The 1869 Pictorial Issue was a groundbreaking series of ten United States postage stamps released during the early weeks of the Grant administration. It marked a radical departure from postal tradition by featuring historical scenes and technological subjects instead of just portraits of statesmen. Though sought-after today, the Pictorials were unpopular at the time of their issue. Some Americans thought it unpatriotic to replace the nation’s leaders with other subjects. Though expected to be printed over a period of four years, the stamps were withdrawn from sale within a year of their release.

Key Characteristics & Significance

First Pictorial Subjects: These were the first U.S. stamps to depict images other than prominent Americans, such as the 2¢ Post Rider and the 3¢ Locomotive.
Two-Color Printing: This series introduced the first U.S. stamps printed in two colours (bicolour), which required the paper to be run through the press twice.
Invert Errors: Due to the complex two-colour process, some sheets were fed upside down for the second printing, creating famous "inverts" (the 15¢, 24¢, and 30¢ values). These are among the most valuable rarities in philately.
The "G-Grill": To prevent the reuse of stamps, the National Bank Note Company applied a "G-Grill" (a pattern of small indentations) to this issue, a feature unique to the 1869 series. A stamp without the grill is either #133 the 1869 re-issue or the #123 the 1875 re-issue.