United States
Thomas Jefferson
Scott 12 · General Issues
About this stamp
The “Thomas Jefferson” stamp was issued by United States in 1856. This 5c red brown stamp belongs to the “1851-57” series and is listed under General Issues as Scott 12. It has a perforation measurement of Imperf..
It was printed using Engraving. Its physical characteristics include Unwatermarked watermark and Water-activated gum. It was printed by Toppan, Carpenter & Co. The recorded issue location is Washington, DC. Approximately 150,000 copies were produced.
Catalogue recordStamp details
- Country/Territory
- United States
- Standard country
- United States
- Entity type
- Country
- Country issuing years
- 1857-
- Category
- General Issues
- Scott number
- 12
- Description
- Thomas Jefferson
- Series
- 1851-57
- Year issued
- 1856
- Issue location
- Washington, DC
- Denomination
- 5c
- Colour
- Red Brown
- Perforation
- Imperf.
- Watermark
- Unwatermarked
- Printing method
- Engraving
- Printer
- Toppan, Carpenter & Co
- Gum
- Water-activated
- Stamp type
- Definitive
- Number produced
- 150,000
- NH percentage
- 100
- Comments
- Design: Portrays Thomas Jefferson, based on a portrait by Gilbert Stuart.
Significance: This stamp was the highest denomination in the first general issue of US postage stamps. It was intended for use on heavier letters or those traveling long distances.
Rarity: Considered quite scarce, especially in unused condition.
Varieties: Exists in shades of black and dark brown. The shade can be difficult to determine due to the dark color of the stamp.
Cancellations: A variety of cancellations were used, including grids, targets, and manuscript cancellations (those written by hand).
Condition: Finding #12 stamps with good centering and clear margins can be challenging. Many have been affected by foxing (brown spots) or have short perforations.
Additional Notes:
The Scott #12 is a key stamp in any collection of 19th-century US postage.
Due to its high value at the time, the #12 was often used on important documents and international mail.
Genuine unused examples are highly prized by collectors.
Same seriesMore from 1851-57
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