1867 Grilled Issues #85C-101

1867 Grilled Issues #85C-101
In 1867, the U.S. became the first country to issue grilled stamps to thwart their re-use. In theory, the embossed "waffle iron" impression aided the stamps in absorbing cancellation ink, but in practice it also made them more difficult to separate along perforations and more likely to tear. In 1871, permanent canceling inks were developed and grills were discontinued. Use our opens in a new window U.S. Identifier to help to find and distinguish grills.