Follow Up On 386 Mnh Coil Pair

Russ,

This is the best I can do for close up images of the 386 MNH pair I purchased a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, there is a gum disturbance in the top, right corner of one of the stamps. If these check out, I will keep them as the centering on this pair is nearly perfect and I paid only $91 for items with a total cat value of $500 (1 pristine, MNH 386. 1 Mint 386 with GD. 1 Mint pair 385)

On the initial pics I saw nothing that would indicate that it was not genuine. The biggest give-aways on these are normally the perfs. Scotts calls these perf 12, and Kiusalas called it 12-66 but actually it is 12-66.25 (perf 11.885).
Big recommendation, USE THE RIGHT PERF GAUGE! This is the gauge I use.
http://www.slingshotvenus.com/stamp...tyPerf5.html
Real big thing here is that the 386 is not common but it is not real rare. This stamp should always be approached with caution to ensure that you are getting the stamp you paid for.

EDIT: The only thing I saw that was really a concern is the top stamp on 386 original post (with guide line) is the 3rd perf hole from the right on the top. The resolution was not good enough to really say it was a problem. I always closely check the perfs on all the rarer coils.

Russ,

I have been looking for that gauge/link for a long time. Couldn't find it at any show and I couldn't remember what the gauge was called so I just forgot about it. Thanks for the link, I just ordered mine.

artlaunier, this gauge is a must for serious U.S. collectors. I'm sure you will find it useful

Russ,

Just got the new gauge in! WOW, if I can't figure out what I have now (except for colors) then I'm in big trouble. I need to clean off a work space and start checking what's in my albums. I always thought that I had done a pretty good job in that but with this new gauge I'm going to be positive.

Art

The Sonic Imagery Labs multigauge has 11-72.5 which is a measurement that Kiusalas does not have which replaces 11-73 which some have said does not exist. Others have suggested 12-66.5 for some early U.S. stamps in addition to 12-66.

Really stupid question here...

I don't understand how you'd use that gauge if Scott doesn't describe perfs in these formats:

"12-66.25"
"11.885"

How would you identify the stamp?


-IBFS