The two-cent denomination was used for the domestic first class letter rate as payment for the first ounce (28.3g).
The intitial carmine colour was changed to green in 1921 as a result of a change in postal rates and the need to comply with the conventions of the Universal Postal Union with respect to the standard use of colours.
Note: Colours in this electronic medium are very difficult to reproduce with accuracy and what is seen is often dependent on individual colour settings and monitor capabilities. For a more accurate depiction of colours, readers are advised to consult catalogues or works such as Hans Reiche's Admiral Colour Identification. (See References.)
Updated: 11 Oct 97