30¢
Orange, deep orange

Printing Method: Engraved
Printer: National Bank Note Co.
Subject: Benjamin Franklin
Quantity Issued: 3,300,000
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 71
Issued: August 20th, 1861

Used
$35 - $75
No postmark with gum (MH)
$350 - $900
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$850 (2002)

#71 used alongside 1866 15c Black (#77), each with Maltese cross cancel, on cover from Salem, Massachusetts to Zanzibar via Aden (Goodhue correspondence), red "Boston Am. Pkt. 24 Paid 31 Jul" credit datestamp, red London transit and "1d" credit handstamp, backstamped Aden and forwarded with India #8a

Sold January 2023 for $10,000

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Here is an example of a plate proof on card with perforations added to give the appearance of a genuine stamp. A genuine #71 was printed on stamp paper, not card.

The earliest known date of use is August 20th, 1861

A rare specimen block
#71S

This stamp typically was used in combination with other stamps to pay for large weight overseas package. It paid the double rate for France, Switzerland (shown above) and other countries,