# 2226 FDC - 1987 2c Transportation Series: Locomotive, 1870s, re-engraved

Issue Date: March 6, 1987
City: Milwaukee, WI
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Engraved
Perforations: 10 vertically
Color: Black

 

U.S. #2226 features the same design as U.S. #1897A. In keeping with the 1986 USPS decision to make stamp numerals as large as possible, the numeral "2" was enlarged to twice its original size. The cent sign was eliminated and the "USA" was moved behind the numerical value, changing the "USA 2¢" to "2 USA."

 

A ground-breaking stamp was quietly issued on May 18, 1981. For the first time in U.S. history, a coil stamp featured its own unique design rather than simply copying that of the current definitive stamp. Fifty more coil stamps would be issued over the course of the next 15 years, each picturing a different mode of transportation. 

 

The various denominations provided face values to exactly match the rates for several categories of Third Class mail (bulk rate and quanity-discounted mail). As the rates changed, new stamps with new values were added. Never before had a stamp series included so many fractional cent values.

 

Most of the stamps in the Transportation Series were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, although a few were printed by private contractors. All but a few of the later stamps were produced by engraved intaglio. Differences in precancels, tagging, paper and gum provide a large number of varieties.

 

First Public Steam Engine Railroad 

In the late 1700s, it was first proposed that a canal be dug to transport coal from County Durham to larger cities. Several years and several more proposals later, the idea of building a railway was introduced by engineer George Overton.

The building of the railroad was approved in 1821, though no mention was made of using steam locomotives.  The recommendation to use steam engines came from engineer George Stephenson.

Stephenson adapted previous designs and built the Locomotion in 1825 for the Stockton and Darlington Railway.  The railway opened on September 27, 1825, with Locomotion No. 1 making the inaugural journey.  The locomotive pulled more than 25 wagons filled with goods and 450 adventurous passengers.

The Stockton and Darlington was the first public steam railway in the world. It proved that rails could be used for shipping goods other than coal. Rolled wrought iron was used to avoid breaking the rails. The success of this venture led Stephenson to establish a company that built steam locomotives for the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe. Stephenson continued to promote the use of steam locomotives and they quickly grew in popularity.