One Cent Type I Help For Classication

Doug2222 has already disclaimered himself from this discussion, but did call attention to Stanley Ashbrook's 1938 book.

This is what I am looking at.

Thank you all I do not know how to thank you, I'm doing research on research through the internet very difficult to categorize I can not find, in fact this secret mark is found only on the types 4 I must certify, on Monday morning I try to contact the linked philately see what they tell me , thank you simone

Other reason this can not be #5 Type I is that there is no double transfer, which is very obvious on the Type I.

I really think from the color and impression that this is a proof. It could also be a large stamp, trimmed, #40, but that's not really a possibility. It won't be a Plate 12 trimmed-perf stamp either, because it's way too big for that.

Sorry-- this one isn't going to put anyone's child through college!

Hope this helps, Ray

this site might help?
http://www.slingshotvenus.com/Frank...75_Main.html

http://www.slingshotvenus.com/Frank...75_Main.html

It appears that he did not like anyone's advice from SCF and went and listed it as a #5 anyways. Some bidders have it up over $1,000 and some buyer is going to be very disappointed. Did the question he posted originate from one of the members here ?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-CENT-FRAN...em20d186d944

This seller also has a #318 listed. Doubtful it is a #318--natural straight edge on top and you can see a portion of the guide line where the sheet was cut. May have the perfs. trimmed off the bottom. No mention of a Cert.

I noticed the listing yesterday. I wonder if the bidders are real.

The stamp is a #40Pa. There is zero chance that it is a trimmed Scott #18. Not sure if it is genuinely used. I wouldn't mind having it at a price less than what has already been bid.

Sinclair, is that a secret mark I see in the left oval ? If it is am I understanding Neinken correctly that it is only found on Plates 11, 12 and Proofs ?

Yes, it is the same "secret mark" or "cancellation dot" that is on Plate 11 and 12 stamps. It can also be found on the Scott #40, 1875 reprint. The dot was added to the die before Plates 11 and 12 were made and shows up on everything printed afterwords.