4¢
Dark brown, black brown, dark yellow brown
Printing Method: Engraved
Subject: Abraham Lincoln
Number issued: 76,167,836
Perforations: P12
Watermark: Double Line USPS
Scott #: 269
Issued: June 5th, 1895
Used
30¢ - 75¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
$15 - $25
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$30 - $70
#269 was issued with the following plate #'s
200 subject plates
92, 94, 104, 106, 194-97, 456-463
One of two covers with the bisected #269. The post office had no one cent and two cent stamps left so resorted to bisecting the four cent stamp.
As this was the Bureau of Printing and Engraving contract a small triangle was cut into the design at top left and top right in order to distinguish this printing from the earlier 1890 series
Unlike the 1894 3¢ Lincolns this stamp is watermarked. The double line USPS watermark on the stamp is shown above
The design was taken from this photograph of Abraham Lincoln. This photo was taken before his presidency, whilst a Senator in Springfield Illinois. It was taken on February 9th 1860 at Brady's gallery in Washington DC
The earliest date of use, July 22nd, 1895
254-E1
Large Die Essay on India
Die sunk on card
Dark Yellow Brown
254-E1
Small Die Essay on India
Die sunk on card
Dark Yellow Brown
254-E2
Die on India, die sunk on card
253-E1
Large Die Essay
Dusky Blue Green
Essay 254P5
Small die proof on stamp paper
252-E2
Small Die Proof on card
254-P1
Large Die Plate Proof
Mounted on Card
254-P2
Roosevelt Album Proof