United States 1870 30c Black, Alexander Hamilton

United States · 1870 · 30c

This stamp features a left-facing portrait of Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. The design is framed by ornate scrollwork, with the denomination '30' in numerals at the top corners and 'THIRTY CENTS' inscribed at the bottom. It was printed by the National Bank Note Company and is notable for its intricate engraving and the inclusion of a grill, a pattern of small pyramidal points impressed into the paper to prevent reuse.

Issued as part of the 1870-71 National Bank Note Company series, this was the first definitive series to feature portraits of prominent Americans other than presidents or Benjamin Franklin. The use of grills was an anti-fraud measure that was being phased out during this period.