The foregoing stamp was replaced in 1879, by another of the same design, but the words "_Post Obitum_" in the ground are replaced by a pattern of interlaced circles. The same name on the frame.
Plate impression, in color, on white paper, 43¼ by 27 mm., perforated 12.
There seems to have been no special law authorizing the Postmaster General to issue reprints of the stamps of the United States, or as the authorities choose to call them, "Specimen Postage Stamps." On the other hand his general authority under the law is sufficient to make any re-issue for postal purposes of any of the issues of the Department legal, for none of them except the official stamps have ever been made invalid for postal purposes by any authority but his own, and this authority he undoubtedly has also. It has always seemed expedient to the Department to issue certain specimens of the stamps and envelopes in circulation, or to be circulated, from time to time, in the proper, as well as in trial colors. It has been said that it being considered expedient to exhibit at the Centennial Exhibition a complete series of all the various issues authorized from time to time, by the Department, as a part of its history, and unused specimens not being easily obtained, the old dies and plates were taken from their places of storage in order to print the necessary specimens, and that the Department having been solicited to furnish collectors with specimens of its old issues, took this opportunity to provide itself to satisfy these demands. It was, however, a mistaken kindness and unused originals were not unattainable. So that for exhibition purposes even reprinting was not necessary. Besides as the reprints or specimens of all except the current series, are in some respects or other unlike the originals, they were really only so many tolerably accurate pictures of what had been.
When the Department was ready to furnish collectors with these doubtful boons the following official circular was issued:
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, Office of Third Assistant Postmaster General, Div. of Postage Stamps, St'ped Envelopes & Postal Cards.
The Department is prepared to furnish upon application, at face value, specimens of adhesive postage stamps issued under its auspices as follows: