Can These Be R161..r198..r279..?

here are 3 stamps that I have been looking to identify...
i think they are all used.
tell me your thoughts.
and please tell me the more current listed values if you please will..
i think I will be getting a more up to date scotts very soon.

thanks for all your help.

dan

[ r161 ] too bad it is so off centered


[ r198 ] I am fairly certain it is not watermarked



[ r279 ]

Based on my 2002 Scott Specialized Catalog, the first scan (R161) has a used value of $7.50, however, due to it being severely off center and roulette perfs imposing on the left side of the image, it would have a negative effect on value.

The second scan is either a R198 (Watermark 190) or an R209 (Watermark 191). As I understand it there is no unwatermarked versions of this stamp, so it will be important to identify the correct watermark in order to determine value. If Watermark 190 (R198) the used value could be $30; if Watermark 191 (R209) the used value is catalog minimum 20 cents. The manuscript cancel is common for that stamp, however, the straight edge at the bottom would negatively impact its value.

The third scan is R279 with a MNH value of $95 or a used value of $30. There is no way to tell from your scan whether or not your example is with original gum or just an uncancelled stamp without gum, which would change its value. Also the poor centering and the short perfs on top will also need to be considered as that, too, would detract from its "catalog" value.

i still think that they are a nice find...i have very little invested in all three of these stamps.
they came in a lot I purchased years ago

Certainly is a nice find! All Revenue Stamps have a certain quality about them, such as fine intricate designs and engraving techniques that traditional postage stamps seem to lack. Many of the lower denominations are also available at reasonable cost, which is a plus for the collector on a budget, however, for the true specialists there are a number of varieties and high value examples that can easily run into the thousands of dollars.

i get upset with myself...i had some interesting revenues I had to sell about 2 years ago...i still have some others.