuring the life of the president. An example is shown above. That was changed when a portrait of Washington by Robert Peel was discovered. This gave the Postmaster General the idea of featuring various portraits of Washington on the series.