#69 1861 12¢

Basic Information

Color: Black
Subject: George Washington
Printing method: line-engraved intaglio on flat plates
Printer: The National Bank Note Company
Perforations: 12
Watermark: none
Scott #: 69
Plates: 16
Quantity issued: 7,314,000
Issued: August 30th, 1861

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: -
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $800-$1,000
A used stamp: $15-$25

Usage

#69 on a patriotic cover to England

Mail to England: In 1866, the postal rate for a letter from the United States to England was 24 cents per half-ounce. This rate applied to letters carried by either United States or British packet ships (such as Cunard). Out of the 24 cents, a portion was designated for the transatlantic packet (often 16 cents) and the rest for inland postage (4 cents in each country). The 24¢ rate was replaced with the lower treaty rate in January 1st, 1868 of 12¢ per half-ounce.
Foreign mail: Although the primary use of the 12¢ stamp was for mail to England, it can also be seen in combination with other stamps to pay to other foreign destinations. A typical example would be mail to France and Germany where it is used in combination with a 3¢ stamp.

Encased Stamps

Currency Substitute
Stamps were encased in brass and mica holders during the US Civil War (1862) to serve as durable, small-denomination emergency currency (commonly 1¢, 5¢, or 10¢). This innovation by John Gault addressed a severe, wartime coin shortage caused by citizens hoarding gold and silver, while allowing businesses to make change and advertise their services.

The Inspiration for the Design

The inspiration for the US Scott #13 10¢ stamp, issued in 1855, was based on a portrait of Geroge Washington by Gilbert Stuart.

The frame and lettering were engraved by Henry Earle. Earle is credited with engraving the lettering and frames for the 1851–1861 Issue of U.S. stamps. This includes well-known denominations like the 1c, 3c, and 10c stamps of that era, but not the 5¢ Jefferson

The 10-cent stamp is noted for being more faithful to the original Stuart painting than the 12-cent version, specifically in retaining more of the portrait's details.