Scotts #72 US stamps

#72 - 1861 90¢

Front
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Side
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Back
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90¢
Blue, dull blue

Printing Method: Engraved
Printer: National Bank Note Co.
Subject: George Washington
Quantity Issued: 389,000
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 72
Earliest date of use: November 27th, 1861

Value

Used
$75 - $100
No postmark with gum (MH)
$650 - $1,100
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$3,500 (2003)

#72a

Pale Blue
#72a

#72b

Dark Blue
#72b

Specimens

Specimen Stamp
#72S

Forgery

A contemporary forgery

Plate #'s

#72 was issued with the following plate #

Imprint and plate #
18

Fakes

Here is an example of a plate proof on India with perforations added to give the appearance of a genuine stamp. A genuine #72 was printed on stamp paper, not India paper.

Inspiration for the Design

The vignette design was based on George Trumbull's 1792 portrait of George Washington

Stamp usage

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