The three-cents value was issued to pay for the forward letter rate. Prior to the issuance of the three-cents value, the 2 + 1 cent War Tax stamp was used for this purpose. (See Postal Rates.)
A later change in postal rates required three cents for the payment of the first ounce (28.3g) on domestic first class letters, requiring the change in colour from brown to carmine per the conventions of the Universal Postal Union.
Note: Colours in this electronic medium are very difficult to reproduce with accuracy and what is seen is often dependent on individual colour settings and monitor capabilities. For a more accurate depiction of colours, readers are advised to consult catalogues or works such as Hans Reiche's Admiral Colour Identification. (See References.)
Updated: 11 Oct 97