1895 5¢ Grant - U.S. #270

U.S. #270 1895 5¢ Grant

• Issued: June 11, 1895
• Issue Quantity: 123,775,455
• Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
• Watermark: Double line USPS
• Perforation: 12
• Color: Chocolate

U.S. #270, the 1895 5¢ Grant stamp, was issued on June 11, 1895. With an issue quantity of 123,775,455, it was printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in a chocolate color.

Although a relatively small number of U.S. #270 stamps were produced, 24 plates were required for the print run due to impurities in the ink wearing the plates quickly. This stamp was in use until March of 1898, when it was changed to blue to comply with the Universal Postal Union’s recommendations.

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.