Usage
The United States 10-cent stamp of 1857 (#31-35) was primarily used for long-distance domestic mail, transcontinental mail to the Pacific Coast, and specific foreign mail rates. Following the 1855 postal act that raised the rate for distances over 3,000 miles, the 1857 10¢ became essential for connecting the East Coast with the rapidly growing West.

Transcontinental Rate: It was heavily used on mail carried by ships (via Panama) and later the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach to California.

Long Distance Domestic Mail: It covered the rate for letters traveling over 3,000 miles within the United States, such as from the East Coast to California or Oregon.

Foreign Mail: It was used to pay the required postage to various foreign destinations under treaty rates, including parts of British North America.

Double-Weight Letters: It was used to pay the 10-cent rate for a double-weight letter (up to 1 oz) traveling between 3,000 and 6,000 miles, or to prepay registered letters.