When the Confederacy took over the operation of the mail system in the South on June 1, 1861, no stamps were available. Postmasters were left to their own devices to collect the correct postage and mark letters as paid. It wasn’t until several months later that the first of what are called the general issue stamps were released. Postmaster General John Reagan was adamant about procuring engraved stamps to prevent counterfeiting. His hunt for a printer that could produce engraved stamps from steel plates proved fruitless and he was forced to settle for lithographed stamps for the first issues. In early 1863 engravers Archer & Daly were able to produce steel dies and plates for engraved printing. The firm was quickly issued a contract to produce stamps. In April 1863 four new stamps were released.

In June 1863, a sixth stamp from yet another engraving was prepared by Archer & Daly. This was the 20-cent green stamp (CSA 13) featuring George Washington. This is an uncancelled specimen, clear print, and centered well.   [jet] [ph:L]

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