#2 - 1847 10ยข
If the right edge of the cravat touches the frame just inside the top of the letter T of CENTS then click here to be taken to #4
See below for details
Basic Info
10¢ Black
Subject: George Washington
Printing Method: Line engraved
Printer: Rawdon, Wright, Hatch and Edison
Perforations: imperforate
Watermark:: no watermark
Scott #: 2
Quantity Issued: 863,800
Issued: July 1, 1847
#2 Value
Values are for stamps with four margins
Used
$550 - $600
No postmark with gum (MH)
$13,500 - $17,500
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
no sales recorded
Is your stamp the 1875 reproduction?
The stamp was reproduced in 1875. If your stamp is unused it could be the reproduction. Looking closely you will see there a subtle difference where the ribbon touches the frame. On the reproduction (Scott #4) shown on the right, you will see the edge of the cravat touches the frame completely to the left of the letter T below it. Whilst on the original the edge of the cravat touches the frame slightly to the right of the left edge of the letter T below it.
Asher Brown Durand, the vignette's engraver
A fake #2 compared to a genuine #2
The first stamp
Under the powers given him by the Act of 1847, the Postmaster-General entered into a contract with Rawdon, Wright, Hatch, and Edson, which was located in New York City and was well and favorably known as Bank Note engravers. No details of this contract are known except that it seems reasonable to assume that it contained provisions for the production of stamps of the 5¢ and l0¢ denominations, under specific regulations and conditions, at a specified cost price per thousand.
Although the drop rate of letters at the time was 2¢ it was decided not to issue a stamp for this value, which would have to wait until the 1¢ issue of 1851.
George Washington was chosen as the vignette subject as he was considered the father of the Post Office and the first Post Master General.
Due to delays in production, there were only sufficient stamps to only deliver to the New York post office on the official day of introduction, July 1st, 1847. Boston was the second post office to receive a delivery on July 2nd, 1847. The first purchaser was reputedly Congressman Harvey Shaw of Connecticut.
Earliest documented use
The earliest documented use of #2 is July 2nd, 1847. Shown above is an early July 9th, 1847
The inspiration
The vignette is based on a portrait of Washington by Gilbert Stewart. The portrait has been used on banknotes (see above) prior to the issuance of this stamp
Precancels
The 7 bar red grid precancel of Wheeling, Virginia.
Bi-sects
Diagonal Bisect
Vertical Bisect
Horizontal Bisect
VALUES FOR Bisects - Used
#2a Diagonal bisect $4,000 - $7,500
#2b Vertical bisect $3,000 - $6,000
#2c Horizontal bisect $9,500 - $11,000
Double Transfers
Short Transfer
Double Transfer type A
Double Transfer type E
Plate Flaws
Stickpin (52L)
Harelip (57L)
Line thru F (68R)
1847 Issues
