#69 - 1861 12¢
See below for details
Basic Info
12¢
Black, gray black, intense black
Printing Method: Engraved
Printer: National Bank Note Co.
Subject: George Washington
Plate # 16
Quantity Issued: 7,314,000
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 69
Issued: August 30th, 1861
Value
Used
$20 - $40
No postmark with gum (MH)
$90 - $350
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$6,000 - $17,000
#69SJ
#68sj
Control number printed in carmine
MH value = $200
Fakes
A essay on India (#69-E6d) with perforations added to resemble #69. The difference is that #69 was printed on stamp paper, not India. The stamp was rebacked to hide the fact that it was India paper.
Stamp usage
During most of this stamps life it paid the 24¢ rate to Great Britain. After January 1st, 1868 the rate was reduced to 12¢. The cover above is from 1862 and originated in Port Royal. Port Royal is a town I know very well, there is hardly anything of the old town left. Once an important port, it was largely destroyed in 1861 by Union forces.
Multiples
The largest known unused and used multiples
Inspiration for the Design
George Washington
Gilbert Stuart, 1803
Source image for the design of the vignette
Proofs
For essay's click here
69-P1
Large die proof on India paper, die sunk on card
69-P2
Roosevelt small die proof
69-P3
Plate proof on India
69-4
Plate proof on card
69-TC1a
Large die trial color proof on India die sunk on card
The 1861 5¢ to 12¢
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