Sometimes You Hit The Jackpot.

I recently purchased this US #68 for the preprint fold. After I received it, I saw that it had a grill. The grill, although not so clear in the scan is much more obvious on the actual stamp. On the back scan, the left side of the grill goes through the paper fold. It measures 9x13mm, so that makes it a #96. My cost including shipping was only $2.49.

A 68 with pre-print paper fold sells for $25-50 depending on how dramatic the fold is. The grill makes this one a real gem. Grats!

Brian

Which proves my contention, there are occasionally HUGE bargains found in the online auctions. Some folks say, "No way!"

Yes, I agree with you doug; I have gotten a number of incredible deals from online auctions, often at 5% and less of catalog price such as this purchase.

I did not know what pre-print paper folds went for on a 68, so thanks for that info, Brian.

btw, until I scanned the high dpi of the front, I did not notice the thin diagonal white line through the top right oval with "10". It does not appear to be a crease so I wonder if it has anything to do with the pre-print fold. Any ideas?

Very striking, nice. Good deal too, yummy.

Maybe that white line in the corner is another fold? Looks like where a crease would be from a corner folding over though, although it is curved and looks great on the back.

Can you scan the area in a higher resolution? At a glance, it appears to be a plate crack, but until I get a better look, I can't be sure.

Brian

OK Brian, I'll get to it shortly (as long as my finicky scanner co-operates).

Here you go. I hope these are helpful.
Marty







Here is a higher dpi image

Congratulations! It's a beaut!

Wow great score! Hats off to you friend!

That corner zoom looks more like a crease that has been soaked and pressed out to me.

I'm inclined to agree with Puzzler. Have you dipped the stamp in watermark fluid yet? That should confirm or rule out a crease.

the corner has been torn off and another corner placed on it.

i just looked up my vf 96.. I had gotten it for 30.00, so, yeah, deals are to be had.

For this to be true, it would have to be the best repair ever made. The back shows no signs of a tear, discoloration from adhesive, or disturbance in that corner.

It's either a pressed out crease (most likely), something on the paper during printing (a hair?), or a really clean plate crack.

The first two will have little effect on the value of this rarity. If this were a plate crack, it could add value to the stamp.

Brian

Wow nice find. I hope I get lucky with an online auction as well.