Scotts #61 US stamps

#61 - 1861 30¢ First Design

30¢
Red Orange

Printing Method: Engraved
Printer: National Bank Note Co.
Subject: Benjamin Franklin
Plate #: 7
Number recorded: 33
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 61
Issued: 1861

Value

Used
$40,000
No postmark with gum (MH)
$6,250 - $15,000
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
No sales recorded

Used

Of the surviving stamps, this is the only one that I can locate cancelled, it was probably postally used

A proof?

This stamp was not issued, it was produced as a sample for the Post Office Department. It probably reached collectors via postal officials. It is considered to be a trial color proof by many, including Scotts which has reclassified it as #71-TC6.

Identifying #61

The paper of the premieres gravures is very thin hard and extremely brittle. The stamps are easily cracked unless handled very carefully. The paper is also quite transparent and much of the designs may be seen from the backs of the stamps.

The gum is very dark brown sometimes staining the paper.

The colors are very dark and rich and the ink heavily applied occasionally giving a blurred appearance though as a rule the impressions are very fine and clear. The color is different than the issued stamp.