FREE: MNH OG VF U.S. #O152 1994 32¢ Great Seal Official Mail Coil Stamp

The listing, MNH OG VF U.S. #O152 1994 32¢ Great Seal Official Mail Coil Stamp has ended.

MNH OG VF U.S. #O152 1994 32¢ Great Seal Official Mail Coil Stamp


***GIN BONUS*** Use GIN For an additional Philatelic collectible item at random!!! (Could be Stamps from anywhere in the world,Covers, Supplies, info card to postcard... something totally random from "the room of doom" my husband calls it, to get her cleaned up!)

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U.S. #O152
1994 32¢ Great Seal
Official Mail Coil Stamp

Issued: December 13, 1994
First City: Washington, DC
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing method: Lithographed
Perforation: 9.8 vertically
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.

***VERIFIED USERS ONLY- ALL UNVERIFIED ACCOUNTS WILL BE BLOCKED FROM THIS AND ALL FUTURE AUCTIONS***