1966 Scott #1304 Washington 5 Cents Blue Stamp Mint

Scott #1304 is a postage stamp issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) on December 28, 1966. The stamp features a portrait of George Washington in profile, facing to the right, on a blue background. The stamp is commonly referred to as the "Washington 5 cents blue" stamp.

The stamp was issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. The design was based on the portrait of George Washington by the American artist Gilbert Stuart, which is considered one of the most iconic portraits of Washington.

The stamp was printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing using the rotary intaglio process, which allowed for a high level of detail and shading in the portrait of Washington. The stamp has a denomination of 5 cents, and the words "U.S. Postage" and "5c" are printed in white letters at the bottom of the stamp.

Scott #1304 was widely used for regular first-class mail from its issuance in 1966 until 1971 when it was replaced by a new series of stamps. However, the stamp remained valid for use in combination with other stamps to make up higher rates of postage.

Today, Scott #1304 is a popular collectible among stamp enthusiasts and historians, as it marks an important event in American history and celebrates one of the country's most iconic figures. The stamp is considered a valuable addition to any stamp collection and is often used as a reference point for determining the authenticity and value of other stamps from the same era.