George Washington, 12c Black

United States · 1857 · 12c

This stamp features a left-facing portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The design is based on a bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon. It is part of the 1857-1861 definitive series, which were the first perforated stamps issued by the United States.

Issued just a few years before the American Civil War, this stamp was used for postage on heavier domestic letters and some international mail routes. Its use was demonetized in 1861 by the Union to prevent its use by the Confederacy.