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United States 1869 3-cent Locomotive
commonpre-1900

United States 1869 3-cent Locomotive

United States · 1869 ·

The stamp features a detailed engraving of a steam locomotive pulling a passenger train, with 'U.S. POSTAGE' at the top and 'THREE CENTS' at the bottom. The stamp shown has a distinctive fancy cancel.

Part of the groundbreaking 1869 Pictorial Issue, this stamp was one of the first U.S. stamps to depict subjects other than portraits, marking a significant shift in design. It highlights the vital role of railroads in American expansion and commerce during the post-Civil War era.

Printing Method

Engraved

Catalog Numbers

scott114

Image: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Post_Office_Department" class="extiw" title="w:United States Post Office Department">United States Post Office Department</a> · License: Public domain

View on Wikimedia Commons

Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$200-400
Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$100-200
Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$50-100
Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$20-50
Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$5-20

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