#254 1894 4¢ Unwatermarked

Basic Information

Color: Dark Brown
Subject: Abraham Lincoln
Paper: Soft porous paper
Printing method: line-engraved intaglio on flat plates
Printer: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 254
Quantity issued: 16,718,150
Issued: June 2, 1890

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: $75-$150
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $12.50-$22.50
A used stamp: $1-$2

About the First Bureau stamps

Essay #254E1
Click the image to enlarge

The 1894 Series, known as the "First Bureau Issue," marked the first time the U.S. government printed its own postage stamps, ending the 47-year monopoly of private contractors. Produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), this series used existing designs but introduced small, unique "triangles" in the corners of the stamps to distinguish them from earlier American Bank Note Company issues.

The BEP, which had been established in 1862, successfully bid for the contract to print postage stamps, overcoming intense opposition from private firms that claimed the government was incapable of the work. The BEP reused the 1890–1893 stamp dies. The most defining feature of this series is the addition of small triangles in the upper corners of the designs.

Usage

The earliest recorded use on cover of #254, dated November 21st, 1894

The 4¢ stamp was commonly used to pay the double rate for 1 ounce rate and was used in combination with other stamps to pay a higher rate. IT was often used as a pair to pay the 8¢ registration rate before the 8¢ stamp was issued in 1893.

Plates

#254 was issued with the following plate #'s

45, 50-51, 59 (400 subject plates )
92, 94, 104, 106 (200 subject plates)

The Inspiration for the Design

Photo of Abraham Lincoln by Mathew Brady

The vignette on the original is based on a photograph of Abraham Lincoln taken by Mathew B. Brady. This is different from the Brady photograph used in previous Lincoln stamps.