US Special Delivery Bicycle Messenger Series
United States · 1885 · 10¢
The stamp features a central vignette of a messenger on a bicycle, speeding to deliver mail. Text includes 'UNITED STATES POSTAGE', 'SPECIAL DELIVERY', and '10 CENTS'.
These stamps were the first dedicated Special Delivery issues in the United States, introduced to provide expedited mail service for an additional fee, ensuring delivery by a special messenger.
Printing Method
Engraved
Catalog Numbers
Image: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Engraving_and_Printing" class="extiw" title="wikipedia:Bureau of Engraving and Printing">U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing</a>; Imaging by <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Gwillhickers" title="User:Gwillhickers"><i>Gwillhickers</i></a> · License: Public domain
Estimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.
