With the increase in speed and efficiency of the mail by ocean going sailing ships to foreign ports, and railroads on the verge of linking all points of the country together, it became necessary to print a thirty cent stamp to cover the higher rates to these destinations. This is the story of the first 30 cent stamp of the U.S.
Click on the images below to view large, detailed panels with descriptions.
The Swedish Tiger’s US Stamp Site An illustrated Guide
Siegel Encyclopedia (1857-60 Issue)
Civil War Timeline, at Siegel Encyclopedia
