very rarepre-1900

US 1847 5c George Washington Plate Proof on India Paper

Name: US 1847 5c George Washington Plate Proof on India Paper
Brand: United States

United States · 1847 · 5 cents

This is a plate proof on India paper for the United States' first general issue postage stamp, featuring a portrait of George Washington. It was produced before the official release of the 5-cent stamp in 1847, showcasing the intricate design prior to final production.

This proof represents an early stage in the production of the United States' first federally issued postage stamps, marking a significant transition in American postal history from local postmasters' provisionals to a unified national postal system.

Printing Method

Engraved

Themes

george-washington historical-figure presidents early-us-stamps proofs

Catalog Numbers

sgP1

scott1P1

Image: · License:

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$2,500

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$1,800

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$1,200

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$600

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$300

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