# O68P3-71P3 - 1873 Official Proof Sheets O68P3-O71P3 on India Paper mounted on 198 x 135mm card - ONLY 1 AVAILABLE!

Own the Rare 1873 Official Proof Sheet Set ~ Only 1 Available…

(Get it now before someone else does!) 

Less than five of these high-quality Official proof sheet sets are known to exist.  Luckily, we have one of them, and frankly, we’re pretty excited to offer it to you!  ?

Over 150 years ago, these proofs were created to show the quality of the new Official stamps to be printed for our US State Department.  And now is your chance to be one of the lucky few to own and preserve these important rarities for the years to come.    

Proofs are made from the finished engraving plates.  They’re produced to ensure the high quality of stamp engraving and alignment, and their readiness to be printed.  Proofs are excellent impressions of the stamp design.  Proofs have a clarity of impression and depth of color that’s far superior to the issued stamps.    

These Official proof sheets were printed on thin, high-quality, handmade India paper.  India paper is highly absorbent and produces sharp impressions, showing every fine detail created by the engraving plate.  While usually more beautiful and scarcer than the issued stamps, proofs are much less expensive.   

Yes, we know the set is expensive.  Considering its rarity, that’s not surprising.  However, this set gives you four crisp sheets of ten proofs each… each one in very fine, mint never-hinged condition.  That’s 40 proofs with the superb detail and intense coloring only a proof can provide.  (And a single set of just four of the issued Official stamps – #O68-71 – would cost you hundreds more!)  Easy, no-interest time payments will make it easier to own these beauties. 

Why You Should Own the Rare Official State Department Proof Sheets:

• They are in premium, never-hinged mint condition…
• They are even more beautiful than the issued stamps…
• They are scarcer than those stamps…
• They are much less expensive than the issued stamps…
• You’ll be one of the elite group of collectors who can own them…
• You can show them off to family and friends and entertain them with interesting details about their beauty, scarcity and purpose… 
• Convenient, no-interest time payments are available whenever you’re ready…

A Little More About State Department Officials  

Official stamps were issued to every department of the US government in 1873.  Each department’s stamps were printed in a different color.  State Department stamps were green and black.  Those of the State Department were also unique because dollar denominations were produced.  That made sense because the State Department had higher postage costs.  The department sent expensive packages overseas to ambassadors and embassies, and needed $2, $5, $10, and $20 stamps to pay the postage.    

The large-size, high-value State Department proofs feature William H. Seward, Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. 

Now that you’ve considered the history and value you’ll enjoy when you own this rare 1873 Official Proof sheet set, consider calling our Customer Service Department to order it.  (Before someone else does… remember, we have only one set!) 

You can talk with a nice person about no-interest time payments.  Give us a call weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.  our toll-free number is 1-800-433-7811.  We’re always glad to hear from you and help your collecting dreams come true.