1939, 1¢ George Washington, Green, United States (Scott #839)

This 1939 George Washington, 1¢ stamp belongs to the Presidential Issue (“Prexies” series), a definitive series issued by the United States Post Office Department beginning in 1938. This long-running series features engraved portraits of former U.S. presidents and was produced for everyday postal use across a wide range of denominations. The stamp depicts George Washington, the first President of the United States, with his presidential term dates (1789–1797) shown beneath the portrait. Issued in green and denominated at 1 cent, this stamp was intended primarily for bulk and routine mailing. The design, engraving quality, and format make it a classic and essential example of mid-20th-century U.S. definitive postage. This particular example is a coil issue, identifiable by its vertical perforations and straight top and bottom edges, and represents a standard, historically significant component of any U.S. Prexies collection.

Technical Specifications

• Catalog Number: Scott #839

• Denomination: 1 cent (1¢)

• Date of Issue: January 20, 1939

• Printing Method: Rotary Press

• Printing Type: Engraved (Intaglio)

• Perforation: 10 (vertical sides only, coil issue)

• Color: Green

• Printer: Bureau of Engraving and Printing

• Subject: Portrait of George Washington, 1st President of the United States

Condition Analysis

Status: 

Used and Uncertified

Seller’s Grading:Fine

Postmark:

Bold

Obverse:

All major design elements, inscriptions, and denomination remain clearly identifiable. The engraved portrait of George Washington is intact, with normal wear consistent with postal use.

Reverse:

Original gum is absent, as expected for a used coil stamp. The reverse shows no evidence of tears, thinning, repairs, or alterations.

Centering / Margins:

Good. 

Vertical perforations are intact on both sides, with straight, imperforate top and bottom edges typical of a genuine coil issue.

Other Findings:

No signs of trimming, reperforation, or artificial alteration are observed. Physical characteristics are fully consistent with an authentic 1939 1¢ George Washington coil stamp, Scott #839.