Scotts #36B US stamps 1857 12c

#36B - 1859 12¢ Perforated - Plate 3

12¢
Black, gray black, intense black

Printing Method: Engraved
Plate: 3
Printer: Toppan, Carpenter & Co.
Subject: George Washington
Number issued: Unknown
Perforations: 15½
Scott #: 36B
Earliest date of use: 6/1/60

Value

Used
$30 - $90
No postmark with gum (MH)
$175 - $800
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$1,400 (2007)

Identifying #36B

Double Frameline

The double frameline can be seen on the right margin

Stamp usage

This stamp typically was used most commonly for mail to Great Britain, as a pair, for double rate domestic mail over 3,000 miles (example shown above) or for quadruple rate mail under 3,000 miles.

Multiples

The second largest known multiple, a block of 50, half a pane.

#36c

#36c
Vertical imperforate in between
Three known examples
Value $4,000 - $6,750

The Imprint

The imprint was on the left side and right side of the sheet of stamps

Inspiration for the Design

The 12¢ portrait of George Washington differs slightly from the 10¢ portrait as it was based off Durand's engraving (shown above) and not the original painting. The result was a more clearly defined portrait. The 10¢ portrait is more faithful to the original, keeping more of the 'wood teeth' smile that Gilbert captured so well.