Scotts 25A US stamps 1857 3c

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: 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

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

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.