This 12 cent orange stamp was issued in 1919 by the United States Postal Agency in Shanghai for use by American citizens and government personnel stationed in China’s treaty ports. It features the overprint “SHANGHAI / CHINA / 12¢” in black applied to the 12¢ denomination from the Washington-Franklin definitive series. Printed by gravure with line perforation 11, the stamp exemplifies the dual-currency and extraterritorial postal system that operated under international treaty agreements during the early 20th century. The orange portrait of George Washington, used as a recurring motif in U.S. postage, symbolized republican leadership and continuity. This issue is catalogued as Michel US-CN 6, Scott US K6, Yvert et Tellier CN-US 6, and Stanley Gibbons US-CN 6. The stamp reflects both American diplomatic presence in Asia and the practical adaptations of U.S. postal policy abroad. Condition Mint hinged with original gum, strong color, centered with full overprint. Estimate "$90-120"