A fine example of the $3.50 stamp from the US' first revenue issue will provide one of the many highlights in an upcoming philatelic auction, which will be held on December 12-14 in Connecticut.
Featuring US, British and worldwide stamps, the two-day sale will present almost 3,000 lots. Among the highest valued single stamps of the US section, the $3.50 will sell with an estimate of $6,000-8,000.
 Examples of the $3.50 have been offered less than 20 times in the last decade |
Revenue stamps were attached to documents or products to show that taxes or fees had been paid. Their usage actually outdates that of the world's first postage stamp (1840), though the first US revenues were not issued until 1862, well after the first postage stamps were introduced into the country in 1847.
Originating from this first issue (1862-1871), the example at auction is one of less than 20 $3.50 Inland Exchange stamps to have appeared at auction over the past decade. Of the highest rarity, the stamp is one of the most sought after of all the revenue issues.
Boasting a neat manuscript cancellation with a deep, rich colouration, it is in excellent condition and will be sold accompanied by a 2012 PF certificate. Another comparable example sold for $15,000 in October, spelling strong results for the present sale.
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