#25A - 1857 3¢ Perforated (type II)
See below for details
For assistance in identifying #25 and #25A please scroll further down
Basic Info
3¢ Dull rose claret
TYPE II
Printing Method: Die-to-relief-to-plate transfer process
Plate: plate 3
Printer: Toppan, Carpenter & Co.
Subject: George Washington
Number issued: 484,500
Perforations: Perforated 15
Watermark: Unwatermarked
Scott #: 25A
Issued: Sometime during 1857, but not after
Value
Used
$100 - $150 (four margins)
$1,600 - $2,300 (three margins)
No postmark with gum (MH)
$5,000 - $9,000 (four margins)
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
No sales recorded
ID #25A
Inspiration for the Design
George Washington
Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828)
Marble, 25" high
Located at Mount Vernon, Virginia
The Imprint
There are no examples of an imprint for #25A due to their positioning in plate 3
Usage
A scarce example of #25A on cover
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.
A full pane
How to tell #25 and #25A apart
The 1857 3¢ to 5¢ Perforated
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