5 Cents George Washington Second Issue Revenue Stamp

United States · 1871 · 5 cents

A bicolored revenue stamp featuring a gray portrait of George Washington in an oval frame, set against a blue background with 'U.S. INTER. REV.' and 'FIVE CENTS' text.

Issued in 1871 as part of the 'Second Issue' revenue stamps, these bicolored stamps helped the Union fund the American Civil War. The two-color design was introduced to prevent fraudulent re-use after the single-color 'First Issue'.