All varieties of the SIX CENTS red exist only on Knife 3, and all those of the SIX CENTS green only on Knife 2. The former is a newcomer and was styled "Official, Size 7". On account of its size (221 × 98 mm.) the envelope did not meet with much favor, and to-day it is difficult to find a cancelled specimen in fine condition. In accordance with the instructions of the Post Office the envelope should have been folded so that the right side flap overlapped the left, but this rule was not strictly adhered to, so that many collectors possess specimens with the opposite folding.
Narrow labels with straight ends. 8-1/2 loops on the left; 9 loops on the right.
This die appeared in April, 1855. Its issuance is due to an Act of Congress of March 3, 1855, which fixed the letter rate for transportation over 3000 miles at 10 cents.
HEAD XV: VAR. I:--Letters of "TEN" about equally spaced. "T" slants back and is somewhat nearer the left label than "N" to the right. "CE" close: "NT" near, and the top of the latter above "N". "S" closer to curve than "C". Frequently a little white line runs out from the left ornamental scrollwork a short distance above "C".
Very wide upper label (measuring horizontally 24-1/2 mm.) with straight ends.
HEAD XIX: VAR I:--A short fine eyebrow extends upward from the end of the nose. Another short, but much heavier one, is attached to the corner of the eye. Two fine, short side-locks commence a little distance from the heavy eyebrow and finish just above the ear-lobe. There is a double row of five short and heavy locks, while the queue is continued from the lowest lock in the back row. The garment at the back has three folds.
"TEN" near, but "N" nearer to right label than "T" to the left. Letters of "CENT" closely spaced, but "S" some distance from "T".
A REFERENCE LIST OF ENTIRE ENVELOPES OF THE SERIES OF 1853 TO 1855.
No.[C] Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks. 1 W 2 3 139 × 83 Seal. 2 B 2 3 " " "
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks. 3 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal. 4 B 2 3 " " " " "
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks. 5 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal. 6 B 2 3 " " " " "
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks. 7 W 1 1 120 × 73 Plain. 8 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal. 9 B 2 3 " " " " "