The 1966-1972 carmine rose-colored postage stamp depicting George Washington, valued at two cents, is a notable example of mid-20th-century American philately. These stamps were produced in vast quantities, serving as a workhorse for everyday mail during this period. Distinguishing features include the small profile portrait of Washington based on a Houdon bust and the “US Postage” inscription.
This particular stamp provides a tangible connection to a specific era of American history. Its widespread use reflects the communication practices and postal rates of the time. Studying these stamps offers insight into printing techniques, design choices, and the historical context surrounding their production and usage. They represent a piece of Americana and hold value for both historical researchers and stamp collectors.
Further exploration reveals fascinating details about the stamp’s design variations, production methods, and its role within larger philatelic collections. This discussion will cover relevant aspects such as paper types, watermarking, and known errors or varieties, offering a deeper understanding of this seemingly commonplace yet historically significant artifact.
Tips for Evaluating Carmine Rose Two-Cent Washington Stamps
Careful examination is crucial when assessing these common yet historically significant stamps. The following tips provide guidance for collectors and researchers.
Tip 1: Verify Color: Confirm the distinct carmine rose shade. Color variations exist, and accurate identification requires comparison with certified examples or reliable color charts.
Tip 2: Examine the Perforations: Gauge measurements provide essential information about printing variations. Precise perforation gauges are necessary for accurate assessment.
Tip 3: Check for Watermarks: Certain varieties exhibit specific watermarks. Identifying these watermarks aids in accurate classification and valuation.
Tip 4: Assess Centering: The placement of the design within the perforated frame impacts value. Well-centered examples are generally more desirable.
Tip 5: Inspect for Gum Condition: Original gum, if present, should be examined for disturbances or regumming. Intact original gum increases a stamp’s value.
Tip 6: Identify Printing Flaws: Errors and flaws, while sometimes subtle, can significantly impact a stamp’s rarity and value. Specialized resources and expert consultation can assist in identification.
Tip 7: Consult Specialized Catalogs: Reputable philatelic catalogs offer detailed information on known varieties, market values, and identification tips. These resources are invaluable for serious collectors.
Careful attention to these details allows for accurate identification and assessment, contributing to a more informed understanding of these historical artifacts.
By understanding these key elements, collectors and researchers can build more comprehensive collections and contribute to the preservation of philatelic history.
1. Carmine Rose Color
The “carmine rose” designation is crucial for accurate identification of the two-cent Washington stamp issued between 1966 and 1972. While often described as “red,” the specific shade is carmine rose, a slightly muted, pinkish-red. This distinction is essential for collectors and philatelists, as other Washington stamps exist in different shades of red, and accurate color identification directly impacts valuation and cataloging. Differentiating carmine rose from similar shades, such as scarlet or lake, requires careful observation and comparison with verified examples or standardized color charts. This precise color identification ensures proper placement within philatelic collections and research.
Color variations within the carmine rose spectrum can occur due to printing inconsistencies or paper quality differences. These subtle variations, while not always readily apparent, can further distinguish specific print runs and add nuance to collecting and research. Understanding these nuances allows for more accurate assessment of rarity and potential value. For example, some stamps exhibit a slightly more orange-toned carmine rose, while others lean towards a deeper, more purplish hue. These subtle distinctions can be significant within specialized collecting areas.
Accurately discerning the carmine rose color is paramount for proper identification and appreciation of this specific two-cent Washington stamp. This detailed understanding contributes to a more nuanced appreciation of philatelic history and the technical aspects of stamp production. By recognizing the specific color’s significance, collectors and researchers can more accurately assess and categorize these historical artifacts, contributing to the ongoing preservation and understanding of postal history.
2. Two-Cent Denomination
The two-cent denomination of the 1966-1972 carmine rose Washington stamp holds specific historical significance within the broader context of United States postal rates. This denomination reflects the cost of a standard first-class letter during that period. Analyzing this seemingly minor detail offers insights into economic conditions, postal service practices, and the stamp’s practical function within American society.
- Postal Rate History
The two-cent rate represented a specific tier within the evolving postal system. Prior to 1968, a two-cent stamp often covered postcard postage. Following the postal rate increase of that year, the two-cent stamp became insufficient for postcards but remained valid for certain types of mail, such as third-class or bulk mailings. This shift illustrates the dynamic nature of postal rates and the stamp’s evolving utility.
- Economic Context
The cost of postage, even at two cents, reflects broader economic trends. Analyzing postal rate changes alongside inflation data and economic indicators provides a historical snapshot of the value of two cents during that era. This seemingly small sum offers insights into the relative cost of communication and the stamp’s purchasing power within the larger economic landscape.
- Printing Volume
The widespread use of the two-cent Washington stamp necessitated mass production. Printing figures for this denomination reflect the volume of mail traffic during that period and offer a tangible measure of the stamp’s prevalence in daily life. This high production volume explains the stamp’s continued availability and affordability for collectors today.
- Philatelic Significance
While common, the two-cent Washington stamp holds philatelic interest due to existing variations in printing, paper, and gum. Collectors often focus on identifying specific plate blocks, color shades, and perforation varieties, which can increase the value and interest of these otherwise ubiquitous stamps. Detailed knowledge of these nuances elevates the two-cent Washington stamp beyond its common status.
Understanding the context of the two-cent denomination provides a richer appreciation for this specific Washington stamp. It connects a seemingly mundane object to larger historical narratives surrounding postal rates, economic conditions, and the evolution of communication practices. This deeper understanding transforms the two-cent stamp from a simple piece of paper into a tangible artifact reflecting a specific moment in American history.
3. George Washington Portrait
The George Washington portrait on the 1966-1972 carmine rose two-cent stamp contributes significantly to its historical and cultural relevance. This specific depiction, based on the Jean-Antoine Houdon bust of 1785, reinforces Washington’s iconic status and connects the stamp to a broader visual tradition representing American identity. The choice of this particular portrait underscores the enduring power of Washington’s image in national symbolism.
The Houdon bust, renowned for its lifelike representation and artistic merit, serves as a source for numerous depictions of Washington. Its use on this widely circulated stamp further cemented its place within the American visual lexicon. The stamp’s small size required a simplified rendition of the bust, yet it retains recognizable features. This miniaturized portrayal of Washington, reproduced millions of times, ensured his image remained pervasive throughout American society during this period.
The association of Washington’s image with everyday postal communication reinforces his symbolic role as a founding father. This constant visual reminder, appearing on countless letters and packages, subtly reinforced national identity and historical continuity. Furthermore, the portrait’s presence on a functional object like a postage stamp imbues it with a practical significance beyond mere artistic representation. The portrait becomes integral to the stamp’s purpose, linking Washington’s legacy to the daily act of communication.
The presence of the Washington portrait contributes to the stamp’s value for collectors. Variations in printing and the portrait’s condition can influence a stamp’s desirability. Sharp, well-centered portraits command higher prices, highlighting the interplay between historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and market value within philately. Understanding the portrait’s origin, artistic significance, and its impact on the stamp’s overall value enhances the collector’s appreciation.
4. 1966-1972 Issuance
The 1966-1972 period demarcates the issuance of the carmine rose two-cent George Washington stamp, a significant detail for collectors and researchers. Understanding this timeframe provides crucial context for authenticating, valuing, and placing this common yet historically relevant stamp within larger philatelic and historical narratives. This period coincides with specific printing methods, design choices, and postal rate structures, all of which impact the stamp’s characteristics and significance.
- Printing Technology
The 1966-1972 timeframe corresponds with the dominant use of the Giori press for stamp production. This high-speed printing method resulted in characteristic features relevant to identification, such as specific perforation patterns and potential printing flaws. Recognizing these printing-related traits assists in distinguishing stamps from this period and authenticating their origin.
- Design Consistency
While minor variations may exist, the overall design of the two-cent Washington stamp remained consistent throughout this period. The Houdon bust portrait, the “US Postage” inscription, and the general layout remained unchanged. This consistency simplifies identification but necessitates closer inspection for subtle distinctions that might indicate specific print runs or varieties.
- Postal Rate Context
The 1968 postal rate increase occurred within this timeframe, impacting the two-cent stamp’s usage. While initially sufficient for first-class mail, the two-cent stamp became relegated to other postal classes following the rate change. This shift influences the volume and types of mail bearing these stamps, providing historical insight into postal practices and communication trends.
- Collecting Significance
Defining the issuance period as 1966-1972 establishes boundaries for collectors seeking complete sets or specializing in this particular era of U.S. philately. Understanding this timeframe enables focused collecting strategies and informed comparisons within the broader context of Washington stamps and mid-20th-century postal history.
The 1966-1972 issuance period provides crucial context for understanding the carmine rose two-cent Washington stamp. Connecting the stamp to specific printing technologies, design consistencies, postal rate changes, and collecting practices enhances appreciation for this seemingly ubiquitous artifact. This timeframe provides a foundation for further exploration into the technical aspects, historical context, and philatelic significance of the two-cent Washington stamp.
5. Common Usage
The common usage of the 1966-1972 carmine rose two-cent Washington stamp significantly contributes to its historical and philatelic relevance. Its ubiquity during this period provides a tangible link to everyday communication practices and offers insights into the postal system’s function within American society. This widespread use also impacts its availability and affordability for collectors today.
- Everyday Correspondence
The two-cent denomination often covered the cost of standard letter postage, resulting in its frequent use for personal and business correspondence. This widespread application ensured the stamp’s presence on countless letters traversing the postal system, making it a familiar object in daily life. Preserved collections of personal letters from this era often feature this stamp, offering a glimpse into the past.
- Bulk Mailings
The two-cent stamp also served purposes beyond individual letters. Businesses and organizations utilized it for bulk mailings, such as advertising circulars or newsletters. This application further contributed to its widespread distribution and reinforces its connection to the evolving landscape of mass communication. The sheer volume of these mailings solidified the stamp’s status as a workhorse of the postal system.
- Postal Regulations
Postal regulations dictated the appropriate usage of different denominations, influencing the two-cent stamp’s function. Changes in postal rates during this period impacted which types of mail required a two-cent stamp. Understanding these regulations provides context for the stamp’s varying roles within the postal system. For example, the 1968 rate change shifted its primary use from first-class letters to other mail classes.
- Philatelic Abundance
The high production volume resulting from its common usage directly impacts its availability for collectors today. While not considered rare, variations in printing, paper, and gum provide collecting opportunities. The abundance of these stamps allows for detailed study of printing processes and variations, offering insights into the technical aspects of stamp production during that era.
The common usage of the two-cent Washington stamp transforms it from a simple postage item into a significant historical artifact. Its presence on countless pieces of mail reflects communication practices, postal regulations, and economic conditions of the time. This widespread use ensures its continued accessibility for collectors, enabling further research and appreciation of its historical and philatelic significance. The stamp’s commonality allows for detailed study and comparison, contributing to a deeper understanding of mid-20th-century postal history and American society.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1966-1972 carmine rose two-cent George Washington stamp, providing concise yet informative responses for collectors and researchers.
Question 1: How can one reliably distinguish the carmine rose shade from similar red hues on other stamps?
Comparison with certified examples or reliance on reputable philatelic color charts offers the most reliable method for accurate color verification. Visual assessment under controlled lighting conditions is also recommended.
Question 2: Are there notable printing variations or errors associated with this particular stamp?
Variations exist in perforation gauges and watermark presence. Specialized catalogs document known printing errors and flaws, which can significantly impact a stamp’s value. Consulting these resources is recommended for detailed identification.
Question 3: What factors influence the value of a carmine rose two-cent Washington stamp?
Centering, gum condition, presence of original gum, and absence of flaws or damage contribute to a stamp’s value. Rarity of specific varieties, as documented in philatelic catalogs, also plays a significant role.
Question 4: Where can one find reliable information on market values for these stamps?
Up-to-date market values are available in specialized stamp catalogs, online marketplaces, and through reputable stamp dealers. Consulting multiple sources provides a comprehensive understanding of current market conditions.
Question 5: Why is the 1966-1972 timeframe significant for this specific stamp?
This period aligns with particular printing methods, design choices, and postal rate structures. These factors influence the stamp’s characteristics and contribute to its historical and philatelic context.
Question 6: How does the common usage of this stamp affect its collectibility?
While its commonality implies lower intrinsic value compared to rare stamps, the abundance allows for focused study of printing variations and contributes to its accessibility for collectors. Specialized collections might focus on plate blocks, color shades, or cancellations.
Understanding these key aspects allows for more informed collecting and research practices. Accurate identification, informed valuation, and historical context contribute to a deeper appreciation of this seemingly commonplace yet historically significant artifact.
Further research using specialized philatelic resources can provide additional insights and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of this specific stamp within the larger context of U.S. postal history.
Red 2 Cent Washington Stamp
Examination of the 1966-1972 carmine rose two-cent George Washington stamp reveals a seemingly ordinary object imbued with historical significance. Its color, denomination, iconic portrait, issuance period, and common usage offer valuable insights into mid-20th-century communication practices, postal rates, and printing technologies. Though abundant, variations within this stamp type provide opportunities for focused collecting and research. Key details, such as perforation gauges, watermarks, and centering, contribute to nuanced understanding and accurate valuation.
The ubiquitous nature of this stamp allows tangible connection with a specific era of American history. Further investigation into specialized areas like plate block variations, cancellation types, and detailed color analysis offers continued avenues for philatelic exploration and a deeper appreciation of this seemingly commonplace artifact’s enduring relevance within postal history.
