#111 1875 90¢ Re-Issue

Basic Information

Color: Blue
Subject: George Washington
Printing method: line-engraved intaglio on flat plates
Printer: The National Bank Note Company
Perforations: 12
Watermark: none
Plate: not known
Scott #: 111
Quantity issued: 10,000 (317 sold)
Issued: 1875

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: -
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $1,500-$2,250
A used stamp: $65,000

Identification

Between #72 and #111 there is an obvious difference in color. This alone should identify #111. If still in doubt #111 has a crisper printing and is on harder white paper.

About the Reprints

A poster for the 1876 International Exhibition
Click image to enlarge

The 1875 Reprints

In 1876 the United States celebrated 100 years of nationhood. A huge International Exhibition in Philadelphia, parades and events around the country were held as part of the celebrations. For it's part the Post Office re-issued all the stamps that had been issued up to 1875. They did not sell well and most of the production had to be destroyed. With the exception of the 1847 stamps they were valid for postage so used examples can be found.

These have been called the “special printings" of 1875. All the original plates were used bar US #1 and #2. The 1847 plates had to be reproduced as the originals were lost to history.

All the printings were on harder whiter paper than the originals and most had a shade difference from the originals.

The inspiration for the design

George Washington

George Trumbull, 1792

Detail from painting

The inspiration for the design of the 90c US stamp was a portrait of George Washington painted by John Trumbull in 1792.

The general is shown on the evening before the pivotal Battle of Trenton in late 1776. He looks upward, conceiving his strategy against the vastly superior approaching enemy. The significance of the moment is expressed in the drama of the threatening sky and by the excitable horse, held in check by a soldier groom