Does Scott 375B Exist Used?

Is it possible that the darker stamp here is a 375b (lake)? It's perf 12 with a single line watermark. The stamp on the right is certified as a regular 375 (carmine).

Is the 375b even known used? I didn't see any used 375b stamps on the Philatelic Foundation searchable database.

I'm sure there's some of the experts out here who know the history of this stamp - thanks in advance!

Matt

Hi matttodd1 and all others
This stamp also confuses me, there are so many colour variations. These are just some I have tried to sort into the varying colours. Maybe some-one out there should print a colour chart just for this issue.
Regards
Horamakhet

Horamakhet I too have about 200 and can't tell one from the other so I just threw them all in a bag as a give away for someone just starting to collect stamps. The same with the Green I cent stamps that all look alike. I figure I'll put a couple of each shade in each bag of stamps I give away to get rid of them. Of course I've kept a few of each shade also in case I should ever get so bored I would want to sit down and study or try to sort/figure them out. I honestly don't think that is ever going to happen though.

Not sure about the actual issue being know used or not but if right side is certified carmine (and definatly scans as carmine) The left is more than just a deep carmine. Lake is a touchy color especially since it usually jumps values up so high. Be interesting to see what others have to say.

I think William Weiss gives an opinion at a very reasonable cost. You might google him and check his fees.

Thanks for the comments so far. As near as I can tell, the 375b was printed using the ink intended for the postage due issues in use at the time.

I have sent things to Bill in the past for a quick opinion. In this case I might send it straight to the Philatelic Foundation for their opinion.

Matt

Thanks for the comments so far. As near as I can tell, the 375b was printed using the ink intended for the postage due issues in use at the time.

I have sent things to Bill in the past for a quick opinion. In this case I might send it straight to the Philatelic Foundation for their opinion.

Matt

Tin man That's pretty much exactly what I been doing for months now, everyday for 6+ hours a day and find it fascinating but still very trying and still learning. It must take years of study to be able to spot certain ones. I am getting good at spotting the offsets and the flat plate from rotary but all the type-ing is frustrating but I'd still be happy to get into another pile! I am just now getting ready to pop open a baggie full of the 2¢ Washington's from the years 1923-31. Much easier but fun just the same.

Just to make this thread complete - the PF certified the stamp as an oxidized 375. The cert can be seen here:

http://pfsearch.org/pfsearch/pf_grd...lledfrom=lkp

If you want to see a nice grouping of 375B go to the following link at Siegel auctions; at the catalogue # enter 375B and hit return. You'll find 375B with prices.

http://www.siegelauctions.com/lot_l...sionvars=yes

As for the history, "Through an error at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing a small quantity of these stamps (375) were printed from Lake colored ink of the same shade as the Postage Due stamps, it is an extremely rare shade."

The quote appears in the second paragraph, top page 190, "THE STAMPS OF THE 20th CENTURY 1901-1922", Volume I - Revised; Max G. Johl; copyright 1937; H.L. Lindquist, N.Y.

Hope that helps.

Hal