Two 5c Tj Review

These two don't seem to meet the color criteria for #67. What Scott's number are they? They are in vf condition(I believe).

Kosmet,

Once again, I'll have trouble identifying the exact shades of these two stamps, but they are either #75 or #76(most likely). If 76, they are $150ea. 75 (red/brown shade) would be $500.

Have you checked for grills? All of the stamps in this 1861 series were issued with grills at a later date and are worth considerably more with them. It's always prudent to carefully check as they may be faint.

Brian

By far, I am no expert on these classic stamps, but in all fairness I don't think either copy would qualify as in VF condition.

The stamp on the left is not centered well enough for a VF rating (even though there is quite a range of forgiveness for such classic issues that don't come well centered). There are also a couple of perf problems on the right side (one toward the top; two toward the bottom).

The second stamp on the right has a tear at the perf on the bottom right, as well as some short or pulled perfs at the top and upper left of the stamp.

They still have value, I'm sure, but these minor faults do detract from the VF rating of the stamps in terms of what it's resale value may be on the market.

Of course, expertizing them is the one sure way of grading them properly.

I have checked for grills, and can not detect any.

I also think that the choices are #75 & #76, or #76 & #76a

Very difficult to tell. The actual first one has a tannish tint to the paper that doesn't show up well on the scan.

WT1, thanks for the input on condition. I'll note on my records that they a fine, not vf?

Kosmet,

If you have a Scott catalogue available, the criteria for grading is listed in the preface and examples are given. This is critical to the valuation of any classic stamp as prices vary wildly based on centering alone.

In this case, both of your stamps have perforations touching the design on at least one side. As such, these would grade no better than fine (assuming they are sound).

Brian

<< This is a VF 76. VF for this issue, mind you-all.

My call is both of these are 76s, Kosmet, BICBW. I can say for certain they're not 67 or 76a, however. Russ schooled me about the 76a a while back, the black brown is really and unmistakably black.

The Swedish Tiger shows the color difference to an okay degree, but not great. The 75 really does have a lot of red in it.

The 67 is "buff" which is about the color of chamois.

edit: fix Swedish Tiger tag

I must know, Otto ... is the example you are using for your avatar one from your own collection? If so, very nice!

Yup, it's one of my own. Thanks, Riley!

Here you go kosmet in order


#67



#67a



#67b



#75



#76



#76a



And #95
Hope this helps
Ron