The 5¢ and 10¢ Stamps of 1847
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Appendix
Part 2 (5¢)
Essays & Proofs
The preeminent student of the 1847 essays, die proofs and plate proofs is clearly Clarence W. Brazer. His monograph, A Historical Catalog of U.S. Stamp Essays and Proofs - The 1847 Issue, published in 1947, the stamps' centennial year, remains the definitive reference. With respect to the proofs, I will cover only contemporary items, that is, those presumed made from the original die and plate from which the issued stamps themselves originated. Although the original die and plate were reportedly destroyed in 1851, many non-contemporary proofs were made in the ensuing years from duplicate dies; these dies having been created from the original 1847 transfer roll.
There is only one known essay of the 5¢ 1847 stamp. It has an engraved
vignette mounted on a frame which has engraved top and bottom labels, corner
letters and numerals drawn in black ink and the balance in pencil and wash.
It is unique.
The best estimate is that only a few (between 15 and 20) die proofs exist
from the original die. None are in the actual issued colors of the stamp.
They have been reported in dark green, dark orange yellow and more recently
in deep blue and are all cut to stamp size.
Plate proofs (those proofs issued in an actual stamp color) and trial color proofs (those proofs issued in other than the actual stamp color) will be called "proofs"; collectively. Clarence Brazer states that 6 sheets of 200 proofs were printed, 2 in each of the three colors: black, brown and orange. Of these, one of each color was overprinted "SPECIMEN". Charting Brazer's supposition, we have;
| Proof Color & Type | Overprint & Color | # of Sheets | # of DT's | Types of D.T.'s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown - Plate | No - N/A | 1 | 2 | A & B |
| Brown - Plate | Yes - Black | 1 | 2 | A & B |
| Orange -Trial Color | No - N/A | 1 | 2 | A & B |
| Orange -Trial Color | Yes - Black | 1 | 2 | A & B |
| Black -Trial Color | No - N/A | 1 | 2 | A & B |
| Black -Trial Color | Yes - Red | 1 | 2 | A & B |
There is belief amongst some students that only one sheet of each color was printed, hence, a total of 3 sheets. Then, only parts of these sheets were overprinted with "SPECIMEN";, some of the impressions escaping the overprint. This belief is preliminary and is based upon there being no known duplication of plate position of the same color proof, overprint notwithstanding, of which these students are aware. This would halve the number of proofs. Apart from that, another curiosity is the absence of a recorded copy of the 5¢ orange without overprint. There are a number of occurrences of the other combinations. Obviously, as with any postulates based upon non-existence, a fortuitous find would dispel them.
These proofs are "snapshots" of the way the plate appeared in its earliest state, hence, they are valuable aids in determining the positions of the impressions on the plate. Although an assumption, few can argue that 1847 proofs were not made from the virgin plate, as even the finest lines of the engraving are present in their resplendent detail. The fact of whether these proofs were printed from the earliest state of the plate is very relevant for the 5¢ stamp, since it is yet to be completely plated and the 5¢ ink was highly abrasive, wearing the plate's impressions over a short period of time.
Dr. Henry Marasse has written an article discussing the existence of the Type "B"; double transfer on a black trial color proof in the May 1996, The Chronicle of the U.S. Classic Postage Issues. It is the only reported double transfer known on any of the 5¢ proofs. Also of importance by their absence are the type "C", "D" and "F" double transfers of the 5 cent proofs. It has long been believed by students of the issue that these double transfers were the result of reentering the design with the transfer roll, late in the life of the plate. A discovery of any these double transfers on either early proofs as these, or on a stamp with early impression characteristics or on an early dated cover would dispel this belief. Yet, there is no evidence whatsoever to disprove this belief. So, only the type "A" and "B" double transfers should exist as proofs.
Multiples
Multiples of the 5¢ stamp are difficult to come by, at best, albeit not as hard to find as with the 10¢. I will not attempt to create an in-depth listing of the multiples of this stamp, as Malcolm Brown has done an excellent job of that already in the August 1996 issue of The Chronicle.
Horizontal pairs exist in about a 10 to 1 ratio to vertical pairs, based on my casual observance of auction catalogs, although oddly enough, the Scott Catalog does not indicate a premium for the vertical pair over the horizontal pair. The rational for the ratio is that the post office clerks cut the panes of 10 x 10 stamps into 10 horizontal strips of 10 stamps each. Then, as needed for customers, they would cut the necessary number of stamps needed from the horizontal strip of 10.
The same scarcity and reasoning exists between the horizontal and vertical strips of 3. Brown lists only 15 strips in total, 3 vertical, but more of each should exist. There also are 9 horizontal strips of 4 and two vertical strips of 4; the vertical strips have been reconstructed into a block of 8..
Blocks of 4 are true rarities, with a Scott catalog value for used of $27,500.00 (italics indicate very infrequent sales, hence rarity) verses $550.00 for a single stamp. Any larger multiple of this stamp exists in extremely small numbers as there are only a handful of pieces, used or unused, to regard. The largest ones are considered gems of philately.
The largest recorded block is unused and of 16 (4 x 4), and sold most recently at the Ishikawa auction. It currently resides in the Gross collection. Good sources claim the existence of a unused block of 30 (10 x 3) from the top three rows of one of the panes, but it has never been photographed and is said to reside in a New York collection. There are also an irregular block of 11 and a block of 10 (5 x 2) unused. Three multiples of 8 are reported in various formats as well as five blocks of 6, one of which is reconstructed, and all are unused.
The largest used multiple is a block of 12 (6 x2), followed by a couple of irregular blocks of 11. Next is the reconstruction block of 10 (2 x5), comprised of five used horizontal pairs, the largest known reconstruction of either 1847 stamp. There is a horizontal strip of 10 used on cover, three blocks of 8 (all 4 x 2) and two blocks of 6 (both 2 x 3), all used.
The multiples of the 5¢ stamp are not just desirable because they are rare, but they are essential in order to perform a plating of the stamp. One of the reasons this stamp has not been plated is due to the scarcity of these multiples.
The Five Deliveries
This is a synopsis of my in-depth study of the deliveries, premised on previous findings by Chase, Ashbrook, Hart and Hahn. They relied mostly on dated covers or dates of shipments to determine from which of the five deliveries a stamp belongs. These procedures can only be absolute until the 2nd delivery. After the 2nd delivery, mixing of the sheets could have occurred at the printer or post office. As well, the patron may have purchased stamps and used them in any fashion over the years. A cover dated June 1851 (last month of use for the 1847 issue) could be franked with a stamp from ANY of the 5 deliveries. My primary research and reliance is on the printing impression, studying the fine lines of the engraving on the individual stamps, which acts as the most accurate date stamp, since the plate wore considerably during its use. Examination of these impressions, along with dated covers and shades, allow for a much more accurate conclusion. This plate wear "dated"; each impression, and through careful inspection and much practice, one is able to assign stamps to their proper delivery with relative certainty, whether on cover or off cover. There were 5 deliveries of the 5¢ stamp to the Post Office from the printer, Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson. Below is the delivery information;
| Delivery | No. Delivered | No. Used | Delivery Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 600,000 | 600,000 | June 3, 1847 |
| 2nd | 800,000 | 800,000 | March 13, 1848 |
| 3rd | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | March 20, 1849 |
| 4th | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | February 5, 1850 |
| 5th | 1,000,000- 700,000 (destroyed) = | 300,000 | December 9, 1850 |
| Total | 4,400,000 | 3,700,000 |
The culprit causing the plates to wear was the printing ink. The dyestuffs used in formulating the inks were likely comprised of elements which were abrasive to the plate. Brown inks contained oxides of various metals which could wear down the fine lines of the engraved plate through the several thousand impressions and repeated, inconsistent wiping of the plate after each impression.
After the 3rd delivery, the plate's condition was useless. It is generally accepted that the plate was acid etched before the 4th delivery was printed to "enhance"; the impression and to "clean"; the "dirty"; plate. The intention was to deepen the lines of the plate, thereby allowing them to hold more ink. But, the lines of the engraved plate were widened twice as much as they were deepened, since the acid ate away at the left and right sides simultaneously, as it ate away at the bottom. While this helped to strengthen medium to deep lines, it gave them a soft or fuzzy appearance. Many of the extremely fine lines completely disappeared from the stamps of the 4th and 5th delivery.
The Shades
The intended brown color of the stamp was obtained by the mixing of several pigments. This evidently was not done by a set formula and the tolerances were very liberal. As the sheets were printed, the operator would adjust the pigments to try to obtain the desired color. These trial and error sheets were issued to the public. Also, the inks could concentrate during the printings or the operator could apply a little more ink than necessary, yielding some very rich shades.
When Chase named 15 different shades, he said, "It should be understood that there are more slight shades and tints than are given here as the colors often grade gradually from one to another."; In my endeavor to identify those additional "shades and tints";, many shade varieties, not previously named, are identified based on my research. "Color Standards and Nomenclature"; by Ridgway, is the basis for the new names, where necessary, since it was used by Chase and allows for consistency. However, generic names are used when possible. Following are brief descriptions of the five deliveries, with their attributable shades.
First Delivery An asterisk (*) indicates difficult to find, and (**) most difficult
1st Delivery Impressions - Delivered to Post Offices July 1, 1847 to March 13, 1848
All lines are sharp and clear. Frame lines are almost always strong and unbroken. Background horizontal shading and foliate lines are intense. Position dot in left trifoliate is obvious. Impressions from this delivery often appear proof-like. All colors are rich and intense and are amongst the most beautiful of the 5¢ 1847 stamps.
Orange Browns
Orange Brown*
Dark Orange Brown*
Very Bright Orange Brown**
Bright Orange Brown**
Deep Orange Brown**
Very Deep Orange Brown**
Red Browns
Red Brown
Deep Red Brown
Reddish Brown
Bright Red Brown*
Dark Red Brown*
Browns
Brown
Russet Brown
Deep Brown
Dark Pecan Brown*
Dark Browns
Dark Brown
Chestnut Brown*
Deep Chestnut Brown*
Dark Chestnut Brown*
Bister*
Seal Brown**
Walnut Brown**
Gray Browns
Grayish Brown*
Dark Grayish Brown*
Grayish Brown - Red Tint**
Black Browns
Chocolate Brown*
Deep Chocolate Brown*
Dark Chocolate Brown**
Blackish Brown**
Deep Blackish Brown**
Fuscous Brown**
Fuscous Black**
Deep Olive Brown**
Second Delivery
2nd Delivery Impressions - Delivered to Post Offices March 13, 1848 to March 19, 1849
Most lines are clear and well delineated. Frame lines are almost always
unbroken, but may show a few weak spots, making the lines appear uneven.
Background horizontal shading and foliate lines are distinct, but lighter
and thinner than the 1st delivery, as the plate wear is affecting this
part of the image first. Position dot is visible. This delivery yielded
excellent impressions, sometimes difficult to distinguish from the first.
Browns
Brown
Pale Brown
Deep Brown
Dark Browns
Dark Brown
Sepia*
Gray Browns
Gray Brown*
Deep Grayish Brown*
Gray Brown - Red Tint**
Orange Browns
Orange Brown*
Dark Orange Brown**
Red Browns
Red Brown
Dark Red Brown*
Deep Red Brown*
Third Delivery
3rd Delivery Impressions - Delivered to Post Offices March 19, 1849 to February 14, 1850
The delivery is divided into two groups -
Regular Impressions; Most lines are very light and some are barely discernible. Frame lines appear fine and often broken. Background horizontal shading is hardly visible. Foliate lines are abbreviated, showing in only the deepest parts of the engraving. Position dot is usually seen, but, the trifoliate is so vague it is of no help in plating. Mostly Sub-standard impressions.
Dirty or Worn Plate Impressions; Same characteristics as above, only the ink is unevenly distributed, yielding blotched and mottled printings. Likely causes were stale ink, low printing temperatures and a worn plate. By and large, most of these stamps are found in the various red brown shades. Terrible impressions, yet hard to find, as most copies were probably discarded years ago as being inferior.
Red Browns
Red Brown
Light Red Brown
Reddish Brown
Pale Red Brown
Dark Reddish Brown
Bright Reddish Brown*
Dark Brown
Dark Brown
Very Dark Brown
Browns
Brown
Pale Brown
Bright Brown
Gray Brown
Gray Brown*
Gray Brown - Reddish Tint**
Purple Brown**
Orange Brown
Orange Brown*
Dull Orange Brown*
Dirty Plate Impressions*
Red Brown
Dark Red Brown
Worn Plate Impressions
Pale Red Brown
Fourth Delivery
4th Delivery Impressions - Delivered to Post Offices February 14, 1850 to December 7, 1850
The plate was cleaned sometime after the 3rd delivery, likely by acid etching. This caused the lines to have an almost fuzzy appearance, since the lines were widened as well as deepened. Frame lines are mostly complete but not distinct. Background horizontal shading and foliate lines are visible but soft. Impressions are much better than those from the worn plate of the 3rd delivery. Position dots are visible but lighter.
Red Browns
Red Brown
Reddish Brown
Dark Reddish Brown
Pale Red Brown
Cinnamon Brown**
Gray Browns
Dull Gray Brown*
Gray Brown - Dk Red Tint**
Browns
Very Pale Brown
Pale Brown
Light Brown
Yellowish Brown**
Dark Browns
Dark Brown
Van Dyke Brown*
Olive Brown**
Brown Oranges
Brown Orange*
Stressed Brown Orange*
Dark Brown Orange**
Orange Browns
Orange Brown*
Oxidized Orange Brown*
Bright Orange Brown**
Deep Orange Brown**
Dark Orange Brown**
Fifth Delivery
5th Delivery Impressions - Delivered to Post Offices December 7, 1850 to June 30, 1851
Lines are less distinct than the 4th delivery, yet maintaining an almost fuzzy appearance. Frame lines are mostly complete but not distinct. Background horizontal shading and foliate lines are visible but very, very soft. All shades from this delivery contain orange pigments. It is believed that chromium based dyestuffs were used in place of the lead compositions of the earlier deliveries. Position dots are very difficult to see. Stamps from this delivery do not exist in the same quantity as those from the earlier ones, and hence are very scarce, since the majority of the delivery was destroyed by the post office when the stamp was demonetized in July of 1851.
Oranges
Orange**
Bright Orange**
Deep Orange**
Red Orange**
Dark Red Orange**
Orange Browns
Orange Brown*
Pale Orange Brown*
Bright Orange Brown**
Deep Orange Brown**
Brown Oranges
Brown Orange*
Oxidized Brown Orange*
Bright Brown Orange**
Deep Brown Orange**
Dark Brown Orange**
I have recorded a total of 27 major shade classifications, and almost 100 more minor varieties listed under those, making these shades a truly fascinating part of 1847 collecting.
Plate Varieties
Double Transfers
Plate varieties are distinct impressions on stamps which repeat on each
stamp from a particular position. Some exist on all impressions from
that position and others may appear after the plate has been affected
by something or disappear after the plate has worn, or both. In any case,
they are constant during some portion of the printing and require confirming
copies to prove this consistency.
Although all 200 positions of the 5¢ stamp have not yet been plated, over the past 150 years students have been able to assign some of them to their respective positions. Chase was able to plate the Type "A"; and "B"; double transfers, and Ashbrook, aided by Chase's notes, was able to assign the eight corner positions from both of the two panes of 100. Aside from the plating of a few others, there is little more published. A couple of students claim they have between 100 and 140 positions plated, but this knowledge remains unwritten. Unfortunately, they have not shared their findings with each other or philately.
The Scott catalog has listed six double transfers for the 5¢ stamp, Types "A"; through "F";. They are reasonably well illustrated in Scott's Specialized Catalogue of U.S. Stamps, although the written descriptions are not very accurate. A double transfer can happen in two different ways. There can be a shift in the axis between the transfer roll and the plate during the "rocking in"; that remains undetected, or one can be caused by the partial erasure of a previous impression when the previous impression has not been completed burnished out. The shifting of the axis type causes a double transfer also known as a "shifted transfer";. Due to the nature of the 5¢ double transfers, it is likely they were caused by the incomplete erasure of previous impressions.
The Type "A"; and "B"; double transfers are known to exist on all five deliveries. Since they each occupy one position on the plate, theoretically, every 200 stamps should contain one Type "A"; and one Type "B";. The Type "C"; and "D"; were caused when the impressions were re-entered on the plate before the 4th delivery, and therefore, are only known on the 4th and 5th deliveries. They exist in very small quantities. Even fewer of the Type "F"; are known, all from the 5th delivery, indicating the Type "F"; re-entry was made on the plate after the 4th delivery. Remember, the majority (700,000 of 1,000,000) of the 5th delivery were destroyed after the stamps were demonetized in July 1851.
Of the six double transfers listed in Scott, one of them - the Type "E"; also known as the "Mower Shift";, is actually not a double transfer. Rather, the plate impression has been damaged by something. There is not an actual doubling of any of the lines of the engraving, but instead, extraneous lines for which there is no specific explanation. Therefore, in reality, there are only five double transfers, with the Type "E"; being a plate variety. This is not to malign its value or importance as a variety, but rather to correct a long standing misnomer. All six are listed below.
| Scott Type | Pos | Which Deliveries | Approximate Copies Recorded |
|---|---|---|---|
| " A"; | 80R | All 5 | 1 out of every 200 stamps |
| " B"; | 90R | All 5 | 1 out of every 200 stamps |
| " C"; | ??? | 4th & 5th | Less than 20 |
| " D"; | ??? | 4th & 5th | Less than 10 |
| " E"; (Mower Shift ?) | ??? | All 5 | 1 out of every 200 stamps extant |
| " F"; (Wagshal Shift) | ??? | 5th | 3, whereabouts of 1 unknown |
"T"; Crack
During 1993, I discovered a plate crack on the 5¢ stamp; the only such ever recorded on either stamp of the 1847 issue. In the upper left part of the stamp, there is a very prominent line of color separating the top left part of the "T"; of "POST"; from the rest of the "T";, almost as if the top left part of the "T"; was broken off the stem. I have written an in-depth article about the "T"; crack for May 1994 issue of The Chronicle of the U. S. Classic Postage Issues. I have plated the "T"; crack to the ninth vertical row of the right pane, and, having researched the vast majority of the 5¢ 1847's submitted to the Philatelic Foundation, am aware of less than 20 copies.
Others
One of the most common plate varieties include the "Dot in 'S' in the upper right corner";, which was caused by a foreign object on the transfer roll and appears on all stamps in the ninth vertical row of the left pane. There is also a "Dot in the 'U' in the upper left corner";, but its position is unknown. Ashbrook noted a "Curl in the '5' at lower left";, claiming it belonging to the 5th vertical row of the left pane. Another position is known with vertical plate scratches through the "O"; of POST. Some tenth vertical row stamps show a vertical guide line just inside the right frame line. Several other varieties are known with small marks, nicks and plate bruises, and are considered minor, except to those impassioned with the hope of plating the 5¢ stamp, for which these represent parts of an unsolved jigsaw puzzle.
Printing Varieties
A printing variety or printing freak is not caused by the plate, but rather, by ink, paper and impression variations. These printing variants, albeit collectable and desirable, are more of a curiosity than of any considerable research importance. Printing varieties normally exist as one of a kind; not constant and repeating, yet maybe similar to others, but not exactly the same.
The more dramatic and extreme the variety, the more desirable it is. I have categorized the major varieties below;
Inking Varieties - Over inking, under inking, uneven inking (due to dry paper or improper inking, etc.), ink splatter (dots, droplets), ink smearing (of the impression after printing), foreign material between the plate and the paper.
Paper Varieties - Thick or thin papers, different paper colors or types, preprinting paper creases (paper is creased before printing; after printing the crease is opened to show the portion not printed), paper foldovers (the selvage is folded over and covers part of the impression; when unfolded, part of the impression is missing), inclusions and stitch watermarks.
Slip Printing - Also called "Double Print"; or "Kiss Impression";. Occurs when there is movement of the paper during the impression. Usually, only part of the impression appears doubled.
Double Impression - Caused when the paper is printed twice on the same side. Very rare.
Cancellations
Simply put, the cancellation's purpose is to prevent the reuse of a stamp. As well, they show that the stamp has fulfilled its intended duty of having prepaid the fee for delivering the mail. But cancellations are much more than that, as they add interest and variety to the issued stamp. Some are colorful, some are attractive, while others such as railroad, steamboat and foreign cancellations can stimulate the imagination as to the routes traversed and the places sojourned during the trek of the posted letter.
Since the 1847 stamps are the inaugural emission of the United States, the need to cancel stamps was a novel concept. Up until then, stampless letters were usually date stamped with a C.D.S. and might carry a rating mark. There would be a handstamp or manuscript "Paid"; if the letter was prepaid. The first cancels were simple, such as segmented corks and grids. Over time, they progressed to geometrics, stars, pictorials and patriotic designs. Unfortunately, during the life of the 1847's use, cancels remained mostly simple, and ANY type of well defined cancel on the issue is desirable.
Manuscript (pen) cancels are valued at about 50% of handstamped cancels, but nice ones are not easy to find. Line grids and circular grids are amongst the most common handstamp cancels, followed by town C.D.S. cancels. Grids of squares, dots, dashes and diamonds are much less common. The postal markings, in order of increasing difficulty are Paid, Railroad, Waterway, Way, Free and lastly Foreign markings. Cancels applied after the stamp was demonetized on July 1, 1851 are very uncommon. Colored cancels are in short supply, and in increasing order of difficulty are Red, Blue, Black, Magenta, Ultramarine, Violet, Orange and Green.
Particularly rare fancy cancels are the Stars of Trenton, NJ and Huntsville, AL, as are the Target cancels of Greenwich, NY and Hanover, NH. The Pinwheel of Paris, KY, the Scarab of St. Johnsbury, VT and the Wheeling, VA Control Grid marking exist in single digit quantities. Add to that the black, red, green and blue Herringbone cancels of Binghamton, NY, the green boxed "5"; cancel of Princeton, NJ, the Hudson River Mail Grid cancel of NY and the Grid of Rectangles cancel of Wilkes Barre, PA.
It is worthwhile to note the effect that a quality cancellation on a quality stamp has upon desirability and price. A typical town cancel, on cover, from one eastern city to another, is not at all uncommon and will usual sell for $600 to $1,000. In the Siegel 1996 "Rarities of the World"; sale, lot #19, a lovely cover from East Bennington VT to Proctorsville VT with a beautiful red town cancel on a blackish brown shade of the 5¢ stamp, sold for $29,700 including buyer's premium!
A caveat; fraudulent cancels do exist on all classic stamps. Remember, there is no substitute for experience and learning. The more you know about the subject you are collecting, the better chance you have of avoiding problems. Always seek reputable dealers, who are knowledgeable in cancellations and obtain a certificate from an expertizing service if the item is without one.
The following provide excellent reference for classifying and studying cancellations found on the 1847 issue; United States Cancellations 1845-1869 Skinner/Eno, Simpson's U.S. Postal Markings 1851-1861 Alexander, The American Stampless Cover Catalog Phillips, United States Waterway Packetmarks 1832-1899 and Supplement Klein, United States Railroad Postmarks 1837-1861 Remele, Vessel-Named Markings on United States Inland and Ocean Waterways 1810-1890 Milgram, Postal Markings of the United States 1847-1851 Hahn. Researching of stamps and covers found in auction catalogs is also helpful.
Usages
Domestic Usages - A 5¢ stamp would pay the rate for single-sheet letters weighing under 1/2 ounce and traveling under 300 miles. Double sheet letters or those weighing between 1/2-1 ounce paid two times the rate, and so on. Covers paying the single rate are the most common, while those paying multiples of the rate are scarcer; usages with larger multiples of the stamp (particularly strips of 3+ or blocks of 4), are very scare. Pairs of the 5¢ paying the over 300 mile rate are not uncommon, but desirable. Many smaller cities did not receive allotments of the 10¢ stamp and had to use 5¢ multiples to make up the rate.
Hard to find usages from California, Florida, Texas, the territories and forts trade at large premiums over catalog value. The 5¢'er is also known to be used with certain local stamps and carrier stamps, again, at a premium. Frankings on Valentine's Day covers or those used from an hotel are highly sought.
Foreign Usages - According to Jon Rose in his Classic United States Imperforate Stamps, there are around 10,000 5¢ covers extant, of which, between 250 to 275 of them are used to foreign destinations. He estimates that 140 of those are to Europe, 105 - 110 to Canada and Maritime provinces and the remainder to exotic places such as China, Cuba and Chile. The 5¢ stamp is also known used to United States from Canada. Both Kapiloff and Ishikawa had usages of the 5¢ stamp in combination with the Canadian 1851 3-penny "Beaver"; stamp. These "Beaver"; covers are the most desirable foreign usages of this stamp.
Combination Usages - To find both the 5¢ and the 10¢ 1847 issue stamps on the same cover is a rare occasion. There are less than 20 known usages on cover and only 5 known on piece. The vast majority of the combination uses are domestic.
Demonetized Usages - The 1847 issue was demonetized on July 1, 1851, and replaced by new stamps and new rates. Creighton Hart recorded around 45 late use covers and there are probably as many stamps known off cover, with cancellations proving their use after July 1, 1851. Any black New York circular date stamp, or a small or large Boston "PAID"; in grid or any other cancel which did not come about until after demonetization, would be indicative of a late use. I am in possession of a 5¢ 1847 stamp which is canceled by a New York foreign mail geometric, a canceling device not in use until 1875. That is the latest known use of any 1847 stamp, at least 24 years after demonetization.
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