1851 Priest's Despatch 2c blue

United States · 1851 · 2c

The stamp features the text 'PRIEST'S DESPATCH' at the top, 'PAID' in the center, and '2 CENTS' at the bottom, all in black ink on unglazed blue paper within a simple rectangular frame. It is an imperforate stamp.

This stamp represents a local post service, 'Priest's Despatch,' operating in the United States in 1851, predating widespread federal postal services. Such local posts were crucial for mail delivery in certain areas before the national system fully matured, though this particular example is noted as a likely forgery.