Panama Canal Zone, 1904 Overprint on US Stamp

Panama Canal Zone · 1904 · 2c

This stamp features a portrait of U.S. President George Washington, based on the design of the contemporary United States 2-cent definitive. It is distinguished by a bold, red overprint reading 'CANAL ZONE' vertically and 'PANAMA' horizontally, signifying its use in the newly established Canal Zone.

Issued shortly after the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty of 1903 granted the United States rights to build and administer the Panama Canal, these overprinted U.S. stamps were the first postage used in the Canal Zone.