2-840-175 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

3c Washington essay large die proof, 1851. This large die proof is print 1:15 created from the original engraved steel die that produced the 1851 essay (Scott 11-E2) by Michael Bean, Plate Printer, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, on February 22, 2003. The proof is autographed in pencil on verso by the donors and Bean.;Reference to the original essay produced from the die (2003.2013.1) first appeared in the 1912 Mason catalog, "More Essays for United States Postage Stamps," published by Percy McGraw Mann. It was referred to as Type 133A: "Three Cents. A head of Washington facing left, resembling that in the 3 cent stamp of 1851-60, but is tipped forward; the frame resembles the 5 cent and 10 cent stamps of 1847.