#368 1909 2¢ Imperforate

Basic Information

Color: Carmine
Subject: Abraham Lincoln
Watermark: Watermarked double-lined USPS
Printing method: Flat plate
Perforations: Imperforate
Scott #: 368
Quantity issued: 1,300,000
Issued: February 12th, 1909

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: $7-$10
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $2-$3
A used stamp: $4-$9

About the 1909 2¢ Lincoln

A plate block of Schermack Type I perforation

The 1909 USA 2c Lincoln stamp was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary (centennial) of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The Post Office released it to satisfy the public's desire to honor the 16th President.

Every US philatelist will be aware of the Washington-Franklin series of stamps. But did you know that the Bureau of engraving originally proposed the series to be the Washington-Franklin-Lincoln issue? After all, since 1866, Lincoln's portrait had continually graced the face of US stamps. However, when the issue was unveiled in 1908, there was, as we know now, no denomination with Lincoln's portrait on it. The absence of Lincoln caused an uproar in the House of Representatives, Senate, and with the wider general public. The Postmaster General was deluged with protests. Why not now?

The absence of Lincoln had to be corrected. The Bureau had completed the Washington-Franklins. Thus a Lincoln stamp would be a duplicate. As the 1oz letter rate at the time was 2¢, it was selected as the most widely visible use of his portrait. As it happens, the centenary of Lincoln's birth was to fall in the next year, 1909, so the commemorative issue was scheduled to be issued on his birthday, the 12th February 1909.

This imperforate issue was created for vending machine operators, it was also sold in full sheets at post office to supply the needs of philatelists.

It was the first United States single-stamp commemorative ever issued. Prior to this, commemoratives were only released in conjunction with major national expositions.

Guide Lines

1909 imperforate stamps and private perforations

A Mail-o-Meter Type III private perforation

The 1909 imperforate stamps were issued without perforations specifically to supply private stamp vending and affixing machine companies. These early automated companies purchased uncut sheets of 400 stamps from the Post Office. They then cut the sheets into rolls (coils) and applied their own proprietary perforations or slots so the stamps could dispense from their machines. A guide to these proprietary perforations can be found by clicking the button below.

Vending machines required stamps with straight edges, either on the top and bottom or on both sides to operate the machines. Initially the Bureau perforated sheets in only one direction and then cut them into strips. These strips were then hand pasted into rolls and sold as a roll of coiled stamps.

The process of pasting together the strips was labor intensive and coils were not cheap to produce. The advent of the rotary press saved the day.

The blades in the both the first experimental machines were much to be desired and usually meant separating the stamps meant a torn stamp. The private perforations were employed to aid separation. Various perforations were used.

Because of high demand from philatelists, postal authorities made these imperforate sheets generally available to the collecting public, allowing them to acquire blocks, strips, and position pieces.