1893 10 Cent Columbian Stamp.

I am trying to figure out the particulars on this stamp. Picked it up on an auction site. Not sure if it is genuine and unused. On again I need some expert help on this.

Regards,

Mike L.

Its the 10c denomination from a series of stamps issued in 1893 in conjunction with the Chicago Worlds Fair. The series are the first US commemoratives, and are referred to as the "Columbians." Yours appears to be in rather ragged condition but uncancelled. However, I am not able to see all of your stamp and the contrast on my monitor does not let me see if a light cancellation might be present. Unused without gum in the present condition, it is worth a few bucks if you can find a buyer.

mlesage1954

Please straighten the image, and then include a reverse image of the same stamp.

Dave

It looks to me to be lightly cancelled? (the vertical line at top right running though the 8 of 1892).

that looks to me like it might be a small tear.

I agree with the group that there could be a light tear or major thin in the upper right. I think it is also interesting the large amount of doubling in some of the letters .. especially the body of the "S". My copy doesn't have the "S" mark. Is this common?

Hi Mike!
It looks like you have a genuine Scott #237 which does indeed have a double transfer as noted by Partime, as it looks almost exactly like the one I have in my collection.

It is in what I call "semi-unused" condition at this point. I tend to agree with Jenny2U regarding the line at UR, and maybe even that bit at LR near the "S" in NATIVES.
** BUT **
I do not see any obvious signs of a removed cancel and in playing with it on the computer, the mark at UR does react in an identical manner to the ink. No other cancel-like details emerge.

...and please do re-post a squared-up scan, as well as one of the back.

Dear kollecorurt : I will repost squared up scan with the reverse included.

Mike L.