1983 13c Red, Blue and Black, Official Mail

# O129 - 1983 13c Red, Blue and Black, Official Mail

$0.60 - $3.20
(No reviews yet) Write a Review
Image Condition Price Qty
286298
Fleetwood First Day Cover Ships in 1-3 business days. Ships in 1-3 business days.
$ 3.20
$ 3.20
0
286299
Colorano Silk First Day Cover Ships in 1-3 business days. Ships in 1-3 business days.
$ 2.50
$ 2.50
1
286297
Classic First Day Cover Ships in 1-3 business days. Ships in 1-3 business days.
$ 1.75
$ 1.75
2
286301
Mint Plate Block Ships in 1-3 business days. Ships in 1-3 business days.
$ 2.95
$ 2.95
3
286300
Mint Stamp(s) Ships in 1-3 business days. Ships in 1-3 business days.
$ 0.60
$ 0.60
4
Show More - Click Here
Mounts - Click Here
Mount Price Qty

U.S. #O129
1983 13¢ Great Seal
Official Mail

Issued: January 12, 1983
First City: 
Washington, DC
Quantity: 
12,000,000
Printed by:
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing method: Engraved
Perforation: 11
Color: Red, blue and black
 
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.
In 1983, Official stamps were reintroduced.

Read More - Click Here

U.S. #O129
1983 13¢ Great Seal
Official Mail

Issued: January 12, 1983
First City: 
Washington, DC
Quantity: 
12,000,000
Printed by:
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing method: Engraved
Perforation: 11
Color: Red, blue and black
 
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.
In 1983, Official stamps were reintroduced.