Scotts #57 US stamps

#57 - 1861 5¢ First Design

5¢
Brown

Printing Method: Engraved
Printer: National Bank Note Co.
Subject: Thomas Jefferson
Plate #: 3
Number recorded: 37
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 57
Issued: 1861

Value

Used
$7,500
No postmark with gum (MH)
$8,000 - $12,500
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
No sales recorded

Used

Of the 37 surviving stamps, two are cancelled, probably an experimental or control cancel applied at the Bureau

An essay?

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.

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