Scott 65 With Lines In Ul Margin.

There are 2 distinct lines pointed out by the green arrows near the UL corner. Is this a known variety or a misplaced entry?

This issue has not been studied intensively (I believe mostly because it is seen as a common stamp). They look like scratches on the plate.

Here is a little better look at the marks.

I'll agree with scratched plate. I like the stamp, it's a neat item.

Bear in mind that Brookman estimates that 1,782,000,000 3c 61s were printed and 25 plates (at least) of 200 subjects each were used to print them. I am sure that there's lots of plate varieties on these guys that haven't been studied closely. In fact, it's been, to my perception, only rather recently that the 3 cent 1861s are really starting to be closely studied by students of classic US stamps. Bear in mind that roughly 1.8 BILLION of these were printed as opposed to roughly 450 million of the 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 12c, 15c, 24c, 30c and 90c COMBINED. Plus, unlike the Toppan, Carpenter 3c issues of 1851-1857 the quality of these was so much better that there's no plate varieties or reentries, recutting, etc for collectors to get all excited about.

Thanks for the info and confirmation, Bill. It's always a good day wen an expert philatelist agrees with my take on things.

What expert? Me? :D

I just know a few things about certain 61s, that's all :)

Here's a very similar scratch (upper right):

Nice! I like scratches.

The U.S.P.C.S. says on their website,"Plate varieties, such as double transfers and cracks are difficult to find because the National Bank Note Co. performed high quality work, but a few examples can be found with a good magnifying glass and a lot of patience. Printing varieties are also uncommon, but the occasional smear or short printing can be found." I am assuming from this statement that plate scratches would also be difficult to find. Is there any catalog value for a Scott 65 with a plate scratch? What would a stamp like the two above be worth?

I would say scarce.

So no cat. value?

My 2008 Scott does not have a value for items with plate scratches or other anomalies. Usually such listings are used for anomalies that were repeated over some time. As these were corrected almost instantly when caught, many of them will be almost unique. It does list a value for double-impression though.

About $1 each. If it's not a constant variety it will not be listed therefore it's market rate for a 65.

So you think those 2 lines make the stamp worth $150.00 ?

In a world where used off-center 65's are worth paying $10 it fits.

If I could get $10 each for my off centered 65's I'd sell them all in a New York minute.