United States Attached Pair #148 Or #148 & 170

my name is Wesley. I am retired, living in washington state. I have collected since 1953 and collect worldwide but more interest in u.s. and british including queen Victoria covers. in my buys I ran into an interesting u.s attached pair. on the back one stamp has written 148 and the other 170. the two stamps are different color variations. yes they are hinged on the back together but looking close it seems to me attached naturally. probably not #170 as former collector had put since those are very rare but still interesting and I would appreciate other collectors opinions

Good morning, Wesley, and welcome to SCF!

The US 148 and 170 were printed by two different companies, 5 years apart (National and Continental Bank Note Companies, respectively). Therefore, it would not be possible to have an attached pair. Additionally, the Continental Bank Note printings (including the 1875 reprints - numbers 167-177) are slightly modified to include a "secret mark" on the lower value stamps and can easily be distinguished from the earlier printings.

Finally, the 1875 reprints are easily identified by their paper type, were issued without gum, and almost all are unused. There are no known used copies of 170.

Now back to your pair of 6c Lincolns - Do you have a picture? We can help verify what exactly they are, since there were 4 major printings (and two special printings), it is also possible that the previous owner misidentified the 148.

Cheers!

Brian

Where in Washington State are you? I reside in Portland.