#423D 1914 1¢ Perf. 10x12

Basic Information

Color: Green
Subject: George Washington
Watermark: SINGLE-lined USPS
Printing method: Flat plate
Perforations: 10 x 12
Scott #: 423D
Quantity issued: 56 stamps recorded
(50 used, 5 postcards and 1 cover)
Issued: January 1914

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: -
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: -
A used stamp: $1,700-$2,500

About #423D

#423D frequently features a Dayton, Ohio precancel because a large block of these accidentally mis-perforated sheets was shipped directly to a high-volume commercial mailer or post office in Dayton, where local precanceling was routinely applied before use.

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

Bureau of Engraving and Printing introduced new 10-gauge perforating wheels alongside older 12-gauge machines, causing sheets to pass through one gauge horizontally and the other vertically.

The compound perforation error of #423A happened because:

The Transition: In 1914, the Post Office transitioned sheet stamp perforations from a brittle 12-gauge to a stronger, wider 10-gauge to stop stamps from tearing apart too easily in post office drawers.
The Overlap: During the overlap when both machine types were active on the shop floor, a batch of 1¢ green sheets was fed through the 10-gauge perforator in one direction. By accident, the same sheets were then fed through the older 12-gauge machine for the intersecting direction. This created a scarce compound perforation measuring 10 holes horizontally and 12 holes vertically (or vice versa), which was never intentionally announced or issued as a special printing by the Post Office
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 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 #423D

The SINGLE lined USPS watermark of #423D

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.