#319 1903 2¢ Type I Coil

Basic Information

Color: Carmine
Subject: George Washington
Type: I
Watermark: Watermarked double-lined USPS
Printing method: line-engraved intaglio on flat plates
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 319
Quantity issued: 21,325,000,000 (all versions)
Issued: November 12th, 1903

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: $5-$6
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $2-$3
A used stamp: 25¢

A hasty redesign

A quick improvement
#319 was hastily redesigned and issued after the public mocked its predecessor, #301. The original version depicted a portrait of the first president surrounded by flags, but the ink and fast printing presses made Washington look weak and unflattering. The New York Sun even joked he had "the nose of a toper".

To fix the public relations disaster, the US Post Office introduced Scott #319 in November 1903. This redesigned stamp eliminated the flags and framed Washington's portrait inside an elegant shield, quickly restoring his iconic, heroic image.

The public and collectors greatly preferred the clean, regal framing of the shield, making it a huge success.

Two Types
There are two types of the redesigned Washington 2¢ of 1903. It is useful to know the difference between the type I #319 and the type II.

#319a, #319b, #319c, #319d, #319r

#319a
Lake

#319b
Carmine rose

#319c
Scarlet

#319d Horizontal imperf.
#319r Horizontal roulette

#319g Carmine
booklet pane

#319n Carmine rose
booklet pane

#319p Scarlet
booklet pane

Usage

#319 on an illustrated cover

The 2¢ Washington stamp paid the standard ½ ounce rate.

The Inspiration for the Design

George Washington source painting

In the nineteenth century George Washington was depicted by a bust on the 2¢ value, with the exception of the 1869 6¢. The 1902 series made the switch from busts to portraits.

The portrait design was based on the unfinished portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart. The vignette, framed by two American flags, is often referred to as the Washington 'Flag' stamp, The stamp was engraved by George F. C. Smillie (portrait), Robert F. Ponickau (frame), and Lyman F. Ellis (lettering and numerals).