United States 10c 'E' Grill

United States · 1868 · 10 Cents

This definitive stamp features a portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The design is notable for its 'E' Grill, a pattern of small pyramidal points impressed into the stamp from the back to break the paper fibers, allowing the cancellation ink to soak in and prevent reuse. The 'E' Grill measures 11 by 13 millimeters and was one of several experimental grill types used by the U.S. Post Office.

Issued during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, this stamp was part of the 1867-1868 grilled issue, an effort by the U.S. government to combat the fraudulent cleaning and reuse of postage stamps.