Experts have identified no less than 11 distinct, primary color varieties of the 1851-57 3-cent George Washington imperforate stamp of the United States, with dozens of sub-varieties. The images in the chart below briefly summarize the progression of color in the approximately 5-year, 8-month span of the imperforate issue.
Every effort has been taken to reproduce the colors of the actual stamps for on-screen viewing. All of the stamps below were scanned at the identical scanner settings. However, this color chart is provided for contrast comparison only, and should not be used for side-by-side comparison with actual stamps for color classification. Variations in scanners, monitors, and room light make it nearly impossible to accurately relay stamp colors through this forum. First-hand examination and comparison of stamps is a must in this delicate subject of color study.
| 1851 Orange Brown | 1851 Experimental Orange Brown |
Approximate Period of Distribution: Jul – Dec 1851 |
Approximate Period of Distribution: Oct – Nov 1851 |
| 1852 and 1857 Yellow Brown | 1852 and 1856 Brownish Carmine |
|
Approximate Periods of Distribution: |
Approximate Periods of Distribution: Nov 1851 – Nov 1852, Jul 1856 – Dec 1856, and Jul 1857 – Dec 1857 |
| 1852 and 1857 Claret | Late 1852 Claret |
|
Approximate Periods of Distribution: Nov 1851 – Dec 1852 and Oct 1856 – Jun 1857 |
Approximate Period of Distribution: Dec 1852 |
| 1852-53 Dull Red | 1853-55 Rose Red |
|
Approximate Period of Distribution: Oct 1852 – Dec 1853 |
Approximate Period of Distribution: Mar 1853 – Jan 1855 |
| 1853-55 Rose Red/Bright | 1854-56 Orange Red |
|
Approximate Period of Distribution: Mar 1853 – Jan 1855 |
Approximate Period of Distribution: Dec 1854 – Jan 1856 |
| 1855-56 Yellowish Rose Red (pale & yellowish) | 1855-56 Yellowish Rose Red (medium & deep) |
|
Approximate Period of Distribution: Nov 1855 – Jan 1856 |
Approximate Period of Distribution: Nov 1855 – Jan 1856 |
| 1857 Rose Brown | 1857 Claret/Deep |
|
Approximate Period of Distribution: Late 1856 through 1857 |
Approximate Period of Distribution: 1857 |
| 1857 Claret/Purplish | 1857 Plum |
|
Approximate Period of Distribution: 1857 |
Approximate Period of Distribution: 1857 |
