1879 US 30-Cent Hamilton (American Bank Note)

The 30-cent stamp from the American Bank Note Company printing of 1879 is one of the classic denominations of the 19th-century US "Bank Note" era, a period of elegant engraved stamp production that represents some of the finest printing work in philatelic history. The Hamilton 30-cent denomination, featuring a portrait of Alexander Hamilton, was used primarily for registry fees and letter-rate postage to certain destinations, making it less common on cover than the 1-cent and 2-cent denominations but prized by specialists for its scarcity and design quality.

The Bank Note Era

From 1870 through 1887, US postage stamps were printed by private bank note companies rather than the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Three companies produced US stamps during this period: the National Bank Note Company (1870-1873), the Continental Bank Note Company (1873-1879), and the American Bank Note Company (1879-1887). The stamps from each printing company have specific identifying characteristics in the engraving, paper, and grill (for some issues) that specialists use to attribute individual stamps.

The American Bank Note Company (ABNC) stamps of 1879 represent the final and often considered the finest of these Bank Note printings. ABNC used softer inking and fresher dies than the Continental printing, resulting in stamps with clear, sharp detail and consistent color.

The Hamilton Portrait and Design

The 30-cent stamp of this era features a portrait of Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804), the first Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton's portrait was a natural choice for a higher-denomination stamp given his role in establishing American financial institutions. The engraved portrait shows him in his characteristic three-quarters view, based on the John Trumbull painting.

The stamp was printed in full black (sometimes described as "full black" or "brownish-black" depending on the specific shade), which gives the portrait excellent contrast and makes condition assessment of the ink freshness important to grading.

Identification

Distinguishing ABNC 30-cent stamps from Continental Bank Note printings requires examining:

Paper: ABNC used soft porous paper with a distinctive feel. Continental used harder, more brittle paper.

Ink Color: ABNC black tends to be fuller and richer than the Continental black.

Perforations: Standard perf 12 for this issue.

Cancellation: Used examples with clear dated cancels can help establish provenance and authenticity.

For important examples, certification by the Philatelic Foundation or APEX is recommended. The standard reference is the Scott Specialized Catalogue, which attributes ABNC stamps as Scott #217 in the 30-cent denomination.

Values and Condition Grades

Bank Note era stamps are valued on centering (balanced margins are rare), gum condition (for unused), and freshness of color.

The 30-cent denomination is scarcer than lower-value stamps because usage was lower. XF or Superb examples with balanced margins and bright color command strong premiums.

The Appeal of the Bank Note Era

For collectors who appreciate the artistry of 19th-century stamp production, the Bank Note era represents a golden period. The hand-engraved portraits, the rich ink quality, and the historical figures depicted make these stamps genuinely beautiful objects. The Hamilton 30-cent specifically is a high point: an uncommon denomination with a significant portrait subject and a design that holds up beautifully under magnification.

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