U.S. #219
1890-93 Regular Issue 1¢ Franklin

Issue Date: February 22, 1890
Quantity issued: 2,206,093,450
Printed by: American Bank Note Company
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: None
Perforation: 12
Color: Dull blue

Although similar in design to the previous issues, the 1890-93 Series was smaller in size and featured new colors.

An interesting printing variety, termed the “candle flame” variety, exists in this stamp. In this variety, the right ornamental ball at the base of the numeral “1” extends upward, leaving a white streak which looks like a flame. This streak can be found on either the right or left numeral “1” or both. Since it varies from stamp to stamp, it is identified as a printing variety and does not merit its own type or Scott number.

The 1890-93 Regular Issue stamps were the last issues printed by the American Bank Note Company for 50 years. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing was awarded exclusive control of stamp production until the 1943 Overrun Nations.