1902-03 2¢ Washington - U.S. #301

U.S. #301 - Series of 1902-03 2¢ Washington

Issued on January 1, 1903, U.S. #301 showcases the timeless elegance of Gilbert Stuart's iconic portrait of George Washington. This stamp was part of the ambitious Series of 1902-03, a groundbreaking collection commissioned by the Postmaster General to refresh America's postage stamps.

The initial proofs of U.S. #301, featuring Washington's portrait draped with American flags, left stamp experts in awe, with many hailing it as the finest postage stamp ever produced. However, when the stamp was printed in red, the result was deemed disappointing, with some copies appearing so poor they were mistaken for counterfeits.

Despite this setback, U.S. #301 remains a fascinating piece of philatelic history, known colloquially as the "flag" stamp. Its redesign, featuring shields instead of flags, resulted in stamps like #319 and the imperforate #320, known as the "shield" stamps.

The Series of 1902-03 marked a significant departure from previous stamp designs, introducing ornate new motifs and faces, including Benjamin Harrison, Admiral David Farragut, and the first depiction of an American woman on a stamp. The inscription "Series 1902" on each stamp sparked curiosity abroad, with European philatelists speculating about the U.S.'s stamp issuing plans.

Despite concerns, the Series of 1902-03 stamps didn't all reach post offices until 1903, and the next general issues wouldn't appear until 1908. U.S. #301 stands as a testament to America's rich postal history and the enduring legacy of its founding fathers.