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Second Bureau Issues (1902-1908)

  • Description
    During the final months of 1902, a new series of stamps—the Second Bureau Issue—was introduced. It was the first definitive issue completely designed and produced for the Post Office Department by the craftsmen of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Stamps of the series were released in sheet, booklet pane, and experimental coil formats. They were printed on double-line watermarked paper with gauge 12 perforations. The series contained sixteen designs in denominations from 1-cent to 5-dollar, including a 10-cent Special Delivery design and a replacement for the original 2-cent design. The stamps were in general use until 1909. However, the 2-dollar and 5-dollar designs, reprinted in 1917 on unwatermarked paper, perforation 10, were produced until 1918. The Special Delivery 'Messenger on Bicycle' design continued in use until 1922 and was also produced on single-line and unwatermarked paper with 10 and 11 gauge perforations.
  • Details
    Category: Definitive Stamp