When You Can't Afford The Stamp

Go for the proof.

Scott's 122P3 (India Paper)



Just realized, I matched my avatar.

I agree. Proofs are great alternative stand-ins for us mere mortal collectors.

Also makes a nice accompaniment to the real deal, especially in the case of the more mundane/common issues.

Yours is a very handsome example.

Out of curiosity, since I haven't really delved into the world of proofs much, how would you describe the margins on yours? I think if this were an imperf stamp the margins could be described as jumbo, but on a proof I'm led to believe that such wide margins would be considered usual or expected.

Hey its Honest Abe..if they shot him back then,you can imagine what they would do today !

That's a superb proof stallzer.

The Lincoln stamp is one of my three most favourite US stamps,
the other two being the $1 Cattle in the Storm and the Black Jack.

Hopefully in my next life I will own all three.

that proof would be rated as XF.. it is perfectly centered with wide margins.