1862-71 2c US Internal Revenue Stamp,proprietary, blue

Own Historic 1862 Proprietary Revenue Stamp

The inconvenience – and lack of necessity – of using specific Revenue stamps for every taxable item quickly became apparent.  On Christmas Day, 1862, the requirement was discontinued.  After that date, stamps could be used interchangeably with the exception of Proprietary items, which continued to require their own specific stamps.

"Proprietary" items are described as those having a private formula, exclusive right, letters-patent, or promoted as a proprietary medicine.  Some enterprising businessmen took advantage of a special accommodation and designed their own Revenue stamps under government control.  Known as "private dies" or "match and medicine" stamps, they allowed their manufacturers to advertise goods through their unique designs.  Companies using private die stamp salso received a discount of 5 to 10 percent, while the government believed the unusual designs discouraged counterfeiting, thereby increasing revenue.

Own one of these scarce Proprietary Revenue stamps today in used condition with small imperfections.  These minor flaws don't detract from beauty or collectibility, but do allow Mystic to offer them at a nice discount.  These stamps get more difficult to find as time goes on, so get yours right away