Scotts #73 US stamps

Basic Info

2¢
Black, gray black, intense black

Printing Method: Engraved
Printer: National Bank Note Co.
Subject: Andrew Jackson
Quantity Issued: 256,586,000
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 73
Issued: July 1st, 1862

Value

Used
$5 - $40
No postmark with gum (MH)
$30 - $70
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$500 - $1,000

Counterfeits

Here is an example of a proof on card with perforations added to give the appearance of a genuine #73. #73 was issued on stamp paper, not card.

#73a

Two examples of DIAGONAL bisects half used as 1¢
Value
On piece: $100 - $150
On cover: $650 - $950

#73d

Two examples of VERTICAL bisects half used as 1¢
Value
On cover: $1,400 - $1,800

#73f

Printed on Both Sides
Value
Used: $29,000

Varieties

The Atherton Shift

The famous and rare Atherton Shift. A double transfer which is visible at top left.

Plate #'s

#73 was issued with the following plate #'s

Imprint and plate #
28-31, 50-51, 53

Forgeries

A nineteenth century forgery of #73

Earliest Known Use

A first day use of #73, July 1st, 1863

Stamp usage

As of July 1st, 1863 the amount of distance a domestic letter had to travel no longer affected the rate. Most of the large cities also abolished the carrier fee. The two cent stamp paid the fee for a city letter delivery, an exam of which is shown above.

Inspiration for the Design

The image of Andrew Jackson was widely used on civil war banknotes. The engraving of Andrew Jackson that you see on this stamp was originally used on the $1,000 Confederate note seen on top.

It is believed that the engraved head is after a miniature painting of Jackson, at age 75, done by John Wood Dodge (1807-1893). Jackson is said to have sat for the painting in 1842, at which time he was living in retirement at the Hermitage, his home near Nashville. (bottom image)