#423A 1914 1¢ Perf. 12x10

Basic Information

Color: Green
Subject: George Washington
Watermark: SINGLE-lined USPS
Printing method: Flat plate
Perforations: 12 x 10
Scott #: 423A
Quantity issued: 61 stamps recorded
Issued: January 1914

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: $4,000
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $3,750
A used stamp: $4,000

About #423A

A block of four of #423A

#423A has an irregular compound perforation (perforated 12 horizontally and 10 vertically) because of a transition period at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP).

The root reason for the wider Perf 10 standard being phased in was that the previous Perf 12 machines punched holes too close together, causing sheets and coils to tear and fall apart prematurely during handling.

The compound perforation error of #423A happened because:

The Transition: In response to complaints from postmasters and the public, the BEP ordered new Perf 10 wheels in late 1913 to create a stronger, more resilient separation.
The Overlap: While the BEP was gradually rolling out the new Perf 10 machines from September to November 1914, some stamp sheets were accidentally fed through both the old 12-gauge and new 10-gauge perforators.
Rarity: Because the BEP did not consider the perforation size difference to be a significant error, these sheets were quietly released to the public. Since most were simply used and thrown away, the surviving compound-perforated stamps are highly scarce.

Usage

The earliest recorded use of #423A, January 8th, 1914

The 1¢ Benjamin Franklin stamp was used specifically for:
Postcards: The standard rate for sending a postcard anywhere in the United States. It was the primary use for this stamp.
Third-Class Mail & Printed Matter: Bulk circulars, newspapers, and printed items (priced at 1¢ for every 2 ounces).
Make-up Rate: Combined with other denominations to meet higher or odd postage rates.

Identifying the Watermark on #423A

The SINGLE lined USPS watermark of #423A

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.