US #1 On Ebay

Can anyone tell me if this is a real number one?



It's pretty much the only reason I would bid on this auction http://www.ebay.com/itm/Voracious-U...em5894f3068f

I am not an expertiser, but I believe it is real. The material stuck to the bank of the stamp, though is worrisome. Also worrisome is that high opening bid. I will not advise you, but you can be sure I will not be bidding on it.

Thanks for the quick reply Smauggie. Yes I saw the stuff on the back which has me hesitating. Also there appears to be a small tear in the upper left near the "U". I am debating this purchase despite the faults because I don't have a number one at the moment =) but your advice is very sound =)

It appears real to me, also. But, the other 1,000 or so stamps may be about a penny each. So that covers $10.00 of the asking price which means he's asking $280.00 for that #1 which is high for it's condition. Without seeing much more about it, I'd give it about $150.00 or so myself. $280 is too much in my opinion.

Looks like it has some major faults. I don't think I have seen a #1 that translucent before, seems to be really thin towards the top margin.

With the exception of the #1, all of the other material appears to be used copies of relatively modern issues so the lot's value is mainly linked to the #1. You've got time to ask the seller for a scan of the back and I'd recommend that you do so if you're seriously contemplating a bid.

Here's a larger view of the face of the stamp -- the upper right corner appears to have issues and a scan of the back should help clarify that.

Thanks guys. I knew that if I bid on this it would only have been for the number one. Your comments have been taken into consideration and I do not believe that I will be bidding on this. This is actual the second time that the seller is posting this...I watched it previously and there were no takers so now that he dropped the starting price I was contemplating wading into the pool but I guess I shall wait a bit longer.

This stamp is a pass. Firstly it is a roecy auction which should always be avoided.
Second, the stamp has major faults. a thin at top right. a tear and thin at top left, and what looks like a tear after the you in the top left corner... stay away form this stamp..

There are many bargains to be had on #1's, you can get a good one from 250-300.