Question On US Scott 65 (Or One That Looks Like It)???

Hi,
I have what is very likely a US Scott #65 3cent stamp. In looking thru the Scotts Specialized book, that same design is also on #s 64, 79, 83, 83, 85, 85c, 88, 94, and 104.

All but a couple of the possibilities are either with grills or very rare. As the stamp does not appear to have a grill, and I paid relatively little for it (got it in a batch of 9), it is likely # 65.

My problem is, all of the above stamps are called "rose" in color. This stamp is more like a faded red/brown.

Is there another possibility that I am missing, or is this just a matter of fading of the original rose color?

Thank you !!

If it's Red / Brown than it's a 65, unless there is a grill on the back. You could always post a picture of it here if you want to be sure.

Thank you Stallzer, you confirmed what I thought. The problem with a pic is the color just isn't a true reproduction.

It should be close enough to either confirm or deny that it's something valuable.

I am having trouble with Photobucket (like so many others) and can't even get a photo accessed. I've used it for year for my model trains and the "trains" website, but lately its been filled with virus & operational problems. What other photo website do you all use?

In any case, I've come to the conclusion that the stamp is indeed a #65.

Thanks all!

I'm not sure if these scans would be of any help but I'll post them just the same.

Also, I'm currently in possession of a slew of actual pinks (Thank you Ray) and can scan and post if you wish?

#65


#88 (grill present)

Oh man, what fabulous pictures!! Yes, mine are obviously 65s.

Thank you so much! I knew when I joined this Forum that it was the place to be.

ENJOY !!

Mobilman44

mobileman you couldn't be any more correct about these folks! They are the smartest and most interesting people I have ever "met" and I'm proud to be in their company! It only gets better too!

I am in a similar position as the OP. This is not grilled and is nothing like my 65's, my 64a, or grilled like my 79. Problematically, it looks even browner in real life. I am its 3rd owner. I can trace its full life but it still doesn't mean its a 104. Any opinions. I am planning on sending for expertising but really don't want to look like a total idiot.

Thank you for any assistance you can suggest.

Re: your 104.
Couple of things to look for:
1 - the stamps were reissued in 1875 and were supposedly not valid for postage. Later, at least one stamp dealer chose to test this by putting them on covers and mailing them. All of the used copies of these stamps have later cancellations. You can go to www.siegelauctions.com , use their "Power search," for 104 used and you'll see the known cancellations. The one on the above stamp is contemporary to the 1860s.
2 - the paper for the reissues is white. Can't tell from the scan, but if you put the reissue next to a 65, you'll be able to tell the papers apart.
3 - obviously, the reissues don't have grills (not that yours does, but figured I'd say it anyway).
4 - the reissues are generally very well centered. They made new plates for these and increased the spacing to allow for the perforations.

Hope that helps (but sorry about your lack of windfall).
C.

jfkavanagh, your's is a #65. As Chip states, the cancel isn't contemporary to the 1875 time period. The impression isn't as sharp as the reprints either. Your scan is a bit dark so its hard to see, but I think the stamp is a bit sulfurated causing the color to appear darker than it was when printed.

mobilman44 and jfkavanagh, check this web site to see many (but not all) the color variations associated with the 3-cent 1861-1868 Washingtons: www.3cent1861.com That's Jack Daley's site. He and Mike McClung are two of the best on identifying this issue for color. Ray.Mac is get pretty good at it too!

I always felt the paper on this #65 was brighter then all the rest. But it doesn't seem brown enough to be a #104. I think this stamp would really be nice if it wasn't for the top right perfs. I still enjoy the centering and wide side margins.

Speaking of paper types I have a (design A49) 10¢ banknote with super thick and the whitest white paper I have ever seen and not sure what to make of it. I'll make it's own post but as far as paper types go it's an oddity.

One thing to remember - they printed 2 billion of this design, over 7 years, during a war, by hand, without electricity, on ink they mixed up every day by hand. There will be variations.

Another thing to remember - they only sold about 500 of the reprints and only a small percentage of them were used.

Thanks for all of the great help. Truly appreciate the advice, effort, and suggested website. Now, same thing, I am about to submit this one as a 64a (pigeon blood) but want to make sure of the cancelation range and shade before spending $35 on a $10 stamp.

Sorry...not pigeon blood.
Save the money....$$$