USA Stamps year 1857/73 Used lot

USA Stamps year 1857/73 Used lot

The time period of 1857-1873 saw the issuance of several important and classic U.S. postage stamp series:

1857-61 Issue:

• First U.S. stamps issued in a perforated sheet format rather than imperforate
• Included denominations from 1c to 90c
• Depicted portraits of Franklin, Washington, Jefferson, Clay, Webster, etc.
• Printed by toppan, Carpenter & Co. in Philadelphia

1861-67 Issue:

• Known as the “Premier Gravured” series
• Produced by the National Bank Note Company using intaglio printing
• Featured scenes like the Landing of Columbus for the 15c stamp
• Included stamps up to the very rare $5 value

1869 Pictorial Issue:

• Ornately engraved bicolor stamps in denominations from 1c to 90c
• Depicted scenes like the Landing of Columbus, Declaration of Independence signing
• Some of the most beautiful and artistic classic U.S. stamps

1870-88 Bank Note Issues:

• Engraved portraits including Lincoln, Stanton, Seward, Commodore Perry
• Printed by Continental Bank Note Co. and other security printers
• Included regular issues as well as re-engraved “soft paper” varieties

This 16-year period produced many of the most iconic, engraved U.S. stamp designs of the 19th century. The issues reflect the printing transition from imperforate to perforated as well as a great diversity of subjects, colors and printing methods. They are cornerstones of U.S. stamp collecting.