#342 1909 $1

Basic Information

Color: Violet Brown
Subject: George Washington
Watermark: Watermarked double-lined USPS
Printing method: Flat plate
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 342
Quantity issued: 313,590
Issued: January 29th, 1909

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: $400-$750
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $100-$200
A used stamp: $14-$25

Usage

#342 earliest known usage, July 3rd, 1909

#342 was primarily used by businesses and patrons in combination with other denominations to fulfill large package weights, international postage rates, and registry fees. It was commonly used on parcel tags, as seen above.

The Plates

#342 was issued with the following plate #'s

Imprint and number
4957

The Original Color was Rose

A small die proof of the rose color

The first color chosen for the $1 value was a dull rose. However it was decided that the color was too close to the 2¢ value and as a consequence the color was changed to violet-brown.

Essays and Proofs

342-E1

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342-P1

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342-TC1g

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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.