Scotts #59 US stamps

#59 - 1861 12¢ First Design

12¢
Intense Black

Printing Method: Engraved
Printer: National Bank Note Co.
Subject: George Washington
Plate #: 5
Number recorded: 16
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 59
Issued: 1861

#59 Value

Used
No sales recorded
No postmark with gum (MH)
$29,000
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
No sales recorded

#59d

59d (69-E6d)
Imperforate

Counterfeits

A premier gravure plate essay on India paper (#69-E6d) with perforations added to appear as if a #59. #59 was printed on hard white paper, not India paper. The repacking was performed in order to hide the nature of the paper.

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. Some examples have the word 'New' in manuscript across the face, possibly to indicate that this was a new design. It is considered to be an essay by many, including Scotts which has reclassified it as #69-E6e.

Identifying #59

This issue differs from the original in the shade of black, being a greenish black color. The paper is harder and much more white and highly finished in appearance.