#O9 – 1873 30c Yellow, Department of Agriculture, Hamilton, Hard Paper

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- Mint Stamp(s)
Ships in 1-3 business days.i$495.00
$495.00
- Used Single Stamp(s)
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$375.00
- Unused Stamp(s) (small flaws)
Ships in 1-3 business days.i$290.00
$290.00
- Used Stamp(s) (small flaws)
Ships in 1-3 business days.i$195.00
$195.00
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- MM638215x33mm 25 Horizontal Strip Black Split-Back Mounts
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$8.25
- MM216829x33mm 50 Vertical Black Split-Back Mounts
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$3.50
U.S. #O9
1873 30¢ Hamilton
Official Stamp – Agriculture

Printed By: Continental Bank Note Co.
Printing Method: Engraved
Perforations: 12
Color: Yellow
 
Official Mail stamps are genuine postage stamps, although they were never available at any post office.  These unique stamps are called Officials because their use was strictly limited to government mail.  Before 1873, government agencies had “franking” privileges.  This meant that government mail could be sent free of postage as long as it bore an authorized signature on the envelope.  As of July 1, 1873, “franking” privileges were discontinued and special official stamps were put into circulation for use on government mail.
 
Each department was issued its own set of stamps.  Many of the designs were taken from the current series of regular postage stamps being printed at that time - the so-called “Bank Note Issues.”  The department names were inscribed on the stamps instead of the usual “U.S. Postage” and each set was printed in its own distinct color.  Only the Post Office Department had its own unique design - a numeral in an oval frame.
 
In 1884, the Officials were declared obsolete and were replaced with the “penalty” envelope.  These envelopes were imprinted with an official emblem and carried a warning against unauthorized use by private individuals.
 
 Read More - Click Here


U.S. #O9
1873 30¢ Hamilton
Official Stamp – Agriculture

Printed By: Continental Bank Note Co.
Printing Method: Engraved
Perforations: 12
Color: Yellow
 
Official Mail stamps are genuine postage stamps, although they were never available at any post office.  These unique stamps are called Officials because their use was strictly limited to government mail.  Before 1873, government agencies had “franking” privileges.  This meant that government mail could be sent free of postage as long as it bore an authorized signature on the envelope.  As of July 1, 1873, “franking” privileges were discontinued and special official stamps were put into circulation for use on government mail.
 
Each department was issued its own set of stamps.  Many of the designs were taken from the current series of regular postage stamps being printed at that time - the so-called “Bank Note Issues.”  The department names were inscribed on the stamps instead of the usual “U.S. Postage” and each set was printed in its own distinct color.  Only the Post Office Department had its own unique design - a numeral in an oval frame.
 
In 1884, the Officials were declared obsolete and were replaced with the “penalty” envelope.  These envelopes were imprinted with an official emblem and carried a warning against unauthorized use by private individuals.