uncommonpre-1900

United States 1870 Pictorial Issue, 30c Black, Alexander Hamilton

Name: United States 1870 Pictorial Issue, 30c Black, Alexander Hamilton
Brand: United States

United States · 1870 · 30c

This stamp features a left-facing bust of Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, based on a marble bust by Giuseppe Ceracchi. The design is framed by ornate scrollwork, with the denomination 'THIRTY CENTS' inscribed below. This issue is notable for its use of grills, an embossed pattern intended to prevent the reuse of stamps.

Issued as part of the 1870-71 National Bank Note Company series, this was the first definitive series to feature pictorial designs other than portraits of presidents or Franklin. These stamps replaced the 1869 Pictorials, which were unpopular with the public.

Printing Method

Engraved

Themes

famous-people politicians statesmen presidents-and-founders

Catalog Numbers

scott154

Image: · License:

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$450

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$300

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$175

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$90

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$40

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.