5c Red Brown (1). Original gum, large evenly-balanced margins, distinctive bright shade and fine detailed impression

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN EXCEPTIONALLY FRESH ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1847 IN AN UNUSUAL BRIGHT SHADE.

Parisian dealer's small backstamp. Ex West and Hall. With 1983 and 2000 P.F. certificates

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10c Black (2). Position 99L, original gum, lightly hinged, large margins to full, intense shade and proof-like impression

VERY FINE AND CHOICE. A RARE SOUND ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1847 ISSUE. A BEAUTIFUL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.

The Act of March 3, 1847, signed by President Polk, specified that Postmaster General Cave Johnson "be authorized to prepare postage stamps, which when attached to any letter or packet, shall be evidence of the payment of the postage..." The law’s effective date was July 1, and the Post Office acted immediately to secure a contract with Rawdon, Wright, Hatch and (the new partner) Edson, so that stamps could be distributed by that date. The Washington vignette is based on the iconic image painted by Gilbert Stuart. The early imperforate issues are often found with margins close or cutting into the design, because of the difficulty in manually cutting along the narrow gap between stamps.

With 1978 and 1999 P.F. certificates

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