Scotts #705 US stamps

#705 1932 Washington Bicentennial 1¢

1¢ Yellowish green, bright yellowish green, deep yellowish green, bluish green,
blue green
Printing Method: Rotary Press
Subject: George Washington
Perforations: 11 x 10½
Number issued: 1,265,555,100
Scott #: 705
Issued: January 1st, 1932

Value

Used
15¢ - 20¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
25¢
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
50¢ - 75¢

First Day Covers

A first day cover, dated January 1st, 1932

Plate #'s

#705 was issued with the following plate #'s

Number only
20661-62, 73-7 4
20654-55, 90-93
20714-15, 39- 42, 47, 66, 75-76
20831-32, 35-36, 39-40, 43-44

The Story Behind the Stamp

The 200th anniversary of George Washington's birthday was considered by the Post Office a big event. The original proposal was to issue a series of bi-color stamps featuring the life of the president. An example is shown above. That was changed when a portrait of Washington by Robert Peel was discovered. This gave the Postmaster General the idea of featuring various portraits of Washington on the series.