1875 50c Beer Stamp, Orange, Center in Black

This is a U.S. beer tax stamp from the Series of 1875 — specifically a Half Barrel denomination valued at 50 cents.

Here’s what makes it notable:

This stamp was issued by the Internal Revenue Service as part of federal excise tax collection on beer. Brewers were required to affix these stamps to barrels (or fractional barrels) of beer to show that the tax had been paid before the beer could be sold. The “Half Barrel” inscription means it covered a 15.5-gallon keg — a standard size still used today.

The orange-red frame contrasts with a black central vignette showing an allegorical scene of two figures with barrels, symbolizing industry and commerce.  Printed by the National Bank Note Company, New York, one of the premier security printers of the era.  Clearly states “BEER STAMP,” the 1875 series date, “Half Barrel,” and the value “Fifty Cents.”

Beer tax stamps like this are part of the “back-of-the-book” area of U.S. philately known as revenue stamps. They reflect post–Civil War federal efforts to raise money through excise taxes, which were critical to government revenue before income taxes existed. Many were destroyed when the barrels were opened, so surviving examples are collectible.