1952 $1.00 Distilled Spirits Excise Tax Stamp,yellow green & black

U.S. Distilled Spirits Revenue Stamps

These stamps were printed between 1950 and 1952 to collect the federal excise tax on distilled spirits.  They measure 90mm x 64 mm and are some of the largest US stamps ever made.

To this day, liquor production and sales have been taxed more than any other consumer product.  These taxes have provided enormous revenue for the federal government, state governments, and sometimes even local governments.

Distilled spirits stamps were produced in two printings between 1950 and 1952, with all stamps offset printed, watermarked, and rouletted 7.  Each of the stamps have a vignette design picturing Charles S. Fairchild.  Fairchild was the United States Secretary of the Treasury from 1887 to 1889.

When picking up used examples of Distilled Spirits Tax stamps, you'll noticed they have punched holes or staple holes.