uncommonpre-1900

United States 1873 Official Stamps, Department of State

Name: United States 1873 Official Stamps, Department of State
Brand: United States

United States · 1873 · 1c to $20

This series of official stamps was issued for use by the Department of State. The designs feature prominent American statesmen, with the 1-cent stamp depicting Benjamin Franklin and the highest values featuring an allegorical figure of Justice. Each stamp is inscribed "DEPT. OF STATE" at the top.

Issued in 1873, these stamps were part of a system created to control and account for government postage, replacing the franking privilege for official mail. Each executive department had its own distinct set of stamps.

Printing Method

Engraved

Themes

official-mail government portraits statesmen

Catalog Numbers

scottO57-O68

Image: · License:

View on Wikimedia Commons

Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$1,500

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$1,000

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$600

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$300

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$100

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