Scotts #71 US stamps

#71 - 1861 30¢

Front
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Side
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Back
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30¢
Orange, deep orange

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

Value

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

Notable Sales

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#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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Fakes

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.

Earliest Known Use

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

Specimens

A rare specimen block
#71S

Plate #'s

#71 was issued with the following plate #

Imprint and plate #
7

Cleaned stamps

Shown above is a #71 which has had its pen cancel removed, a process that has faded the color of the stamp.

Inspiration for the Design

The vignette was based on Giuseppe Ceracchi's 1791 bust of Benjamin Franklin

Stamp usage

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,