1883 2¢ Washington
Issued: October 1, 1883
Quantity issued: 4,490,699,200 (estimate)
Printed by: American Bank Note Company
Method: Flat plate
Color: Red brown
In March 1883, Congress passed an act which lowered the First Class mail rate from 3¢ per half ounce to 2¢ per half ounce, thus creating the need for this stamp. The new lower rate dramatically increased the volume of mail.