#218 1889 90¢

Basic Information

Color: Purple
Subject: Commodore Perry
Paper: Soft porous paper
Printing method: line-engraved intaglio on flat plates
Printer: American Bank Note Co.
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 218
Quantity issued: 135,000 (estimated)
Issued: February 28th, 1888

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: $500-$2,000
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $150-$350
A used stamp: $25-$60

A change of color

The largest multiple of #218

In 1883 new postal rates required some values to change color. The colors were changed again in 1888 primarily due to UPU regulations and to further improve the association between the value of the stamp and its color. Whilst they were at it, the Post Office decided to change the color of the 90¢ (#191). The carmine was the same color as the new 4¢ stamp (#215) and therefore the color of the 90¢ should be changed. An ideal candidate was purple. When the rates changed in 1883 it discontinued the only purple stamp, the 24¢. So the 90¢ stamp became purple, but only for two years. Purple was then switched to a new 3¢ stamp and the 90¢ became orange. The last in line of the 90¢ values.

Usage

#218 on a cover to France

#218 was primarily was primarily used for high value or heavier items and is usually seen in conjuction with other stamps. Covers are rare.

Plates

#218 was issued with the following plate #'s

23

The Inspiration for the Design

William Walcutt’s Commodore Perry

The inspiration for the design of the 90¢ stamp, featuring Commodore Perry, was a statue by William Walcutt.

In June 1857, Cleveland City Council unanimously adopted resolutions to erect a monument to Commodore Oliver Perry in the city's Public Square. By October, Thomas Jones & Sons Marble Works, of Cleveland, was selected as contractor. The project had a budget of $6,000, to be raised from contributions by the citizens of Cleveland. Prominent sculptors Hiram Powers, Thomas Ball, and E. D. Palmer were approached for the Perry statue, but demurred due to the limited budget. The contractor turned to William Walcutt, who produced a new design that was endorsed by the monument committee. The statue was erected in 1860.