Look for 15¢ Henry Clay stamp from 1903 Second Bureau Issue

Stamp Market Tips by Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

In 1902 the United States Post Office Department kicked off a new series of definitive stamps (Scott 300-313) known to collectors as the Second Bureau Issue. The stamps of this set were the first definitives designed and produced for the Post Office Department exclusively by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The engraved stamps were printed on double-line “U S P S” watermarked paper and were perforated gauge 12.

The 15¢ olive green Henry Clay stamp (Scott 309) was issued May 27, 1903. The earliest documented use of the stamp is on a registry tag dated July 1903. The earliest known on-cover use is dated Sept. 11, 1903.

Henry Clay was an American statesman who served as a congressman and as a senator from the state of Kentucky. He also served as the seventh speaker of the House and the ninth secretary of state. A founder of the Whig Party, he ran unsuccessfully for president in 1824, 1832 and 1844. For his role in postponing the Civil War through the Missouri Compromise, he earned the epithet “the Great Compromiser.”

The Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers values the 15¢ Henry Clay stamp in very fine grade and unused, original gum condition at $185. An example in mint, never-hinged condition is valued at $450. A used example without faults and with an attractive cancellation is valued at $12.50. The stamp is a good buy at 75 percent to 80 percent of Scott catalog value. Expertization is a must for stamps offered as being in mint, never-hinged condition.

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