National Bank Note Co., 10c Dim Rose, Declaration of Independence, Large Die Essay on India (116-E2a). On 80 x 57mm card, small corner thins from prior mounting far from the design

VERY FINE. A RARE 10-CENT 1869 ESSAY WITH THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE VIGNETTE ENGRAVED BY JAMES SMILLIE, WHICH WAS ULTIMATELY USED FOR THE 24-CENT DENOMINATION.

This vignette is a miniature engraving by James Smillie, based on a painting by Trumbull which hangs in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Contrary to popular belief, the scene depicted by Trumbull is not the signing ceremony, but the presentation of the draft. It has been written that the 30c stamp was changed from the Surrender of Burgoyne to the Eagle, Shield and Flags design to avoid offending the British. If true, it seems odd that officials would choose to use the Declaration of Independence "1776" design for the 24c stamp, which was far more likely to adorn mail to England (the basic rate was 12c).

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