# R16d - 1862-71 3c US Internal Revenue Stamp - Foreigner Exchange, silk paper, green

1862-71 Revenue – Silk Paper

Concerned over the potential loss of revenue, officials began experimenting with various ways to prevent counterfeiting as well as the washing and reuse of stamps.  In 1869, Revenue stamps printed on “chameleon” paper were introduced.  The paper contained tiny fibers of silk thread.  

The amount of silk fiber added to the paper was small, and individual “silk” stamps often reveal a single fiber.  As intended, Revenue stamps printed on silk paper are perforated.

U.S. Revenue Stamps – Expand Your Collection or Start a New One

Intricate Revenue stamps feature the rich detail and 
historical importance of classic U.S. stamps for a fraction of the price.  Acquiring a collection of these seldom-seen stamps is easy and affordable with Mystic as your collecting partner.


When the Civil War erupted in 1861, the country was on the verge of bankruptcy.  A plan was developed to generate internal revenue – money collected from taxes placed on domestic items such as tobacco, alcohol, medicine, perfume and playing cards.  Stamps were provided as proof of payment. 

Examining used U.S. Revenue stamps offers a window into the past – the government required several unusual cancellation techniques such as private cancels, manuscript initials and perforated initials.
The same legislation that created these stamps also created the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP).


Until 1862, specific Revenue stamps were required for many taxable items – leading to a wealth of interesting stamps for modern collectors.  Imperforate and “part-perf” error stamps present another challenging – yet affordable – collecting opportunity.