1867 Benjamin Franklin Stamp

I recently found a 1867 Ben Franklin stamp. I know that this stamp could be worth a lot of money if it has the z-grill. The stamp has a pattern of squares on the back. How do you tell if this pattern is a z-grill?

Thank you

By counting the rows and columns and or points. First measure the "Grill" (Thats what the points are called) the "Z" grill will measure 11X14mm and be 13to 14 X 18 points. If you can provide a high resolution scan of the front and rear of the stamp and post a picture here, someone can verify the Grill type.

The best thing to do is post a clear scan of the stamp and we can help you. A "Z" grill will have a grill pattern that is 13 to 14 point X 18 point and is very easy to recognize. Here is a scan of the 85b 2c Jackson.

One of the leading experts at certifying Stamps (Bill Weiss) offered up this tip for identifying Grills easier.

Use Graphite. Take a pencil and grind some of the lead off on a piece of paper by running the pencil back and forth on the paper using the side of the lead. After doing this there should be a little pile or gathering of Graphite dust. Take your finger tip and pick up some of the loosened graphite and rub lightly across the back of the Stamp over the grill. By transferring the Graphite from finger tip to Stamp it will fill in the areas making the Grill points easier to count and identify.

Bottom line, is that it won't be a Z-Grill, but even so, a #86 or a #92 are both elusive, tough stamps, missing from most US collections-- so an "E" grill or an "F" grill ain't so bad either! Ray

If it is a z it should have 18 points going down if it has 17 it's a e grill

But what I would say is it is most Likly a e grill because there are only 2 known Copys with z grills

IS THERE A PICTURE OF THE FRONT OF THIS STAMP?

Why are you yelling at us ?

0k bono1990, glad to have you here with us and now you have really piqued my curiosity. Do you have a picture or have you counted the grill. Here I sit with baited breath waiting to see what you have. good luck and welcome again - jeff

I do not have a scanner but I am working on getting a picture up very soon. Thank you for your help. I know it is wishful thinking to hope that the stamp is a z-grill haha.

the grill only has 17 points going down