1909 2¢ Bluish paper #358
George Washington
2¢ - Carmine
1,494,000 - Bluish Paper - Flat Plate - Perf. 12
Double line USPS wmk
Scott #358 - 1909
Value for singles
Used: $15-$40
No postmark with gum (MH): $25-$60
Full perfect gum, no postmark, no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH): $70-$125
BLUISH PAPER
Bluish paper is different from the normal white paper in that the paper has a slight rag content.
Old rags were added to the paper pulp, thus saving money, under a microscope you can
see traces of the rag fibers. The color of the paper is SLIGHTLY slate grey and has a dull greyish look to it,
a color that is easily tinted, thus all bluish paper stamps have no value unless
accompanied by a certificate issued by stamp expertisers such as the PSE organization.
Tip: placing a white paper stamp and suspected bluish paper on an orange background aids identification.
Earliest known use of #358
May 18, 1910
Double transfer of #358