3c Statue of Freedom Newspaper and Periodical Plate Proof

United States · 1893 · 3¢

The stamp features an allegorical depiction of the Statue of Freedom, a classical female figure wearing a helmet and holding a sword and shield. The denomination '3c' is prominent, along with 'NEWSPAPER AND PERIODICAL'.

This is a plate proof for a Newspaper and Periodical stamp, a specific category of US postal issues used for bulk mailings of newspapers and magazines. These stamps were part of a system to manage and collect postage for printed matter, distinct from regular letter mail.