An oblong shield, slightly shouldered on the upper square, the lower lines terminating in a point. Within this shield is an oval containing a profile bust of George Washington engraved in line, surrounded by a ribbon ending with small scrolls bearing the legend "United States Postage," in white letters. From each end of the scrolls a chain of pearls completes the outlines of the oval. A prominent white-faced figure "2" laps over the lower centre point of the oval and shield, dividing the words "Two Cents." The whole is enclosed in a dark upright square to give relief to the device. The stamp is printed in dark red.
Four Cent Stamp.
Over an oval containing a bust of Andrew Jackson in profile, is a ribbon with the legend "United States Postage," in white letters. A string of pearls forms round the lower half of the oval and unites the two ends of the ribbon. At the lower part of the oval, on either side, appears the figure "4," and under that the words "Four Cents," with a star on each side, all engraved in white faced letters. The whole device is inclosed in an upright oblong tablet. The stamp is printed in green.
It is worthy of notice that these are the first postage stamps ever bearing the words "United States Postage" in full, the name of the country being abbreviated to "U. S." on all other stamps * * * Postmasters were notified by circular of the coming change of postage, and intrusted to make their requisitions for 3 cent stamps and envelopes sufficient only for carefully estimated needs to the 1st October. * * * The issue of the new 2 cent and 4 cent stamped envelopes was commenced on the 1st September, and of the 2 and 4 cent adhesive stamps on the 15th September; and they were so generally distributed by the 1st October that the change of postage was attended with but little inconvenience for want of the necessary stamps."
The circular issued to postmasters read as follows:
Post Office Department,
Office of Third Assistant Postmaster General.
Washington, D. C., July 18th, 1883.
On and after the first day of October, 1883, the rate of postage on domestic mail matter of the first class, will be reduced from three cents per half ounce, or fraction thereof, as provided by Act of Congress, approved March 3d, 1883.
The department has adopted a new design for the two cent stamp.
The head of Washington, in profile from Houdon's bust, placed on a plain tablet. Above the oval, surrounding the head, are the words "United States Postage," and underneath the tablet are the words "Two Cents." The stamp will be printed in metallic red. The engraved stamp on the 2 cent envelope will also bear the head of Washington.