U.S. #64
1861 Washington
- Second of the series issued to replace the demonetized stamps of 1857-61
- Used to pay the domestic first class letter rate
Stamp Category: Definitive
Series: 1861-62 Issue
Value: 3c
Issue Date: August 17, 1861
Printed by: National Bank Note Co.
Quantity printed:&nb... more
U.S. #64
1861 Washington
- Second of the series issued to replace the demonetized stamps of 1857-61
- Used to pay the domestic first class letter rate
Stamp Category: Definitive
Series: 1861-62 Issue
Value: 3c
Issue Date: August 17, 1861
Printed by: National Bank Note Co.
Quantity printed: 100,000 (estimate)
Format: Printed in sheets of 200 stamps, divided into vertical panes of 100 each
Printing Method: Engraving
Perforations: 12
Color: Pink
Why the stamp was issued: The stamp was issued to take the place of the then-current 3c stamp which had been demonetized by the US Post Office Department. It paid the first class domestic letter rate.
About the printing: The design was engraved on a die – a small, flat piece of steel. The design was copied to a transfer roll – a blank roll of steel. Several impressions or “reliefs” were made on the roll. The reliefs were transferred to the plate – a large, flat piece of steel from which the stamps were printed.
About the design: The image of George Washington is based on a sculpture by Jean Antoine Houdon.
About the 1861-62 Series: The series consists of US #63-72. The same face values and subjects found in the 1857-61 series were used in their creation, and the colors are similar as well. The frame designs vary greatly from the preceding series. While the denominations on the 1857-61 issues were written out, the denominations on the new series were now also shown in numerals displayed in the upper corners of the stamps. This helped distinguish them from the previous series.
History the stamp represents: Due to the outbreak of the Civil War, all US stamps were demonetized, thereby preventing the Confederate States of America (CSA) from selling them in the North and using the money to support the Southern war effort.
#64 was the second value in the series which replaced all prior US stamps, which were declared invalid for postage on June 1, 1861.
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