1922 $5 America Stamp (Scott #573): The Flagship of the 1922 Issue

The 1922-25 regular issue is one of the definitive US stamp series of the early 20th century, featuring engraved designs on white paper without watermark, representing a step forward in US stamp production quality. The $5 value (Scott #573), depicting the allegorical figure of America, is the flagship denomination of the series: the highest face value, the most elaborate design, and typically the most challenging to find in top condition.

The 1922 Series: Context

The 1922-25 regular issue was intended as a comprehensive redesign of US definitives. The series covered denominations from half-cent through $5, with each denomination featuring a different subject: presidents, historical figures, and allegorical/symbolic subjects for the highest values.

The $5 "America" depicts a female allegorical figure representing the United States, a design tradition that dates back to the early republic. The stamp was printed by engraved intaglio, producing fine line detail that remains the mark of premium US stamp printing.

The $5 denomination was for heavy packages, high-value registered mail, and international rates, so it was used but not casually. Surviving used examples with clean cancels are collectable, while unused examples are the primary collector focus.

Identifying Scott #573

Key characteristics:

• Color: Carmine and blue (bicolor)

• Perforation: Perf 11

• Watermark: Unwatermarked (this distinguishes it from some earlier issues of similar design)

• Paper: White, unwatermarked

• Printing method: Engraved intaglio, which produces characteristic raised ink feel

The bicolor printing (two separate printing operations: carmine frame and blue center, or vice versa) creates the possibility of misregistration and potentially invert errors, though no major inverted center variety is documented for #573.

Condition Grades and Value

Never-hinged (NH) premiums are very substantial for high-denomination stamps of this era, reflecting the genuine scarcity of examples that were never placed in stamp albums with hinges.

Centering

The $5 America is frequently encountered with shifted perforations. Genuinely well-centered examples (equal margins on all four sides) are rare and command substantial premiums over catalog value, particularly in never-hinged condition. XF or Superb centered copies in NH condition are among the most desirable stamps in the 1922 series.

Used Examples

Used examples with clear, readable cancellations (CDS cancels preferred over favor cancels) are collectable and significantly less expensive than unused examples. Fine used examples with attractive cancels represent good value for collectors who prioritize the stamps over investment considerations.

The Complete 1922 Series Challenge

Completing the 1922 series in a given condition grade requires acquiring all denominations from half-cent through $5. The $5 value, along with the $2 "Pilgrim" and $1 "Lincoln Memorial," are the high-value challenges. Building a complete set in NH VF condition is an ambitious and expensive goal.

Many collectors focus on the lower denominations (half-cent through 25 cents) which form a complete set for most practical purposes and are accessible without the significant expense of the high values.

Expertizing

For any example worth over $500, expert certification from the Philatelic Foundation (PF) or American Philatelic Expertizing Service (APEX) is recommended to verify authenticity, confirm unwatermarked status, and grade condition. Regummed or cleaned examples without expert certificates represent significant risk for buyers.

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