Important Info. On US Revenues

I just spent the last hour or 2 looking at US Revenue Stamps on ebay. As usual I was alarmed by the large number of fakes. So, I thought I would post a brief list of Warning signs for First Issue Revenue Imperforate and Part Perf. Stamps.

Imperf and Part Perf's were among the first printed in 1862-1863. Most 1st Issue Imperf's and Part Perf's will be dated between 1862 and 1864. Be suspect of any dated after 1865.
Hand Stamps as a general rule did not come into wide spread use until 1865. Hand stamp on a Imperf. or Part perf. = Caution
The Paper on Imperf. and Part perf. is Thin and Hard. This is a difficult one to explain. Probably the best way is that, you can see see the design through the stamp, when viewed from the back. Design Not visible use caution. Silk fibers = DEFINATE FAKE
Imperf and Part Perf's were among the first printed. They should have sharp, clean impressions. Worn plate impression = WARNING PROBABLE FAKE
Lastly we have the Margins. Part Perf Stamps should have 2mm-3mm margins. less than 2 and 2 = CAUTION.
Imperf's should have 2mm-3mm margins on at least 3 sides. less than 2, 2, 2 = CAUTION.

These are just some general rules. As with most thing in life their are exceptions. But, if you follow these general rules the odds of you getting taken will drop DRAMATICALLY!

Thanks for the heads up Rev. StampMan. I don't collect U.S. Revenues, but this shows the great knowledge base in the SCF group.

It is so great to have you here. I've been getting more interested in revenues due to your posts and enthusiasm for them.

Thank You, Glad to hear of your interest in my posts. So far I have greatly enjoyed my time here. I probably spend to much time here!

Here is just 1 example I just pulled from ebay. Would you buy it?




I wouldn't!

1) Check the margins
2) Printed Cancel with no date showing.
3) Poor impression/Worn plate.
Probability of being a fake 80% at least.

Thank-you for the great info, Revstampman. I come across the odd revenue and put it in my U.S. collection. If I have any questions about one, I'll post a scan for all and sundry to comment.

David
"I'm not an American, but I'm willing to learn".