1923 2c Harding, black, perf 10

U.S. #612
1923 2¢ Harding Memorial Issue
Rotary Press

Issue Date: September 12, 1923
First City: Washington, DC
Quantity Issued: 99,950,300
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Rotary press
Perforation: 10
Color: Black

Demand for this stamp was far greater than for any previous special issue. It wa...  more

U.S. #612
1923 2¢ Harding Memorial Issue
Rotary Press

Issue Date: September 12, 1923
First City: Washington, DC
Quantity Issued: 99,950,300
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Rotary press
Perforation: 10
Color: Black

Demand for this stamp was far greater than for any previous special issue. It was impossible to meet the demand by printing from flat plates alone. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing was finally authorized to supplement that printing with a rotary press version. This was the first commemorative or memorial stamp issued using two printing methods. Eventually, over one billion stamps were issued, stretching the original 60-day limit to nearly 6 full months.

Unable to meet the heavy demands with flat plate printing, the Bureau began rotary press production with U.S. #612.