Documentary Internal Revenue Stamps

I came across some interesting stamps today. They are attached to an old property deed belonging to a long gone great aunt of mine. There are (3) 10c stamps, (1) 50c, stamps, (1) 5c stamp, and a $3 stamp. They are overprinted with 'series 1942'. So, what do I have here? I'm pretty un-informed on revenue stamps, so someone please educate me! I will try to upload a scan of the stamps tomorrow. I think I have to save the scan as a .jpg first.

Welcome to Stamp Community Family!

From what you describe, it sounds like you have Documentary Stamps, which are listed in the back of the Scott Specialized Catalog of US Stamps under the "R" prefix (Revenue Stamps) section.

If you don't have a Scott Specialized Catalog, your local public library may have a copy in their reference section.

A scan of the stamps would help to determine condition, however, assuming they are all overprinted with "Series 1942", my 2013 Scott Specialized Catalog suggests you probably have:

R340, 5c denomination;
R342, 10c denomination;
R346, 50c denomination; and
R350, $3 denomination.

The lower denominations all have a catalog value of 35 cents each (used), but drops to 25 cents if cut cancel or with perf. initial.

The $3 denomination (R350) has a catalog value of $3.25 (used), but drops to only 45 cents if cut cancel or 25 cents with perf. initial.

Of course, catalog values are not indicative of resale values which are typically much lower. The stamps are probably worth more if left on the document as a period piece.

Revenue Stamps can be a very interesting collecting discipline and we have some members on this Forum that specialize in these stamps and who may be able to provide you with further information and/or resources.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, those are exactly the ones I have. They are still on document. It's a land deed that's in pretty good shape. The stamps are all pen cancelled with initials and a date. I don't think I'd remove them from the document. The interesting thing about the document: it says that my great aunt made the land transaction in question for only a dollar!

I have a scan of the stamps that I tried to upload, but I was unsuccessful. The image is too large and I don't have a way to make it smaller. Sorry!

DaveG28, for various reasons (for example, you have made the final payment on a land contract) the consideration for land transfers is often stated on deeds as "one dollar and other good and valuable consideration." This does not reflect an actual arms-length sale price.

Rusty...That's exactly what's on the deed. I thought it seemd like too good of a deal..even for 1942!