Unused #449? Seeking Verification

I believe this is a Scott #449, unused (no gum), with light bends at the top-left. It's definitely a rotary press printing. Design size matches my other rotary horizontal coils, and there are no flecks of ink on the back. I just wanted to verify this with the family before listing it on ebay, considering how scarce this issue is....

Before I listed on ebay I would have it certified. No collector will drop that kind of money on a scarce W/F coil without a cert.

Stallzer and/or anyone who has experience with submitting items for authentication, what group (PSE, PF or PSAG) would you recommend? I am amazed at how expensive it is to get a certificate, over $80 for a cheap stamp when all is said and done, and even more for a scarce stamp like a #449....

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Better rates from APS, and agree with Stallzer that you'll need a cert. That will help you know if it IS unused, or if a cancel has been removed, and what is really going on in the upper left corner. If it is a 449, that's a remarkably centered example, btw....good luck!

Ray.mac, are the rates better even for non APS members?

Doesn't look like a rotary press printing. Looks like a flat plate printing. What does the design measure? Also, the perforation holes/tabs do not line-up as a rotary stamp will top vs. bottom. Absence of set-off ink does not necessarily mean it is a rotary printing. Flat plate printing can have an absence of set-off ink. This is probably a #442, in my opinion.

It is not a 449. Aside from the distinctive shade, the top and bottom perforations would be aligned and fine lines would be narrower and sharper. The gap under Washington's ear would be more prominent.

The margins are large and have he crisp appearance of a genuine 442 coil. However, with the creases and no gum, the stamp doesn't have much marketability except as a space filler or part of a group lot.

Clark

Al E. Gator and Clark, thank you very much for the information! I was inspired to browse #449s on the USPhila site after reading your comments, and I can see the differences quite easily. I should have researched this issue more extensively at first.

Once again, thank you. I have gained a little more philatelic knowledge today.

Glad we could help you. W/Fs can be challenging