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STATISTICS
Issued: 22nd February 1890, earliest recorded example 28th February 1890.
Plate Size: Sheets of 200 subjects (2 panes of 100).
Printer: The American Bank Note Company.
Watermark: None.
Quantity Issued: 46,877,250.
Color: Blackish Brown.
THE INSPIRATION FOR THE DESIGN
The design was taken from this photograph of Abraham Lincoln taken before his presidency, whilst a Senator in Springfield Illinois. It was taken on February 9th 1860 at Brady’s gallery in Washington DC.
Curiously ABC co. did not use their master die for Lincoln, also shown above. Whilst the design was better at capturing the expression on Lincolns face, the hair treatmen was a dramatic departure.
VARIETIES
The only known variety is the imperforate printing. There is some dispute as to if this is a proof (Scott # 222P2) or an issued stamp (Scott # 222a).
ESSAYS AND PROOFS
- Brookman, Lester G., U.S. Postage Stamps of the 19th Century, Lindquist 1966
.comThe Swedish Tiger’s US Stamp Site An illustrated Guide
Images of Abraham Lincoln
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