| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | July 4, 1957 |
| Year | 1957 |
| Denomination |
4¢
|
| Denomination Value | $0.04 | Color | Red, white, and blue |
| Issue Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Size | 0.84 by 1.44 inches |
| Postal Administration | United States |
| Condition | Name | Avg Value |
|---|---|---|
|
M-NH-VF
|
Mint - Never Hinged - Very Fine | View price |
|
U-VF
|
Used - Very Fine | View price |
This is printed on the Giori press. This press is capable of printing up to three different colors simultaneously. It has three ink fountains and is designed to apply the different colored inks to predetermined areas of the two identical printing plates mounted on the press. It is printed on pre-gummed paper by the sheet-fed rotary process and issued in sheets of 50.
This special 4-cent stamp portraying the American Flag in natural colors was the first United States issue printed on the Giori press. This press is capable of printing up to three different colors simultaneously. It has three ink fountains and is designed to apply the different colored inks to predetermined areas of the two identical printing plates mounted on the press.
The American Flag stamp is 0.84 by 1.44 inches in dimension, arranged horizontally in a dark frame, printed on pre-gummed paper by the sheet-fed rotary process and issued in sheets of 50. The color of the stamp is red, white, and blue. The red and blue were printed by the intaglio process, with the paper constituting the white, or third color. Since only two inks were involved, it was possible to print this stamp with but one passing of each sheet through the press, and thus only one plate number was necessary.
The central design of the stamp portrays the American Flag, in natural colors, waving in the breeze. The quotation "Long may it wave," in dark Gothic, is shown directly beneath the flag. In the lower left corner of the stamp, arranged in two lines, is the denomination "4¢" and the word "Postage" in dark Gothic. A dark panel across the bottom frames the wording "United States of America" in white-face Gothic.
This stamp was first offered for sale at Washington, D.C., on July 4, 1957.