The fastest method for identifying early us presidental stamps involves measuring the exact perforations and checking for specific watermarks. This 1938 Presidential Series features distinct colors and denominations that dictate their exact rarity.
The fastest method for identifying early us presidental stamps involves measuring the exact perforations and checking for specific watermarks. This 1938 Presidential Series features distinct colors and denominations that dictate their exact rarity. Most beginners look at these stamps and see identical faces, but physical dimensions are key.
Most beginners look at these stamps and see identical faces. You recently inherited a dusty album filled with old postage.
The stamps look entirely identical to the naked eye, and you probably assume they hold a massive hidden fortune.
Many new collectors rush to a local appraiser and face immediate disappointment because they skip the fundamental verification steps.
They miss the tiny variations in paper and ink. Yet, exactly one hidden detail separates a common penny stamp from a high-value historical rarity, and you will discover this precise visual trick below.
How to Identify Early US Presidential Stamps (The Prexies)
The 1938 definitive series completely replaced earlier elaborate designs with simple, bold, and modern profiles. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced billions of these exact stamps for everyday mail.
Philatelists and everyday collectors affectionately call them the Prexies. You need highly specific measurement methods to separate common everyday versions from truly valuable early US stamps.
Every single stamp in this run features a solid color background and a distinct presidential bust. The designs span broadly from fractional half-cent values all the way up to five dollars.
Their clean aesthetic makes them visually striking in any album. You will notice the presidents appear in strict numerical order based on their term in office.
However, their superficial physical properties hold the true secret to their financial worth. You must look far beyond the printed ink.
Essential Tools: Perforation Gauge and Watermark Fluid
Serious stamp collectors never guess the value of their collections. They use a precise Perforation gauge to mathematically measure the number of holes per two centimeters.
This simple physical tool reveals exact printing varieties almost instantly. You align the stamp edges against the printed dots on the gauge, and the exact match confirms the specific perforation type.
Next, you need specialized watermark fluid for the paper analysis. Applying this safe liquid temporarily exposes hidden Watermarks inside the paper fibers.
The government used these watermarks as a strict anti-counterfeiting measure, and finding a rare specific watermark dramatically alters the final appraisal value.
We tested several affordable gauges and fluids on vintage paper, and they remain absolutely mandatory investments for any serious philatelist.
You cannot properly evaluate Prexies without these two critical tools on your desk.
Understanding the 1938 Presidential Series Denominations and Colors
The entire stamp series follows a highly strict color and denomination logic. Elaine Rawlinson famously won a national contest to design these specific stamps.
She selected a highly modern, minimalist profile aesthetic based on sculptural busts. George Washington appears prominently on the ubiquitous green one-cent stamp, while Benjamin Franklin graces the fractional half-cent orange issue.
Higher stamp values feature visually striking two-toned designs. The one-dollar Woodrow Wilson stamp uses dark purple and black ink.
These bi-color high denominations stand out immediately in any standard collection album. The two-color printing process required passing the paper through the press twice, which occasionally created valuable printing errors.
Memorizing these exact color schemes speeds up your initial collection sorting process immensely. You will instantly recognize the difference between low-value single colors and premium high values.
| Printing Process | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Rotary Press | Continuous printing, paper stretched slightly making stamps taller or wider. |
| Flat Plate | Slower process, sharper impressions with exact millimeter dimensions. |
Step-by-Step: Rotary Press vs. Flat Plate Printing
The printing presses used two distinctly different manufacturing methods for this specific series. The rotary press method allowed for much faster, continuous paper printing.
This rapid technique physically stretched the paper roll slightly during production. Consequently, the final printed stamp image appears slightly taller or wider, and you can spot these stretched designs with a trained eye.
Conversely, flat plate printing physically pressed the heavy ink directly onto flat paper sheets. This slower process produced a much sharper, deeper ink impression.
You can easily measure these subtle dimensional differences yourself. Grab your precision gauge and measure the printed outer design box.
A rotary printed stamp will measure exactly 19.5 to 20 millimeters wide, while a flat plate stamp measures differently. Even a tiny millimeter difference changes the entire rarity classification.
How to Check Catalog Value and Scott Numbers
Every unique physical stamp variation receives a highly specific identifier code. The industry-standard Scott Catalogue assigns unique Scott numbers to each distinct stamp issue.
Finding the correct identification number represents the only reliable way to determine accurate catalog value. You must follow a strict three-step evaluation process:
- First, measure the outer perforations precisely.
- Second, check the paper thoroughly for hidden watermarks.
- Third, match these physical details against the massive catalog database.
This highly systematic approach completely eliminates all frustrating guesswork. You can then accurately evaluate your collectible stamp’s worth with absolute confidence.
Relying on basic visual similarities alone will always lead to incorrect pricing. Dealers will instantly spot a misidentified stamp, so you secure your financial position by quoting the exact reference numbers.
Common Mistakes: Distinguishing Prexies from Older Definitive Series
Beginners frequently confuse the 1938 series with much older bank note issues. Older 19th-century series feature intricate borders, heavy shading, and complex corner ornaments.
Prexies maintain a distinctly clean, modern background completely devoid of heavy decoration. Always check the portrait alignment and the surrounding white space.
Some modern unscrupulous reproductions also mimic these classic designs closely. You must absolutely master spotting fake or replica stamps before spending money.
Examine the paper quality directly under a bright halogen light. Compare your unknown stamp directly alongside a verified common Prexie, and the physical differences in printing quality will quickly become obvious to you.
The Hidden Value of Prexies on Cover (Postal History)
Never soak an old stamp off a vintage envelope immediately. Items preserved completely on cover hold massive historical data and context.
Dedicated postal history collectors prize these fully intact commercial envelopes above single stamps. The ink postmark date and the exact destination tell a complete, fascinating story.
High-denomination stamps attached to heavy registered mail envelopes command massive financial premiums. The physical cancellation marks perfectly verify the authentic usage period.
Similarly, valuing intact stamp blocks requires keeping the delicate paper pieces firmly attached. Ripping the stamp off the envelope destroys this irreplaceable contextual evidence forever.
You essentially erase the historical record. Always keep the entire envelope exactly as you found it. You can always remove it later, but you can never put it back.
Conclusion: Expertization and Final Appraisal Steps
High-value philatelic discoveries absolutely demand rigorous professional authentication. The formal expertization process verifies all physical characteristics independently.
A recognized philatelic committee issues a certified document legally confirming the correct Scott number. This physical certificate guarantees the full catalog value for any future buyers, proving the perforations and watermarks are entirely genuine.
Do not ever attempt to sell a rare Prexie without this crucial documentation. The minimal expert fee fully protects you from ugly buyer disputes or returns.
You now possess the exact analytical framework to evaluate your collection accurately. Grab your gauge, prepare your fluid, and start measuring your stamps today, as you might hold a significant piece of postal history right in your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most valuable early US presidential stamps?
The most valuable early US presidential stamps from the 1938 Prexies series often include high denominations like the $1, $2, or $5 values used on commercial covers. Condition, exact Scott numbers, and specific watermark variations also significantly influence their current catalog value. Read more about valuable early US stamps.
How can I tell if my 1938 Presidential series stamp is rare?
To determine if your 1938 Presidential series stamp is rare, you must use a perforation gauge and watermark fluid. Identifying whether it was printed on a rotary press or a flat plate is critical to finding its exact Scott Catalogue designation.
What is the difference between rotary press and flat plate stamps?
Rotary press stamps are typically slightly taller or wider than flat plate issues due to paper stretching during printing. Flat plate stamps often have sharper impressions. Using a precision gauge helps collectors accurately measure these subtle dimensional differences.
Who designed the 1938 Presidential stamp series?
The 1938 Presidential definitive series was designed by Elaine Rawlinson, who won a national contest. Her iconic, simple profile designs featuring figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin became known as the Prexies among collectors.
Should I keep my Prexies on their original envelopes?
Yes, you should always keep early US presidential stamps on their original covers if possible. Postal history collectors highly value intact envelopes, as they provide historical context and can make common stamps much more valuable than if removed.
