What is a 1883 2 cent George Washington stamp worth?

Answer 1

2¢ - Scott #707 The likeness of Washington by Gilbert Stuart from a painting made at Germantown, Pa., in 1796, known as the Atheneum portrait, the original of which is now in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. (4,222,198,300 issued)

The bicentennial stamps were first placed on sale January 1, 1932, at the post office in Washington, D.C.

While the bicentennial issue presents many unfamiliar images of Washington, the Post Office took care to place the widely loved Gilbert Stuart portrait of the president on the 2-cent stamp, which satisfied the normal first-class letter rate and would therefore get the most use. Several months after the series appeared, however, the first-class letter rate was raised from 2 cents to 3 cents. The greatly increased demand for 3-cent stamps remained unsatisfied by emergency reprintings of the 3-cent bicentennial issue and the 3-cent Lincoln regular issue then currently available. Moreover the new rate meant that the only Washington stamp available to the public for everyday use was one that offered a little-known and quite uncharacteristic image of Washington. Accordingly, the Post Office felt obliged to rush a new regular issue 3-cent stamp into production that offered a more familiar Washington portrait. Rather than taking the time to create a completely new design, the BEP revamped the bicentennial 2-cent Atheneum value as a 3-cent stamp (Scott #720), transforming it into a regular issue by eliminating the date ribbons flanking the portrait. This was printed in the standard 3-cent color.

Answer 2

There were were only 2 George Washington 2 cent stamps printed in 1883. They are:

Scott Cat. # 210 (1883): New = $43.50

New (Never Hinged) = $130

Used = 75 cents

Scott Cat. # 211B (1883): New = $375

New (Never Hinged) = $850

Note: These are basic values in the grade of VF. Higher grades could increase the value a lot more.

Answer 3

Scott Number 708 or 720

You will have to determine whether one of these two stamps is the one you are referring to. A mint copy of 708 is cataloged at about 60 cents. Minimal value for the used versions of these stamps, as well as 720 in mint condition indicates that the cost is in packaging and tracking and not the stamp itself. A dealer isn't going to be interested in purchasing a single copy. You would be better to use it for postage rather than trying to sell it. Or trade with another collector!

Answer 4

There are a number of 2 cent stamps with Washington on them from this time period. Consult an online catalog for information to figure out which one you have. That will provide you an estimate on the value.

Answer 5

Scott number 707 has a minimal value. Forty cents will get you a mint copy and you can get a used copy for 15 cents.