#334 1908 4¢

Basic Information

Color: Orange Brown
Subject: George Washington
Watermark: Watermarked double-lined USPS
Printing method: Flat plate
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 334
Quantity issued: 260,000,000
Issued: December 24th, 1908

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: $20-$30
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $5-$10
A used stamp: 50¢-$2

Usage

#334 on an illustrated cover

In 1908, standard domestic first-class letters cost 2¢ per ounce. Therefore, the 4¢ stamp was primarily used to pay double-weight first-class postage for letters weighing up to 2 ounces.

Because 4¢ did not align with a single standalone rate, the stamp also had several other practical uses:

Registry Fees: Two 4¢ stamps were used to pay the 8¢ domestic registry fee.
Special Delivery: Three 4¢ stamps could cover a 10¢ special delivery fee plus a standard 2¢ domestic letter.
Mixed Usage: Patrons frequently combined 4¢ stamps with other denominations to fulfill larger package weights or complex international mail rates.

The Plates

#334 was issued with the following plate #'s

Imprint and number
4932-35

Imprint, star and plate number
5132-38, 46, 58, 99
5212-17, 26
5405-08, 15, 17, 22, 26

The meaning of the star

The star in the inscription

Early in 1909, most of the higher values had new plates made with gutters 3mm wide between the six outer rows on either side but with the remaining eight rows of 2mm spacing, the same as plates of the lower values. These were made to overcome the waste in perforating due to unequal shrinkage of the paper which was greatest at the outside. To guide the perforator in setting the wheels for these plates a star identification mark was added after the imprint, hence the name " Star Plate. " These plates produced blocks of stamps with different vertical spacings and although the 3mm out numbered the 2mm they are more desirable as few seem to have been saved of the 3mm spacing.

Proofs

334-P1

Click image to enlarge

From Four to 4

The original design

According to the Universal Postal Union regulations stamps should have the value in figures, not words. Both #331 and #332 had their value in words and it was intended that all the values should have the same. It was thought as the one cent and two cent stamps (#331 and #332) had adhered to the regulatory colors for their rate they would be easily identified by foreign postal agencies. But brown is not a standard postal rate and for all those postal workers in foreign countries who did not reed english they would have no idea what rate was paid. Hence the design of the 4¢ stamp was changed from the one above to the stamp that was issued, with the value in figures.

Identifying the Watermark on #334

The DOUBLE lined USPS watermark found on #334

The SINGLE lined USPS watermark

Between 1895 and 1916 the U.S. government used two different watermarks, double line and single line with the letters "USPS".

By placing the watermark face down on a dark surface or holding it up to bright light you might be able to see the watermark. If you cannot see the watermark it might be a good idea to invest in watermark fluid and a watermark tray. Ronsons lighter fluid works just as well as watermark fluid. Both fluids evaporate quickly.

Pour a little fluid in the tray, lay the stamp face down. In a few seconds the stamp will absorb the fluid and reveal the watermark to you.

As you will see from the illustrations the letters can span several stamps, so on the watermark, for instance, you can see only part of the letter S in one corner and only part the letter P in the other corner.

The Inspiration for the Design

George Washington bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon

The vignette was based on a bust of George Washington by french sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon.

Created in 1785 the bust is considered the most accurate likeness of the first U.S. president. Based on a life mask and clay model made at Mount Vernon, it captures Washington at age 53 with precise facial details, blending a Roman, toga-style aesthetic with realistic aging. It is considered one of the most accurate representations of Washington.