Basic Information
Subject: George Washington
Printing Method: Line engraved
Printer: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Perforations: imperforate
Watermark: none
Scott #: 4
Quantity Issued: 4,799
Issued: January 1st, 1875
Value
An unused stamp without gum (as issued): $700-$900
As this was a reprint there are no used copies
How to identify this reprint
Click the image to enlarge
Distinguishing the 1847 original (Scott #2) from the 1875 official reproduction (Scott #4) of the US 10¢ George Washington stamp requires a close look at specific facial features and the physical dimensions of the stamp.
Visual Design Differences
Washington's Mouth: On the 1847 original, the mouth is more curved. On the 1875 reproduction, the mouth—especially the lower lip—appears straighter.
The Eyes: The 1875 version gives Washington a somewhat "sleepy" look compared to the more alert expression on the 1847 original.
Hair Curl Dot: Look at the curl of hair near Washington's left cheek (your right). The 1875 reproduction features a distinct dot within this curl that is not as prominent on the original.
Engraver's Initials: The initials "R.W.H. & E." at the bottom are clear and legible on the 1847 original but are often blurred or less distinct on the 1875 version.
How to identify this reprint
Click the image to enlarge
Distinguishing the 1847 original (Scott #2) from the 1875 official reproduction (Scott #4) of the US 10¢ George Washington stamp requires a close look at specific facial features and the physical dimensions of the stamp.
Visual Design Differences
Washington's Mouth: On the 1847 original, the mouth is more curved. On the 1875 reproduction, the mouth—especially the lower lip—appears straighter.
The Eyes: The 1875 version gives Washington a somewhat "sleepy" look compared to the more alert expression on the 1847 original.
Hair Curl Dot: Look at the curl of hair near Washington's left cheek (your right). The 1875 reproduction features a distinct dot within this curl that is not as prominent on the original.
Engraver's Initials: The initials "R.W.H. & E." at the bottom are clear and legible on the 1847 original but are often blurred or less distinct on the 1875 version.
The Inspiration for the Design
Asher Brown Durand,
the vignette's engraver
First use of the engraving
Click the image to enlarge
The Inspiration & Design Evolution
The 1847 10¢ stamp, featuring George Washington, was one of the first two general-issue postage stamps in the United States, issued on July 1, 1847, to signify a move toward mandatory prepaid mail. The design was heavily influenced by the banknote engraving industry and nationalistic, patriotic themes, with Washington chosen to represent the "Father of His Country" and the young nation's highest ideals.
Subject Selection: Postmaster General Cave Johnson chose George Washington, the first U.S. President, for the 10-cent stamp to represent the young republic, while Benjamin Franklin was chosen for the 5-cent stamp.
Artistic Source:The vignette of Washington was modeled after the famous 1796 Athenaeum portrait painted by Gilbert Stuart
Design Firm: The stamps were designed and printed by the New York City bank note engraving firm Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson (RWH&E)
Banknote Influence: To keep production costs low, RWH&E repurposed stock engraved dies they already used for creating bank notes. The 10-cent stamp's design was similar to these existing currency engravings.
Background Information
Proof #4P1
Click the image to enlarge
The 1875 US 10¢ stamps were not a single new design but rather a series of reprints, reissues, and special printings created for the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia. The Post Office Department intended to showcase and sell examples of every US stamp design issued since 1847 to the public. Unlike the original issues, these 1875 reproductions were not valid for postage and were sold primarily as collectibles.
Because many original printing plates had been lost or destroyed, the 1875 versions often required newly engraved plates, leading to subtle evolutionary differences.
No engraved counterfeits of Scott 3 and 4 are known. Counterfeits produced by photogravure or lithography are easily identified. Authentication is easy. Certificates are only needed for quality, if you are unsure
The Story of this Stamp
Proof #4P1
Click the image to enlarge
The 1875 US 10¢ stamps were not a single new design but rather a series of reprints, reissues, and special printings created for the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia. The Post Office Department intended to showcase and sell examples of every US stamp design issued since 1847 to the public. Unlike the original issues, these 1875 reproductions were not valid for postage and were sold primarily as collectibles.
Because many original printing plates had been lost or destroyed, the 1875 versions often required newly engraved plates, leading to subtle evolutionary differences