Help Needed On Two Stamps

I found a few stamps in a small collection. I am not sure if the previous owner labeled them correctly. Could anybody help?

Welcome.
Yes, there are plenty of good folks in this community who can help. You can start by posting a few images/specific questions and others will jump in and assist you. If you are unsure of how to post images please let us know.
Don

How to post the images? New to here.

I know in most cases, they are probably worthless. But just want make sure.

Thanks for the image.
Misidentification of this stamp (Scott 579) is common. With any less common stamps it is important to verify the correct identification and this often requires a good understanding of details. Approach with an open mind and start by learning as much as you can.

This particular stamp was issued over the span of many years, a 'workhorse' for the postage using public. Over the long production span, several varieties were released, some common and some not common. You might start on this webpage
http://www.stampsmarter.com/1847usa...ntifier.html
as an overview of the different types. The site has much more info if you poke around on it.

Do you have a perforation gauge and do you know how to determine the perforations on a stamp?
Don

That might be a 579, assuming all the perfs are genuine. Usually it's the perf 11 sides that are faked.

Don,

Thanks! I do have a meter to measure the perf. I will read the article you recommended. I am specialized in China stamps and recently want to start collecting US classic stamps. Do you know what book is good for someone like me?

Thanks again!

Looks like the perf 11 sides are the vertical sides, correct?

Any opinion on the other stamp J30? :)

No, the horizontal sides. 11x10 perfs. Horizontal perfs are always given first in measurements.

The image is on it's side, obviously it must be turned correctly.

J30 flunks also - it is perf 11 (not 12)