U.S. Revenue Stamps – Expand Your Collection

or Start a New One

Intricate Revenue stamps feature the rich detail and
historical importance of classic U.S. stamps for a fraction of the price.  Acquiring a collection of these seldom-seen stamps is easy and affordable with this comprehensive list of U.S. Revenue stamps.
When the Civil War erupted in 1861, the country was on the verge of bankruptcy.  A plan was developed to generate internal revenue – money collected from taxes placed on domestic items such as tobacco, alcohol, medicine, perfume and playing cards.  Stamps were provided as proof of payment.  Examining used U.S. Revenue stamps offers a window into the past – the government required several unusual cancellation techniques such as private cancels, manuscript initials and perforated initials.
The same legislation that created these stamps also created the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP).
Until 1862, specific Revenue stamps were required for many taxable items – leading to a wealth of interesting stamps for modern collectors.  Imperforate and “part-perf” error stamps present another challenging – yet affordable – collecting opportunity.