1879-87 American Banknote - Soft Paper
The National, Continental and American Bank Note Companies ultimately merged under the name of the American Bank Note Company which assumed the contract for printing stamps in 1879. When American first took over the contract, it used the Continental plates. The original plates were imprinted Continental, so it should be noted that the imprint on these issues does not always accurately reflect the printing firm. The American stamps are distinguished from the Continental printings by paper type. American used paper that is described as "soft porous." When held to a light, soft porous paper looks mottled or quilted.
| Denom. | Description | Mint | Used |
| 1 cent | Franklin - dark ultramarine | $115.00 | $2.40 |
| 2 cent | Jackson - vermilion | $50.00 | $1.65 |
| 3 cent | Washington - green | $37.50 | $0.45 |
| 5 cent | Taylor - blue | $200.00 | $7.75 |
| 6 cent | Lincoln - pink | $375.00 | $13.50 |
| 10 cent | Lincoln - brown - no secret mark | $1,200.00 | $16.00 |
| 10 cent | Lincoln - brown - secret mark | $900.00 | $16.00 |
| 15 cent | Webster - red orange | $130.00 | $13.00 |
| 30 cent | Hamilton - full black | $400.00 | $37.50 |
| 90 cent | Perry - carmine | $900.00 | $170.00 |
1882 New Design
Issued to honor President James Garfield who was shot July 2, 1881 in the waiting area of the Baltimore & Potomac Railroad in Washington by an angry former supporter. Garfield suffered two bullet wounds and lingered for more than two months ultimately dying September 19.
| Denom. | Description | Mint | Used |
| 5 cent | Garfield - yellow brown | $115.00 | $5.00 |
1881-82 Re-engraved
The American Bank Note Company re-engraved several denominations in 1881. The stamps printed on soft porous paper can be distinguished from the earlier printings by subtle design changes.
| Denom. | Description | Mint | Used |
| 1 cent | Franklin - gray blue - vertical lines in background heavier - lines of shading added to ornaments in upper corners | $25.00 | $0.55 |
| 3 cent | Washington - blue green - shading of central oval half previous thickness - horizontal dash added just below TS of CENTS | $27.50 | $0.35 |
| 6 cent | Lincoln - rose - only three vertical lines in the left border (vs. four lines) | $200.00 | $55.00 |
| 6 cent | Lincoln - brown red | $185.00 | $80.00 |
| 10 cent | Jefferson - brown - only four vertical between the left side of the stamp and the edge of the shield (vs. 5 lines) | $55.00 | $3.50 |
| 10 cent | Jefferson - black brown | $800.00 | $150.00 |
1883-87 New Designs
In 1883 the domestic letter rate was reduced to 2c per half ounce. To accommodate the change two new stamps were issued: 2 cent Washington (Red Brown) and 4 cent Jackson (Blue Green). In 1887 the 1 cent Franklin was redesigned with a frame similar to the 2 cent and 4 cent stamps.
| Denom. | Description | Mint | Used |
| 2 cent | Washington - red brown | $16.50 | $0.35 |
| 4 cent | Jackson - blue green | $115.00 | $11.00 |
| 1 cent | Franklin - ultramarine | $42.50 | $1.15 |
1887-88 New Colors
Previous designs re-issued with color changes.
| Denom. | Description | Mint | Used |
| 1 cent | Franklin - ultramarine | $42.50 | $1.15 |
| 2 cent | Washington - green | $16.50 | $0.30 |
| 3 cent | Washington - vermilion | $25.00 | $31.50 |
| 4 cent | Jackson - carmine | $90.00 | $11.00 |
| 5 cent | Garfield - indigo | $95.00 | $8.00 |
| 30 cent | Hamilton - orange brown | $160.00 | $65.00 |
| 90 cent | Perry - purple | $450.00 | $135.00 |
1890-93 Regular Issue
These are the last regular issue stamps printed by the American Bank Note Company. Although similar to previous issues, they are smaller and different in their shades of color, introducing the look and style of U.S. definitive stamp issues for the next 50 years.
| Denom. | Description | Mint | Used |
| 1 cent | Franklin - dull blue | $40.00 | $0.60 |
| 2 cent | Washington - lake | $325.00 | $1.50 |
| 2 cent | Washington - carmine | $40.00 | $0.55 |
| 2 cent | Cap on left "2" | $200.00 | $9.00 |
| 2 cent | Cap on both "2's" | $875.00 | $25.00 |
| 3 cent | Jackson - purple | $120.00 | $6.25 |
| 4 cent | Lincoln - dark brown | $150.00 | $3.75 |
| 5 cent | Grant - chocolate | $135.00 | $3.75 |
| 6 cent | Garfield - brown red | $120.00 | $19.50 |
| 8 cent | Sherman - lilac | $95.00 | $11.75 |
| 10 cent | Webster - green | $300.00 | $3.75 |
| 15 cent | Clay - indigo | $375.00 | $21.75 |
| 30 cent | Jefferson - black | $600.00 | $27.50 |
| 90 cent | Perry - orange | $950.00 | $110.00 |
These prices for U.S. stamps are provided as a service to Hobbizine readers. They are derived from numerous sources such as dealer price lists, advertisements in philatelic publications, and public auction results. Use these values as a guideline for evaluating the reasonableness of dealer prices, setting up trades with other collectors, and estimating the worth of your collection. The value of an individual stamp is dependent on its centering and condition. The prices listed here are for well centered, undamaged stamps. A particularly nice example might sell for more than the amount listed, while a poor copy might be worth less.
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