Color Varieties

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Links		 Experts have identified no less than 11 distinct, primary color varieties of the 1851-57 3-cent imperforate stamp of the United States, with dozens of sub-varieties.  The images in the chart below briefly summarize the progression of color in the approximately 5-year, 8-month span of the imperforate issue.

Every effort has been taken to reproduce the colors of the actual stamps for on-screen viewing.  All of the stamps below were scanned at the identical scanner settings.  However, this color chart is provided for contrast comparison only, and should not be used for side-by-side comparison with actual stamps for color classification.  Variations in scanners, monitors, and room light make it nearly impossible to accurately relay stamp colors through this forum.  First-hand examination and comparison of stamps is a must in this delicate subject of color study.

 
1851 Orange Brown 1851 Experimental Orange Brown
Approximate Period of Distribution: Jul - Dec 1851

Printed from Plates: 0, 1e, 1i, 2e, and 5e

Details

 Approximate Period of Distribution: Oct - Nov 1851

Printed from Plate: 1L

Details
1852 and 1857 Yellow Brown 1852 and 1856 Brownish Carmine
Approximate Periods of Distribution: 

Printed from Plates:  1L, 2L, and 3 ( 1852), 2L, 3, 4, 5L, 6, 7, 8 (1856 - 1857)

Details

 Approximate Periods of Distribution: Nov 1851 - Nov 1852, Jul 1856 - Dec 1856, and  Jul 1857 - Dec 1857

Printed from Plates: 1L, 2L, and 3 (1851 - 1852), 2L, 3, 4, 5L, 6, 7, 8 (1856 - 1857)

Details

1852  and 1857 Claret

Late 1852 Claret
Approximate Periods of Distribution: Nov 1851 - Dec 1852 and Oct 1856 - Jun 1857

Printed from Plates: 1L, 2L, and 3 (1851 - 1852), 2L, 3, 4, 5L, 6, 7, 8 (1856 - 1857)

Details

 Approximate Period of Distribution: Dec 1852

Printed from Plates: 1L, 2L, and 3

Details
1852-53 Dull Red 1853-55 Rose Red
Approximate Period of Distribution: Oct 1852 - Dec 1853

Printed from Plates: 1L, 2L, and 3

Details

 Approximate Period of Distribution: Mar 1853 - Jan 1855

Printed from Plates: 1L, 2L, and 3

Details 
1853-55 Rose Red/Bright 1854-56 Orange Red
Approximate Period of Distribution: Mar 1853 - Jan 1855

Printed from Plates: 1L, 2L, and 3

Details

 Approximate Period of Distribution: Dec 1854 - Jan 1856

Printed from Plates: 1L, 2L, 3, 4, and 5L

Details 
1855-56 Yellowish Rose Red (pale & yellowish) 1855-56 Yellowish Rose Red (medium & deep)
Approximate Period of Distribution: Nov 1855 - Jan 1856

Printed from Plates: 4, 5L, 6, 7, and 8

Details

 Approximate Period of Distribution: Nov 1855 - Jan 1856

Printed from Plates: 4, 5L, 6, 7, and 8

Details
1857 Rose Brown 1857 Claret/Deep
Approximate Period of Distribution: Late 1856 through 1857

Printed from Plates: 2L, 3, 4, 5L, 6, 7, and 8

Details

 Approximate Period of Distribution: 1857

Printed from Plates: 2L, 3, 4, 5L, 6, 7, and 8

Details
1857 Claret/Purplish 1857 Plum
Approximate Period of Distribution: 1857

Printed from Plates: 2L, 3, 4, 5L, 6, 7, and 8

Details

 Approximate Period of Distribution: 1857

Printed from Plates: 2L, 3, and 4

Details

 

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