Need Help-Late 1890's US Ben Franklin 1c

If anyone can tell me anything about this stamp that would be great. As far as I can tell, it's either 1897 or 1898, Scott No. 279.
How can I be sure what year it is? How can I tell if it is real or a forgery?

Sorry for the terrible picture quality.

Welcome kmb146.
Yes your picture leaves a lot to be desired, but it's pretty obvious what stamp it is. The options will rely on the water mark. It is either a SC#279 issued in 1898 with a horizontal watermark or a SC279a issued in 1902 with a vertical watermark. The 279a is rarer, so chances are it is the 279. This stamp comes in dark green, green, yellow green or dark yellow green. I won't begin to try to figure out which yours is, but they are all the same value. $9 mint or $.50 used (2008 prices).
Why would you suspect this stamp of being a forgery?

I appreciate the help! Where do I look for the watermark? I don't have any real reason to believe it's a possible forgery, but I was curious if there are any ways of determining if it were one. Thanks again.

Hello kmb146. Welcome.

To see the watermark, place the stamp face down in a black tray. Add a few drops of watermark fluid. The water mark should be visible as darkened letters --Either U, S, P, or S. The letters on this issue are described as "double line" since they are written as a doubled outline of the letter.

Some people use the lighter fluid "Ronsonol" as a substitute for watermark fluid. It is a lot cheaper, but since it is flammable you have to use care and also use it in a well ventilated place.

Rarely, you can hold the stamp up to a bright light and see the watermark. I have found that this seldom works on US stamps, although I have had more success with British and other nationalities by this method.

A stamp catalog (Scott, and perhaps Stanley Gibbons) from you local library will have illustrations of watermarks.

Good luck and welcome again---Ron