1995 1c Red, Blue and Black, Official Mail

# O154 FDC - 1995 1c Red, Blue and Black, Official Mail

$1.75 - $3.20
(No reviews yet) Write a Review
Image Condition Price Qty
286454FDC
Classic First Day Cover Ships in 1-3 business days. Ships in 1-3 business days.
$ 1.75
$ 1.75
0
286455FDC
Fleetwood First Day Cover Ships in 1-3 business days. Ships in 1-3 business days. Free with 640 Points
$ 3.20
$ 3.20
1
Show More - Click Here
Mounts - Click Here
Mount Price Qty

U.S. #O154
1995 1¢ Great Seal
Official Mail

Issued: May 9, 1995
First City: 
Washington, DC
Quantity: 15,000,000
Printed by:
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing method: Lithographed
Perforation: 11.2
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. #O154
1995 1¢ Great Seal
Official Mail

Issued: May 9, 1995
First City: 
Washington, DC
Quantity: 15,000,000
Printed by:
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing method: Lithographed
Perforation: 11.2
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.