Scotts 26A US stamps 1857 3c

#26A - 1857 3¢ Perforated (type IV)

3¢
Dull red
TYPE IV

Printing Method: Die-to-relief-to-plate transfer process
Plate: plates 10, 11
Printer: Toppan, Carpenter & Co.
Subject: George Washington
Number issued: 65,000,000
Perforations: 15
Watermark: Unwatermarked
Scott #: 26A
Issued: July 11th, 1857

Value

Used
$30 - $50 (four margins)
$5 - $9 (three margins)
No postmark with gum (MH)
$150 - $550 (four margins)
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$1,600 - $5,000

ID #26A

Inspiration for the Design

George Washington
Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828)
Marble, 25" high
Located at Mount Vernon, Virginia

A contemporary banknote printed by Toppan, Carpenter with the same vignette as #25

Usage

A scarce example of block of #26A on cover

A patriotic cover with #26A

The three cent stamp paid the ordinary letter rate, and two or more would be required on double, triple, etc., letters. The single postage to California was six cents which was the double letter rate. There was also the double rate to California supplied by four three cent stamps, etc. Double rate was defined as a distance exceeding 3,000 miles. A letter weighing less than ½ an ounce was single rate. Each additional ½ ounce was charged an additional single stamp (with the exception of CA, where it would an additional two stamps).

The foreign rate was supplied by the 10 and 20¢ rate, so strips or singles of the 3¢ can be found on these as well. At this time pre payment of envelopes was optional. Many chose to have the letter paid for by recipient at the foreign destination.