HI Folks Are These All US Sramp #65? Not Again :(

Sorry folks I know this topic drags around on various posts in this forum. But yet again I find myself asking is the first stamp here a #65? The date on the cover for says 1868 for the first stamp shown here, 1862 for the second one. The other two no dates. Whilst I am sure the last 3 stamps (all similar colour) are #65 the first is much darker in colour, almost brick red colour. Is it also #65 or something else? Any ideas? Help appreciated. Thanks Duncan

Yes, they are all 65's. The 2nd one looks like it could be a #65 Rose / Pink.

The colour variations in these 1861 issued stamps is incredible. I would have sworn that the 1st one would be something else. By Rose Pink do you mean the 2nd could actually be a 64B?

Can you post a scan of the back of the first stamp? It looks to me like it has a grill.

Hi sorry can't scan the back as it is part of a cover, see image below. Thanks Duncan

The stamp definitely has a grill and is probably Scott 94 (red or rose red) but I can't count the points from the image provided.

I agree with Tom on that first one and that second looks to have pinkisk hue, but the date of use would be off for a pink color. Of course a late use of the stamp could be possible.

I Think I Count faint points about 18 on the top of his head and I mean really faint and you have to look on a certain angle. I cannot see under the CDs if there were more. There is definately a grill but hard to see, even under the magnifier! I compared to the others they don't have grills this 1st stamp does. Are we sure it could be #94? Not #88?

The cover is clearly dated 1868 here. The colour is definately miles different to the other $65's I have. And now that Tom spotted it I am leaning toward the Rose Red Colour (I know there are 55 variations). To bad the Grill is so faint. Stallzer commented that the 2nd stamp maybe Pink Rose. Scott #64 3-cent Washington Pink, #64b Rose Pink and #65 Rose. From the three stated colors how can one determine the age old color difference, i.e., is the Washington Pink lighter or darker than the Rose Pink, is the Rose darker in colour from the others? Scott #88 & Scott #94 how can you really be sure if you have E or F Grill if you have 15 - 17 points? These stamps are a real challenge to properly ID.

No we're not. It could be either. Or it could be 82, 83, 85 or 85C. The determining factor is the size of the grill.

Unfortunately, on a faint grill like yours, the only way to know for sure would be to remove the stamp from the cover.

https://goscf.com/t/14828#14828

[EDIT: I forgot the 82.]

This series of stamps are one of my favorites and I spend way too much time and money on them. I love them though and take all I can get.

The pink colors are basically an expert challenge as they are hard to determine. You could look at hundreds and hundreds and never see a true "pink", but the fun is in looking. The color variations are huge for this stamp from the first issue to the last.

I have been messing with these and still have all kinds of trouble with them. On the grill size you would need to measure the grill in mm to determine the final say on the size of the grill. Points are kind of a backup of sorts to me after measurement, but I'm learning and could be wrong on that.

Thanks for posting these as I love looking at them.

I will sleep on the thought of removing the stamp off the cover tomorrow. It maybe only selling for $5 in the end on a cover anyway. So I may have to just remove it. Good night all will check back for comments tomorrow. Here is hoping it could be an 85C but I doubt previous collectors would have over looked a stamp that valuable. Knowing my luck it is probably a $3 valued stamp.

Sorry, meant Rose/ Red. Very difficult to tell fom a scan but the 2nd and 3rd look to be the same shade.

I am still deciding if it is worth to steam off the stamp. What should the back look like if it has a grill? Can any one post some examples of backs for 82, 83, 85, 85C 88 & 94? Also how about the stain damage top right, would this not reduce the stamp value in any case?

Before you remove the stamp you could try using thin aluminum foil. The cheaper stuff is usually much thinner. Press it onto the stamp and see if the grill impression shows through and makes is easier to count the points. I have never done it but it might work. It is done for some other things.

I have found the best way to count grill points is to shine light on the stamp at an oblique angle in a darkened room. The key is to eliminate all light other than that coming from a low angle. Try it.

Here is a C grill (Scott 83) -- I can't show the back because it is on cover.



Here is front and back of an E grill (Scott 88).



Here is an F grill (Scott 94).