#57 1861 5¢ First Design

Basic Information

Colors: Brown
Plate: 3
Subject: Thomas Jefferson
Printing Method: die-to-relief-to-plate intaglio engraving process
Printer: National Bank Note Co.
Perforations: 12 (the original is 15½)
Watermark: none
Scott #: 57
Quantity Recorded: 37
Issued: 1861

Value

An unused stamp with gum: $7,500-$18,000

Identifying #57

Identifying #57
The little leaf like ornaments at the corners are absent in the first design issue. They were probably added to give the stamp a more squarish appearance.

The paper of the premieres gravures is very thin hard and extremely brittle. The stamps are easily cracked unless handled very carefully. The paper is also quite transparent and much of the designs may be seen from the backs of the stamps.

The gum is very dark brown sometimes staining the paper.

The colors are very dark and rich and the ink heavily applied occasionally giving a blurred appearance though as a rule the impressions are very fine and clear

The Story Behind the Stamp
Often called the "Premiere Gravures" or "August Issues. Most philatelists now classify Scott #55–#62 as trial printings or samples (essays) rather than regularly issued stamps.

This stamp was not issued, it was produced as a sample for the Post Office Department. It probably reached collectors via postal officials. It is considered to be an essay by many, including Scotts which has reclassified it as #67-E9e.