Scott #65 (1861 Issue), 3¢ rose, Collection Letter

Updated September 9, 2026

Scott #65 (1861 Issue), 3¢ rose (or rose shades) George Washington, perforated 12, National Bank Note Company. This matches the classic 1861–67 series design exactly: left-facing Washington profile (based on the Houdon bust), “U.S. POSTAGE” at top, “3” in the upper corners, “U” and “S” in the lower corners, and “THREE CENTS” at bottom. It is the common rose shade of the workhorse 3¢ stamp that paid the domestic half-ounce letter rate. The earlier 1851–57 issues (Scott 10/11/25/26 etc.) were demonetized at the start of the Civil War; this is the replacement issue that began appearing in August 1861. No grill is present correctly dated to the period—the cover is postmarked January 20 (with “1864” added in manuscript) and the enclosed letter is dated Tolland, Conn., January 18, 1864. It is a complete original cover + letter combination addressed to Alfred Bishop Esq., Andover, Conn.The Letter ContentsThis is a formal notarial protest notice (notice of non-payment) for a promissory note:Maker: James H. MarchAmount: one hundred eighty-seven dollarsDate of note: September 15, 1863Payable: four months after date at the Tolland County BankEndorser: the addressee (Alfred Bishop)Protested for non-payment the evening of January 18, 1864Signed by the notary public (appears to read C. D. or similar + “Notary Public”)It is a standard commercial/banking document of the period, not a personal letter. The Tolland County Bank was a real local institution in Tolland, Connecticut. Stamp: heavy black cancel (cork/target style) obscuring much of the portrait; perforations look intact but the stamp is not well-centered and shows typical wear for a used classic.Cover: folded, creased, some soiling/age toning, and edge wear consistent with 160+ years. The stamp is tied.Letter: folded with age toning, edge tears/holes (one noticeable on the right side), and some staining, but the text remains fully legible. Embossed seal/notarial mark visible at top left. Complete unit (cover + stamp + original letter)$50–$150 This is a solid, authentic mid-Civil War Connecticut postal history piece with its original contents, but it is not a rarity. The stamp itself has little individual value due to the huge print run and heavy cancel. The complete cover + letter combination is the interesting part and is the way to value/sell it. Condition (creases, tears, heavy cancel) keeps it in the lower-to-middle part of the ranges above.

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More lots in this auction

• Scott #65 (3¢ rose Washington, 1861–66 issue) on r
• 1963-D Franklin Half Dollar (Denver Mint).
• 1943 Mercury dime (Winged Liberty Head)
• 1908-D Barber dime (Liberty Head dime)
• Scott #632 with New York, N.Y. local precancel
• 1937 Buffalo nickel (Indian Head nickel)
• U.S. Scott #65 , 1861–66 issue, National Bank Not1
• 1996-D Roosevelt dime Machine Error

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