1895 4¢ Lincoln - U.S. #269

U.S. #269 1895 4¢ Lincoln

• Issued: June 5, 1895
• Issue Quantity: 78,167,836
• Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
• Watermark: Double line USPS
• Perforation: 12
• Color: Dark brown

U.S. #269, the 1895 4¢ Lincoln stamp, was issued on June 5, 1895. With an issue quantity of 78,167,836, it was printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in a dark brown color.

Why Watermarks Were Added in 1895

The decision to introduce watermarks to U.S. postage stamps in 1895 was prompted by the "Chicago Counterfeits" scandal. This scheme, brought to light when Edward Lowry contacted Postal Inspector James Stuart, involved the sale of counterfeit 2¢ stamps through a suspicious advertisement in the Chicago Tribune. Investigations led to the seizure of over 70,000 counterfeit stamps and the arrest of individuals involved in the operation, including Tinsa McMillan and George Morrison.

Watermarked Stamps

Watermarks, patterns embedded during paper manufacture, were adopted to deter counterfeiting. The initial U.S. watermark featured the letters "USPS" (United States Postal Service), double-lined and repeated across the paper sheet. While the positioning of the watermark was not initially considered during stamp printing, occasional errors occurred, such as the use of USIR (United States Internal Revenue) watermarked paper for postage stamps. Identification of watermarks typically involves using a watermark tray and benzine fluid, especially for stamps with colored backgrounds like those in the 1895 series.