USA postage stamp

50-cent George Washington "Life Insurance" Revenue Stamp from the United States. Specifically, this is from the First Issue of U.S. revenue stamps, which were printed between 1862 and 1871 to help fund the American Civil War. Key Details • Identification: This is likely Scott#R59(green). • Purpose: During the mid-19th century, the U.S. government placed taxes on various legal and commercial documents. Stamps like this one were required to be affixed to life insurance policies to prove the tax had been paid. • Design: It features a portrait of George Washington, flanked by "United States Inter. Revenue" and the specific use "Life Insurance" at the bottom.