This is the 3¢ Washington from the years 1870-1882. Used copies are very common

If the stamp has a grill embossed on the reverse of the stamp (shown below) click here.

Example of a grill

If the stamp has no grill embossed on the reverse of the stamp then examine the bottom left corner of the stamp.

On the bottom left corner a shading under the upper tail of the left ribbon identifies the later issues. An example of this shading is shown below.

Extra shading under upper tail of the left ribbon

If you there is shading and a date cancel after February 4th, 1879 then click here, otherwise click here

If you do not see the shading and there is no dash (see below), click here.

If you see the shading on the tail as shown above AND you also see a dash or short solid line under the T and S of CENTS, as shown below click here.

A short solid line under the letters T and S in 'CENTS'

This stamp was reprinted in 1875 and it can be viewed by clicking here. These are all accounted for, and will be accompanied by a certificate.