1903 3c Washington Essay, Plate on Green Bond, Various Colors, Mystic's Choice

Set Your Collection Apart With This 1903 Essay...
A Stamp That Might Have Been

Essays are designed by private firms competing for contracts to print US stamps.  Prepared to illustrate the private firm’s ability to produce a superior stamp, essays are often brilliant examples of fine engraving and stamp design.  These “stamps that might have been” are also great fun to collect.

Intended as a pre-production sample of quality workmanship, essays are produced in very low numbers – sometimes as few as one – and are missing from most collections.  This 1903 3¢ Washington essay is a reprint commissioned by Ernest Schernikow, who had bought the original dies from printer Joseph Carpenter.  The bust used for the vignette is instantly recognizable as the one used on several classic US stamps.  However, the intricate frame design of the #184-E5g essay is radically different – which makes this essay a truly special addition to your collection.

This is a great opportunity to add the intricately detailed 1903 3¢ Washington essay plate printed on green bond paper to your collection.