#519 1917 2¢

Basic Information

Color: Carmine
Subject: George Washington
Watermark: Double-lined USPS
Printing method: Flat plate
Perforations: 11
Scott #: 519
Quantity issued: 573,000
Issued: October 10th, 1917

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: $300-$450
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $175-$275
A used stamp: $475-$650

The origination of #519

#344, the source of #519

In 1910, the Postmaster of St. Louis mailed unwanted imperf stamps (#344) intended for United States Automatic Vending Company to the New York Post Office, as the vending company had relocated to NYC. The vending company never purchased the stamps and, by 1917, had gone bankrupt. The New York Post Office then asked the Bureau if they could return all 34 sheets to them. The Bureau took them back and put them through the perf 11 perforating machine so they could be sold. That's why you see the old USPS double-line watermark and the old TWO CENTS, in words, description of the value on this stamp, from 1917.

Usage

A first day issue of #519, dated 10th October, 1917

In 1917 the 2¢ Washington stamp paid the standard ½ ounce rate.

The Plates and a Pane

#519 was issued with the following plate #'s

Imprint and number
4818, 4848, 4856, 4864-66, 4868, 4905

A pane 100 of #519, there are four panes to a sheet of 400

Identifying the Watermark on #519

The DOUBLE lined USPS watermark found on #519

The SINGLE lined USPS watermark

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.