15 October 1862 Paris, France to New York City. 15¢ due rate handstamp applied at New York

New York exchange datestamp includes the 15¢ postage due for an unpaid singe rate letter from France.

1862 Dawley’s envelope for 15¢ in postage and 1861 Issue 12¢ and 3¢ unused stamps

In the summer of 1862 the shortage of coins resulted in postage stamps being declared legal tender. Manufacturers such as T. R. Dawley of New York City produced small envelopes to house the postage stamps. Redemption of postage stamps began in December, 1862 and by the time redemption was terminated on January 20, 1863 a total of over $205,000 had been redeemed by the New York City Post Office.