1862-71 70c US Internal Revenue Stamp,Foreign Exchange, silk paper, green

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.

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.