What is a Gold 1789-1797 George Washington Stamp? The Truth Behind This Curiosity

By some chance, you may have mixed up the phrase "stamp" with the term "coin" in relation to mailing a letter and purchasing something from a market. Is your "stamp" actually a coin, like it says on the reverse side? If so, congratulations! You have a US 1 coin, just as it says on the reverse side. The term "stamp" in this context can be misleading, as it is not referring to a stamp used for mailing, but specifically to the numismatic item with a similar design.

Understanding the Term "Stamp" in Numismatics

Let's clarify the term "stamp" in this context. When dealing with coins that bear a design common to stamp collectors, it is important to distinguish them from actual postal stamps. For instance, while a US 1 coin might feature a design similar to what you might find on a stamp, it is not a postal stamp and does not function as one. The coin in question, known as the 'Gold 1789-1797 George Washington' stamp, is not gold, but merely brass. Its value is exactly one dollar, unless it is of a special minting type such as proof or uncirculated, in which case its value would be higher.

The Years of Washington's Presidency

It is important to note that 1789-1797 are the years when George Washington served as the president of the United States. The coin's minting date, 2007, is marked on its edge. This information provides a historical context, making the coin a valued collectible for its numismatic significance and not its intrinsic value as a stamp.

USPS and George Washington Stamps

While the United States Postal Service (USPS) has issued George Washington stamps, they are not in gold. For instance, one might come across a USPS George Washington stamp with a green ink on paper. This type of stamp is common and does not hold the same value as a numismatic item.

Replica Gold Foil Stamps and Coinage

There are also some private concerns that produce replicas of such stamps, often in gold foil. However, these items are novelty collectibles and would likely retail for a few dollars. A stamp dealer might pay a dollar or two for one, but this is not the case for numismatics per se. It is important to note that genuine gold stamps do not exist, and stamps are made of paper, not derived from coinage.

What is the Value of This Item?

The value of a gold 1789-1797 George Washington stamp, if it exists, can range from $1.54 upwards. This range takes into account the current market value of similar items. However, it is crucial to remember that the value of such items can fluctuate, so it is not a reliable basis for making life-changing decisions. The term "stamp" in the title is misleading and should refer to the coin rather than the postage stamp.

Conclusion

If you are looking for accurate information about such items, one should use an internet search engine. While I could provide a link here, it would be deleted as spam. Be cautious when dealing with terms that sound similar and could be easily misinterpreted. The key takeaway is that a gold 1789-1797 George Washington stamp does not exist as a stamp but rather as a coin, and its value is primarily related to its rarity and historical significance, not its material composition.