United States 1893 special delivery stamp changed color from blue to orange

Stamp Market Tips by Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

Special delivery service began on Oct. 1, 1885, authorized by the Act of Congress of March 3, 1885. Special delivery service was available in places boasting a population of at least 4,000. Initially just 555 post offices qualified for special delivery service.

Special delivery stamps were valid only for the delivery service and could not be used to pay postage, nor could postage stamps be affixed to pay for the service. Affixing a special delivery stamp to a mailpiece secured delivery upon arrival at the post office without waiting for the next day’s regular mail delivery.

On Jan. 24, 1893, the U.S. Post Office Department issued a 10¢ orange Running Messenger special delivery stamp (Scott E3). Previous special delivery stamps had been issued in blue. The color was changed to orange to avoid confusion with the 1¢ Columbian Exposition stamp (230), which was also blue in color. The design of the 10¢ orange Running Messenger special delivery stamp was identical to the blue 10¢ stamp (E2) that both preceded and succeeded it. Only the color was different.

The Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers values the 10¢ orange special delivery stamp at $300 in unused, original gum condition and at $50 in used condition. An example in mint, never-hinged condition is valued at a whopping $650.

The stamp is a good buy at around 80 percent of catalog values. Expertization is strongly encouraged, especially for stamps in unused, original gum condition and mint, never-hinged condition.

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