#26A 1857 3¢ Dull Red - Type IV

Basic Information

Colors: Dull red, brownish-claret, plum, and brownish-carmine
Subject: George Washington
Plates: 10, 11
Printing Method: die-to-relief-to-plate intaglio engraving process
Printer: Toppan, Carpenter, Casilear & Co.
Perforations: 15 or 15½
Watermark: none
Scott #: 26A
Type: IV
Quantity Issued: 65,000,000
Issued: July 11th, 1857

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: $2,200-$2,600
An unused stamp with a hinge mark: $200-$400
A used stamp: $20-$45

Notable Stamps

Specimen

An imprint from plate 11

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A large multiple

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A full pane

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Demonetisation:
This stamp was invalidated (demonetised) in 1861 at the start of the American Civil War. This was done to prevent the Confederate States from using their existing stocks of US stamps to fund their war effort.

Mandatory Use:
Shortly before this era (1856), the Post Office abolished the "cash option," making the use of adhesive stamps compulsory for mailing letters.

Usage

A block of #26A used on cover

Domestic Rates

The three cent stamp paid the ordinary letter rate, and two or more would be required on double, triple, etc., letters. Its main purpose was to pay the 3-cent rate for a single-weight (up to 1½ ounce) domestic letter sent less than 3,000 miles. A letter weighing less than ½ an ounce was single rate. Each additional ½ ounce was charged an additional single stamp. Letters sent more than 3,000 miles (California) would pay a rate of 10¢ for each ½ ounce.

It was the "workhorse" stamp of its era, used for everyday personal and business correspondence before being demonetized at the start of the Civil War in 1861.

Foreign Rates

The foreign rates were higher and the 3¢ stamps would be used as part of a combination used to make up the required rate.

The Inspiration for the Design

The design of US stamp #26A was inspired by a bust of George Washington created by the French neoclassical sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon

Portrait Source
Houdon created the original bust from a plaster life mask and wet clay models during a 1785 visit to Mount Vernon at the invitation of Benjamin Franklin. It is considered one of the most accurate representations of Washington.
Artistic Elements
The stamp depicts Washington in profile facing left, with his hair tied back and his shoulders draped in a Roman toga.

Shades of the 1857 3¢

Rose
#25/25A
Dull Red
#26/26A
Brown-carmine
#26/26A
Claret
#26/26A
Plum
#26/25A