1895 US 1-Cent Bureau Issue (Watermarked)

The 1895 1-cent Bureau Issue, produced with the distinctive USPS watermark, represents a pivotal moment in American stamp printing history: the introduction of standard watermarked paper for U.S. stamp production. This technical change, introduced in 1895, creates a distinct variety that is more valuable than the corresponding unwatermarked printings.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing Takes Over

The year 1894 marked a watershed in American stamp production: the contract for printing U.S. stamps passed from the American Bank Note Company to the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). The transition brought both design continuity (many existing designs continued) and technical changes as the BEP implemented its own production standards.

In 1895, the BEP introduced watermarked paper for stamp production. The watermark pattern, created by varying the paper's thickness during manufacturing, is visible when the stamp is held to light. For U.S. stamps of this era, the watermark reads "USPS" in capital letters.

The introduction of watermarked paper was a security measure, making stamps harder to counterfeit by requiring counterfeiters to either replicate the watermark or use unmarked paper (which would immediately identify the stamp as suspect).

The 1-Cent Jefferson

The 1-cent denomination featured a portrait of Benjamin Franklin (not Jefferson; the standard description varies in the historical record, but this is the "Ben Franklin" 1-cent of the period) engraved in the BEP's precise style. The 1-cent was the basic postage rate for postcards and certain other mail, making it the workhorse denomination.

The Blue (bright, deep color) 1-cent of this era in the Bureau printings is the Scott #279 series in the unwatermarked version. The watermarked version, introduced in 1895, carries a separate Scott number indicating the variety.

The Watermark's Role in Collecting

The watermark creates a collecting distinction without any visible difference in the stamp's printed appearance. Two 1-cent Bureau stamps of identical design and color can have completely different values based solely on whether the paper was watermarked.

To check for a watermark: 1. Place the stamp face-down on a dark surface 2. Apply a drop of watermark detection fluid (commercially available) 3. The watermark appears as a lighter or darker pattern in the wetted paper 4. Alternatively, hold the stamp to a strong light at various angles

Without either method, watermarked and unwatermarked stamps are visually identical.

Values

The watermarked 1895 1-cent Bureau Issue is more valuable than its unwatermarked counterpart:

The premium for the watermarked version reflects its scarcity relative to the unwatermarked and its technical significance in stamp printing history.

Authentication

The watermark determination is the critical authentication question for this stamp. Issues to watch for:

• Watermark identification: Confirming the stamp is actually watermarked versus unwatermarked requires proper checking procedure

• Paper doctoring: Rarely, stamps have had their paper thinned in attempts to fake or enhance watermarks; expert examination detects this

• Gum: The gum characteristics of 1895-era stamps should be consistent; ungummed or regummed stamps should be identified

For high-value examples, PSE or Philatelic Foundation certification is recommended, as the certificate will specifically confirm the watermark status.

Collecting Bureau Issues

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing's definitive series stamps from 1894-1909 (various printings and paper varieties) represent one of the most systematically documented collecting areas in American philately. The Scott Specialized Catalogue provides comprehensive listings.

Collectors who pursue the complete series typically organize by:

• Denomination (1/2 cent through $5)

• Printing period (1st, 2nd, 3rd Bureau Issues)

• Paper variety (watermarked vs. unwatermarked)

• Gum type (original gum, never hinged where possible)

A complete mint set across all varieties in each denomination is a significant lifetime pursuit; most collectors focus on representative examples of the key varieties.

Browse all Stamps →

Related Items