United States stamp year 1873 12c Henry Clay Treasury

United States year 1873 12c Henry Clay Treasury stamp

The United States 1873 12-cent Henry Clay Treasury stamp, Scott catalog number O78, is an official stamp issued specifically for the Treasury Department. It was printed by the Continental Bank Note Company using an engraved flat plate method with perforations of 12. The color is typically brown. This stamp features a portrait of Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman known as the “Great Compromiser” for his influential legislative work, including the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. The stamp’s design reflects his legacy in U.S. history.

This particular issue from 1873 is part of the “Bank Note” series of official stamps used by various U.S. government departments. These stamps were larger and of better quality compared to the preceding 1869 pictorial series. The Henry Clay Treasury stamp is known for its brown color and engraved detail, and it was printed without a watermark.

Collectors find this stamp significant for its historical context as well as its classic Bank Note Company engraving quality. It typically appears in used condition with collectible market values varying based on condition and postmark.​

In summary, the 1873 12c Henry Clay Treasury stamp is a brown official stamp from the Bank Note series, issued for the U.S. Treasury Department, featuring the statesman Henry Clay, printed by Continental Bank Note Company, with perforation 12 and no watermark. It holds notable importance for collectors of U.S. official stamps and 19th-century postal history.