George Washington 3-cent Stamp Value Guide

The George Washington 3-cent violet stamp is a cornerstone of the Washington-Franklin Issues, a series that revolutionized US philately by featuring a single portrait across multiple denominations. Produced between 1916 and 1917, these stamps are highly sought after by collectors for their complex variations in printing methods and perforation styles.

What Is George Washington 3-cent Stamp Worth?

The typical price range for George Washington 3-cent Stamp is $10 - $15 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Centering of the portrait within the margins significantly impacts the $10-$15 price range.
• The presence of original gum (OG) and whether the stamp is 'never hinged' (NH) increases collector value.
• The clarity and placement of the postal cancellation mark on used examples.
• Physical condition, specifically the absence of tears, thins, or pulled perforations.

How to Identify George Washington 3-cent Stamp?

• Verify the distinct violet ink color used for the 3-cent denomination profile of George Washington.
• Examine the perforation measurements, as this era features specific gauges like Perf 10 or Perf 11.
• Check for the presence or absence of a watermark, which distinguishes the 1916-1917 issues from earlier 1908-1911 releases.
• Identify the printing method, typically flat plate or rotary press, which affects the physical dimensions of the stamp design.

History of George Washington 3-cent Stamp

This stamp belongs to the Washington-Franklin Issues, a prolific series of stamps produced by the U.S. Post Office Department from 1908 to 1922. These stamps were innovative for their time, being the first to feature a portrait of a single individual, George Washington, on nearly all denominations, departing from the previous practice of using multiple historical figures. The series underwent numerous variations in perforation, watermarks, and printing methods, making it a complex but fascinating area for philatelists. The 3-cent violet stamp was a common denomination for domestic letter postage during its issuance.