On June 16, 1932, in response to the increase to 3-cents postage for basic letters, the U.S. Post Office Department issued a new, violet 3-cent regular issue. Though identical to the design of the 2-cent Washington Bicentennial stamp, which was inspired by Gilbert Stuart's 'Athenaeum' portrait of Washington, it is not part of the 1932 commemorative issue. The initial flat plate printing was followed by rotary press coil stamps, perforated vertically and horizontally, on June 24 and October 12 respectively.
Gordon T. Trotter
