Trying To Learn

I see that there are variations to this stamp, #65, #79 & #83. Grills? How can ID this? I picked it up at a garage sale with a book of many stamps most of them in mint (wrong term?) condition. Thanks for the help.

Hello Joe, the stamp that I see is Scott#65 in average used condition. A mint stamp will not have a cancel. Have a great morning!

Ok so Mint still means Un-used. How did you know this is a 65? just want to learn. I have many neat finds in this Master stock book I purchased for $20.

Joe, the best way to learn is to get a U.S. Scott Specialized catalog and read it and also to continue asking questions on a stamp board like this one. As for me identifying your stamp, it's probably the most common of the 1860 issues.Also before you buy a catalog check your library for a copy first. The catalog's are not inexpensive.

Cool thank you.

Here is a picture of the back.

You're welcome! Nice scans BTW. On further inspection it appears that your stamp is short of a couple perfs and may have a slight tear.Just so that you know,this stamp doesn't have a high catalog value. My 2006 Scott's value is $3.00 for a copy without problems.Post more scans and I or someone else would be glad to help!!

Hi Joe,

In addition to getting a Scott Specialized catalog, and a used one a few years old (and way cheaper than new) should be fine for learning about those older stamps. Another good source for learning about USA stamps is http://www.1847usa.com/ this site is mentioned frequntly on this forum. It's very helpful for IDing USA stamps. Of course there are other websites that are helpful too.

Dave N.
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If the Stamp had a Grill it would look like this.

Thank you guys, I purchased a bunch of stamps at a traveling yard sale. There was this one gentleman who had stamps I pretty much purchased everything he had. But he still had more items. I like going around in odd areas and getting some finds. One of the items he had was a plate block book filled with just about every plate block from 1940-1969.

One of the books had this:



Which were in this:

Joe, everybody is giving you great advice, but I always recommend that beginners seek out a local stamp club. Even if you don't attend all the meetings the very reasonable dues in most cases gives you access to other collectors who love to work with newbies. We just had gentleman visit our club meeting last night to get some help with stamps he found cleaning out a house. Before leaving he was hooked and even bought a lot in our club auction.
Good luck and have fun.

@tstraz, thanks I should look into it. I have been a collector since I was eight some 42 years, life gets in the way at times but when I go out garage, yard or antiquing with the wife I always look for stamps. Just that, now I have some more time I want to dive back in to it.