The Abraham Lincoln Wing part of the Peter Schwartz Collection

Type "P"
5-cent Stamped Paper Die Proofs

Turner Proof Type P(b), Trial Color Proof in Black on Card

Printed in black, the die proof above reveals all the intricacies of the design, including the clever use of miniature numeral 5's as a design element. This trial color proof is likely the color used to proof the design, for it's doubtful that the engraver could scrutinize his work (or have the IRS commission approve the design) were it printed in the issued color of hard-to-see orange (see below). A similar Turner-listed item, Proof Type P(a), in black, with handwritten approval signature and date (May 31, 1865) corroborates this idea.

This 5c Lincoln design is most often found printed in various shades of orange upon stock certificates, railroad scrip, and other then taxable documents. In particular, the orange colored stamps were imprinted on document blanks over which the text of the document would be printed in black (highly contrasting ink). Orange was likely chosen for its low color contrast with the colors of overprinted text or handwritten manuscript. Pictured below are examples of an orange die proof, and an uncirculated railroad scrip note with the 5c imprint.

According to Kimber A. Wald's 1983 American Philatelic Congress Yearbook article, A Centennial Survey of the United States Civil War Revenue Stamped Paper Issues, 1865 - 1883, the stamp was also printed in green, brown, yellow, and red. If you are a collector of revenue-stamped paper, I highly recommend adding this Congress book to your personal philatelic library.

Type P Die Proof in orange on card

An uncirculated One Dollar South Carolina Rail Road Scrip Certificate with Type P imprint in orange. Click on the image of the scrip note to see an enlarged view.