1955 US 4-Cent Liberty Issue (Wet/Dry Printing Varieties): A Collector's Guide

The Liberty Series is one of the definitive US definitive stamp sets of the postwar period, featuring portraits of historical American figures on a range of denominations issued from 1954 through 1968. The 4-cent denomination (Scott #1035) features Abraham Lincoln and represents a fascinating micro-collecting opportunity through its wet and dry printing varieties.

Understanding the wet/dry printing distinction is one of the more technical but genuinely interesting aspects of US stamp collecting from this era. The differences are subtle but real, and they represent a tangible piece of the mechanical history of stamp production.

The Liberty Series: Context

The Liberty Series (also called the "Liberty Bell" or "1954 Definitives" by collectors) replaced the earlier Presidential series definitives. Designed with clean, portrait-focused imagery, the series covered all the common postage rates of the 1950s-60s with denominations from half a cent through five dollars.

The 4-cent Lincoln stamp was essential for everyday first-class postage during periods when first-class letter rates included the 4-cent rate.

Wet Printing vs. Dry Printing

Starting in the early 1950s, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing began transitioning from "wet" to "dry" printing processes:

Wet printing: The traditional method, where paper was dampened before printing. Wet paper shrinks slightly as it dries, resulting in finished stamps that are slightly larger than the designed dimension. The ink impression is softer and the paper has a certain characteristic feel.

Dry printing: Paper printed dry doesn't shrink, resulting in stamps that are slightly smaller than equivalent wet-printed examples. The ink impression is typically crisper and sharper. The paper also has a different feel, often described as harder.

For the 4-cent Liberty Lincoln, both wet and dry printed versions were produced. The differences are subtle but identifiable with practice:

Size: Wet printed copies are very slightly larger than dry printed copies. This is measurable but requires precision tools.

Paper feel: Dry printed copies feel slightly stiffer and harder.

Gum: Wet printed copies typically have yellow gum; dry printed copies often have whiter, harder gum.

Cancellation ink absorption: Different between the two types.

Condition Grades and Value

For the standard 4-cent Liberty Lincoln, values are modest but the wet/dry distinction creates two collectible varieties:

These are base values for single stamps. Plate blocks (blocks of 4 with plate number attached) in VF NH condition command premiums: approximately $10-20 for wet printing plate blocks and similar for dry.

The more significant value question for the Liberty Series is whether you're collecting the complete series in matched condition grades, which creates a challenging and satisfying pursuit.

Identifying the Varieties

The most reliable identification method for wet vs. dry printing is measuring stamp dimensions with a precision ruler, comparing to published specifications. The Scott Specialized Catalogue provides the necessary dimension ranges for each variety.

Additional identification aids:

• Comparison of multiple copies side by side (wet and dry to compare)

• UV lamp examination (paper responds differently)

• Gum color and texture assessment

Building a Complete Liberty Series Collection

Many collectors approach the Liberty Series as a complete set, pursuing all denominations in both wet and dry printing varieties where they exist, in never-hinged VF or better condition. This comprehensive approach creates a genuinely challenging collecting goal, since some denominations in certain printing types in top condition are significantly rarer than catalog prices suggest.

Plate number blocks for each denomination and printing variety expand the collection further.

The Liberty Series in Context

The Liberty definitives represent the mature period of US stamp production at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing: engraved intaglio printing, classic portrait imagery, and the transition between printing technologies documented in the stamps themselves. For collectors of US definitives, the Liberty Series offers both accessibility (most denominations are inexpensive in lower grades) and genuine depth (varieties, errors, and plate blocks provide complexity).

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