Scott #65 (1861–62 3¢ rose Washington

Updated August 7, 2026

Scott #65 (1861–62 3¢ rose Washington), not the scarcer #64 pink.Stamp identificationIssue: 1861 Issue (National Bank Note Company). Design shows Washington in profile facing left, “U.S. POSTAGE” arched at top, large “3” numerals in the upper corners, and “THREE CENTS” at bottom. Perf 12, no watermark, no grill.Color: Rose (with some pinkish tones visible in the scans). This is the common shade of Scott #65.Scott #64 is the true pink (brighter and more distinct; the rare pigeon-blood pink is #64a with a bluish cast; rose-pink is listed as #64b).Color identification of these shades is subjective and best done by direct comparison to certified examples under consistent lighting. Many #65 stamps appear somewhat pinkish, especially when faded or photographed, which leads to frequent misidentification. From the provided images, the color reads as the ordinary rose of #65 rather than a true pink.Pink shades (#64 group) were printed early in the production run (primarily late 1861 into early 1862). Later covers are almost always #65.Cover detailsYellow/buff envelope (common paper of the period).Manuscript address: “Geo Ritter Esq. / Danville / Indiana.”Partial black circular date stamp “APR 20” with a target (concentric circles) killer cancel tying the stamp.Left side of the cover is roughly opened/torn; reverse shows normal flap and aging/soiling with no additional postmarks visible.This is a standard domestic 3¢ letter-rate cover from the Civil War era (the rate for letters up to ½ ounce).No special postal markings, corner card, or other features that would add significant premium.ValueUsed single Scott #65: catalog/retail roughly $2–$5.Ordinary #65 on cover: typically $5–$20 (sometimes a bit higher for nicer examples). This cover’s condition (torn left edge, typical aging and soiling) places it toward the lower-to-middle part of that range—perhaps $8–$18 Possible Pressed Gill

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