This stamp represents an innovation for U.S. stamps: the first self-adhesive postage stamp. The stamp itself was attached to a backing and individually perforated to allow it to be separated from the sheet in the same manner as normal postage stamps. Further, each stamp had a die-cut slit in its center to hinder removal and reuse of the stamp. The stamps were inscribed "precanceled," which meant that they did not have to have a postmark applied to them. This experiment was not totally successful, leading to a long period between this issue and the next self-adhesive stamp. One additional problem for stamp collectors is that the stamp tends to discolor over time and those without such discoloration are considered to be more desirable.