United States 10c George Washington, E Grill

United States · 1867 · 10 Cents

This definitive stamp features a left-facing portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The design is based on a sculpture by Jean-Antoine Houdon. The stamp is notable for being impressed with an 'E' Grill, a pattern of small pyramidal points intended to break the paper fibers and prevent the reuse of stamps by washing off cancellations.

Issued as part of the 1867-1868 series, these were the first US stamps to feature grills, an experimental security measure to combat postage stamp fraud. The 'E' Grill was one of several grill types used during this period.