1894 bureau issue unwatermarkedIn 1894 the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which had been producing currency for the United States for some time, took over the production of postage stamps. Prior to this time all postage had been printed by contractors. The stamp issues of 1894, 1895, and 1898 are often collectively referred to as the First Bureau Issue.30 centJefferson - black 1890-93 regular issueThese are the last regular issue stamps printed by the American Bank Note Company. Although similar to previous issues, they are smaller and different in their shades of color, introducing the look and style of U.S. definitive stamp issues for the next 50 years.1 cent 1 cent Franklin - green 1898-1899 universal postal union colorsIn 1898, the colors of some stamps were changed to conform to Universal Postal Union standards: the 1 cent Franklin was changed to green and the 5 cent grant was changed to blue. Also reissued in different colors (to avoid confusion) were the 10 cent Webster reissued in brown and orange brown and the 15 cent Clay reissued in olive green.