#423B 1914 2¢ Perf. 12x10

Basic Information

Color: Carmine
Subject: George Washington
Watermark: SINGLE-lined USPS
Printing method: Flat plate
Perforations: 12 x 10
Scott #: 423B
Quantity issued: 33 stamps recorded
(32 used, 1 MNG)
Issued: January 1914

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: -
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: -
A used stamp: $4,750-$7,250

About #423B

The majority of #423B have a wavy line cancel

#423B was not intentionally created by the Post Office; it was a production error.

Why Perforations Were Changing
In 1908, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) perforated all of their stamps at 12 holes per two centimeters. Soon, the public and postal clerks complained that the "12" gauge holes were too close together, causing sheets and coils to fall apart during handling. To solve this, the BEP ordered new machines with a wider, more durable "10" gauge perforation, which was phased in from late 1913 through 1914.

The Cause of #423B
In the fall of 1914, both 12-gauge and 10-gauge perforating machines were being used side-by-side at the BEP. The #423B variety occurred when a batch of imperforate stamps was fed through the horizontal 12-gauge perforator and then, likely by mistake, fed vertically through the 10-gauge perforator.

Because the BEP didn't track perforation sizes as distinct issues, these compound-perforated sheets were quietly shipped to post offices and sold to the public. Today, because so few examples survived and were preserved, Scott #423B is an extreme rarity.

Usage

#423B on piece

In 1914, a 2¢ stamp was the standard rate for domestic first-class letters (weighing up to 1 ounce). It was also widely used to cover the international postcard rate and could be combined to pay basic parcel post fees.

Because of its high demand, the 2¢ stamp was the most heavily printed denomination. Its usage varied depending on the type of mail being sent:

First-Class Letters: The 2¢ rate paid for a sealed, handwritten or typewritten letter delivered anywhere within the United States or its territories.
Parcel Post: Beginning in 1913, the U.S. Post Office introduced a new parcel post system. Initially, packages required special Parcel Post stamps. However, confusion over the rules led the Postmaster General to authorize regular 2¢ and standard postage stamps for parcel use by June 1913.
Postal Cards: A standard international postcard required a 2¢ stamp.

Identifying the Watermark on #423B

The SINGLE lined USPS watermark of #423B

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.