1868 George Washington 1-Cent B Grill Stamp Value and Price Guide

Between 1867 and 1870, the United States Post Office Department tried to solve a frustrating problem: stamp reuse. People were washing the cancellation ink off used stamps and reusing them, cheating the postal service out of revenue. The solution was the grill, a pattern of small raised bumps pressed into the stamp paper that would break the fibers and allow cancellation ink to soak deep into the paper, making it impossible to remove.

The Post Office experimented with several grill sizes, each designated by a letter. The B Grill was among the earliest and largest, covering most of the stamp's surface. Applied to the 1-cent George Washington stamp in 1868, the B Grill created Scott catalog number 86, one of the scarcer grill varieties in American philately. Used examples sell for $300 to $800. Unused examples with original gum can reach $3,000 or more.

Quick Value Summary

• Item: 1868 1-Cent George Washington B Grill (Scott #86)

• Year: 1868

• Category: Stamps

• Condition Range:

  • Used, average: $250 - $500
  • Used, fine: $500 - $800
  • Used, very fine: $800 - $1,500
  • Unused, no gum: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Unused, original gum: $2,500 - $4,000
  • Unused, original gum, very fine: $4,000 - $6,000+

• Scott Catalog Number: 86

• Rarity: Rare. Limited production run of the B Grill pattern.

The Story

Charles F. Steel, a government employee working with the National Bank Note Company (which printed US stamps at the time), patented the grill concept in 1867. The idea was elegantly simple: a metal roller with raised points would press into the stamp paper after printing, creating an embossed pattern of tiny pyramidal indentations. These indentations broke the paper fibers, allowing ink to penetrate deeply. Once a cancellation was applied to a grilled stamp, the ink could not be washed off without destroying the stamp.

The Post Office tested several grill sizes, identified by letters:

• A Grill: Covered the entire stamp. Very rare (Scott #79)

• B Grill: 18 x 15mm, covering most of the stamp. Rare.

• C Grill: 13 x 16mm. Scarce.

• D Grill: 12 x 14mm. Scarce.

• E Grill: 11 x 13mm. More common.

• F Grill: 9 x 13mm. The most common grill type.

• Z Grill: 11 x 14mm. The rarest (the 1-cent Z Grill is one of the rarest US stamps).

The B Grill was used briefly in early 1868 before the Post Office settled on smaller grill sizes. Its large impression covers most of the stamp's surface, making it relatively easy to identify compared to some smaller grills. However, the short production period means fewer were made.

The 1-cent denomination featured Benjamin Franklin on most stamps of this era, but the B Grill series used the 1861 issue designs. The 1-cent value shows George Washington (not Franklin, who appeared on the later 1-cent Bank Note issues). This is the blue 1-cent stamp in the classic American definitive series.

How to Identify It

The stamp:

• 1-cent denomination

• Blue color

• George Washington portrait facing left

• "U.S. POSTAGE" at top, "ONE CENT" at bottom

The B Grill:

• Embossed pattern of small raised points on the back of the stamp

• Measures approximately 18mm x 15mm

• Points are arranged in a grid pattern

• The grill impression covers most of the stamp's surface

• Best seen by holding the stamp at an angle under raking light, or by placing it face-down on a dark surface

Distinguishing B Grill from other grills:

• B Grill is one of the largest grill patterns (18 x 15mm)

• Compare the grill dimensions to reference charts in the Scott Specialized Catalogue

• The number of points per row and column helps confirm the grill type

• A skilled philatelist or the American Philatelic Expertizing Service can confirm the grill variety

Common confusions:

• Scott #63 (no grill): The same 1-cent Washington stamp without a grill. Worth $50-$200 depending on condition. If you cannot see a grill pattern, it may be this catalog number instead.

• Other grill varieties: The same stamp exists with C, D, E, F, and Z Grills, each with different catalog numbers and values. The Z Grill (Scott #85A) is extraordinarily rare.

Value by Condition

Used, average ($250 - $500): Stamp shows a clear cancellation. Grill is identifiable. Margins may be cut close or touching the design. Some minor faults (thin spots, small tears) acceptable at this price range.

Used, fine ($500 - $800): Clean cancellation. Grill is well-defined. Margins are adequate (not touching the design). No significant faults. Color is reasonably fresh.

Used, very fine ($800 - $1,500): Light cancellation that does not obscure the design. Well-balanced margins. Grill clearly visible. Fresh blue color. No faults. This is a choice example.

Unused, no gum ($1,000 - $2,000): The stamp was never used but the original gum has been removed or washed away (common for 19th-century stamps). Grill is clear. Color is fresh. Margins are adequate.

Unused, original gum ($2,500 - $4,000): Stamp retains its original adhesive on the back. May show hinge remnants (typical for stamps mounted in albums before the modern era). Grill is identifiable through the gum. Fresh color.

Unused, OG, very fine ($4,000 - $6,000+): Large balanced margins, fresh vibrant blue color, original gum with only light hinging. Grill clearly present. This is a premium example that commands strong auction results.

Authentication

Grill identification is one of the most challenging aspects of 19th-century US philately. The difference between a B Grill and a C Grill can be a matter of millimeters, but the value difference can be hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Professional expertizing is strongly recommended for any grill stamp valued over $200.

Expertizing services:

• Philatelic Foundation (PF): The gold standard for US stamp authentication. Certificates are widely respected. Fee: $25-$50 for stamps valued under $1,000; higher for more valuable stamps.

• American Philatelic Expertizing Service (APEX): Another reputable option. Fee: $25-$40.

• Professional Stamp Experts (PSE): Offers both authentication and grading. Fee: $22-$50+.

Common issues:

• Grill impressions can be weakened or obscured by water damage, pressing, or heavy mounting

• Some stamps have had grills artificially added or enhanced

• Grill size measurement requires precision tools (millimeter gauge)

Where to Sell

Best venues:

• Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries: The premier US stamp auction house. Best for stamps valued over $500.

• Heritage Auctions: Strong stamp department with competitive bidding.

• Daniel F. Kelleher Auctions: Another respected stamp auction house.

• eBay: Suitable for lower-value examples. Include clear photos of the grill pattern.

• Local stamp dealers: Good for quick sales. Expect 50-60% of catalog value.

Tips:

• Always photograph the back of the stamp clearly to show the grill pattern

• A Philatelic Foundation certificate dramatically increases buyer confidence and realized price

• If selling on eBay, include the Scott catalog number (#86) in the title

Not sure about the value of yours? Upload a photo to Curio Comp for an estimate in seconds.

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