US #O49 3¢ Official - 1873 Mint NH Issue

Issued for use on official business mail sent by the U.S. Post Office Department, this stamp was part of a short-lived series for use by the various government departments on their mail. In 1877 the government introduced "penalty for private use" envelopes, quickly ending the need for official stamps. This 150-year-old stamp is rarely found in such pristine condition and was not sold to the public! (United States #O49)