Lot of 1909 Washington-Franklin Series Stamp

Updated August 7, 2026

Experimental Bluish Paper – Perforated 1909 experimental "bluish paper" printing of the Washington-Franklin series (Scott #357–366 range). All stamps confirmed perforated 12 on the distinctive bluish/grayish experimental paper.Key Features & Identification Issue Year: 1909 (part of the early Washington-Franklin definitive series).Paper: Experimental bluish paper (high rag content, ~35% rag stock mixed with wood pulp), introduced briefly by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to combat paper shrinkage during wet printing. This produces a characteristic grayish-blue tint visible on the face and especially noticeable on the back when compared to standard wood-pulp paper. Gum on the reverse often appears grayish.Perforation: Gauge 12 all around (standard for this early issue).Designs: Primarily 1¢ Franklin (green) and Washington heads in various denominations/colors visible in the lot (e.g., greens, reds/carmine). These match the classic profile portraits used in the series.Condition: Mixed used/possibly unused as shown—typical for bulk lots from this era. Many show contemporary cancels. Expect some faults common to aged stamps (minor creases, short perfs, etc.), but overall a solid research-grade accumulation.Research & Philatelic SignificanceThis lot offers excellent research possibilities for specialists in the Washington-Franklin issues (one of the most studied U.S. definitive series with hundreds of varieties):Paper Experiment Study: Compare the bluish paper tone, thickness, and reaction under UV/light against regular issues. The experiment was short-lived (stamps sold primarily in Washington, D.C.), making these a key chapter in BEP production history.Variety Hunting: Check for plate varieties, position pieces, cancels (Washington, D.C. postmarks preferred for used examples), shades, and potential errors. The series is famous for watermarks (double-line USPS here), perforations, and paper differences.Denomination & Usage Research: Trace rates (e.g., 1¢ for postcards, higher values for registered/foreign mail) or assemble a representative set of the 10 denominations issued on bluish paper (1¢–15¢).Provenance & Authentication Potential: Ideal for expertization (e.g., PSE, PF certificates). Bluish paper stamps are catalogued separately and command premiums—many denominations are scarce to rare, especially in sound condition.Historical Context: Ties into early 20th-century U.S. postal reforms, shrinkage issues in stamp production, and the transition to later single-line watermark and rotary press issues.Catalog Value Potential: Individual bluish paper examples range from modest (e.g., common 1¢/2¢) to significant premiums for scarcer denominations (higher values like 5¢, 6¢, 10¢+ can reach hundreds to thousands per stamp in nice condition, per Scott Specialized).

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