Another Possible #10

I'm sorry to do this. It's reported to be a #10, but it doesn't have a certificate. Using the limited literature I have and Steve Rueckers web pages, I've tried to plate it. Hoping it might match some early usage 1,2 or 5 plates or the 0 plate. I just get cross eyed. Not sure it can be ID'd using this picture.

Any input would be appreciated.



*** Edited by Staff to add images to post. ***

1 - it violates my "no hair, no 10" rule, so I'd not even consider it
2 - it violates my "no cancellation after Jan 1, 1852" rule, so I'd not even consider it
3 - it violates my "it better scream orange brown" rule, so I'd not even consider it
4 - it violates my "don't buy ugly stamps rule, so I'd not even consider it (regardless of whether it was a 10 or 11)

One man's opinion. Feel free to ignore.

On the other hand, even if it is a later print from one of the early plates and therefore "qualifies" as a Scott #10, why would you put your money into an example like this that you will always compare to any better one that comes along, will always be hard to sell, and will likely not hold its value. If you want a Scott #10, save your money and apply it to the copy you'd want to keep for ever.

I cannot disagree with anything you wrote chipg. Emotion comes into play sometimes. That's another reason why I love this forum. It helps perspective.

The lack of hair (sharpness of image) and the color, I was thinking, might be because of the picture quality.
The ugliness, I could live with because I don't have one...
The late date is a concern but not dis-qualifier for a #10.

I have rarely bid on a single stamp at auction. At this early stage of my collecting, it just doesn't make sense. I have so many holes to fill, I'm better served buying accumulation lots, collections etc.

But, I do like the #10...

The image is too poor for me to rule out a #10A. If the seller gives no guarantee, you could try your luck but I wouldn't risk more than a few dollars. If the seller gives a guarantee and it sells for cheap enough for the condition, then why not try your luck. You can then always post it here with a high quality image to see if we can identify it as a #10A

Then again, I got my #10A on folded letter from ebay for less than $10 shipped to me. It was part of a two item lot, for less than $10. The seller even put "1851 cover" in the title. I could see the detail in the hair from the seller's picture. The color even looked correct. It was a Buy It Now that would have expired in 20 minutes.