1988 25 Cent Pheasant Stamp (Scott #2283) Error?

Is the lack of red in the stamp on the right a printing error? If so, what is the estimated value of the stamp? Thanks.

Welcome to Stamp Collecting Forum.

In answer to your question, the stamp scanned is a known printing error but surprisingly the value is minimal. According to the Scott Specialized Catalog of US Stamps (2011 edition), the first stamp (#2283) has a catalog value of $0.50 mint/never hinged; and $0.20 used; the second stamp (#2283b) is referred to as "red removed from sky", which has a value of $6.50 mint/never hinged; but only $0.20 used.

It's certainly an interesting variety to keep as a collectible, but unfortunately in used condition it commands no real value above catalog minimum.

Well I wanted to ask about how to differentiate between #2283 and #2283b for sure; I'll bump this old thread up because obviously the stamp shown on the right above is NOT an example of #2283b, or if it was, it has been ruined by bleaching, sun damage, or some other process that has bleached out all of the colors.

The true difference is a subtle one, I know, and is apparently only seen in the sky portion, where on the common #2283 there is some dark shading in the sky due to some red coloring that is missing from the #2283b. My notes show that a complete booklet (Scott BK158) is Plate #A1111, and the Red Sky Missing variety (Scott BK159) is Plate #A3111 or Plate #A3222.

Values for mint examples are all over the place. Stu Katz sold one BK159 of 20 for $55 and has another one listed. Others have sold in the $20 to $35 dollar range against a catalog value quoted at about $90 or $100. But one spectacular missed opportunity was a booklet with Plate #A3222 that sold for $2.50, half of face value plus $2.50 shipping!

Personally I was just checking out the variety because I recently picked up BK159 Plate #A3111 in a discount postage lot.

The booklet section of the Scott US Specialized catalogue shows both varieties. The blue of the sky on 2283 is indeed a darker blue than that of 2283b. If you don't have access to the catalogue, let me know & I'll do a scan of my copies of the two stamps.
Added: A scan was easy so decided to include it anyway. 2283 is on the left, 2283b on the right.

Thank you! It's difficult to compare colors of stamps from digital images, but you nailed it, the varieties need to be scanned side by side. With a 16x loupe it is possible to see that the blue sky on the #2283b is made up of dots of just one color and in hand the blue color is quite strong. I suspect the ink is the color called Pantone Process Blue.

It was not a printing error. After they made the initial ones they decided the sky was too dark and they intentionally removed the red dots from the sky to make it a lighter blue.

John,
Thanks for side by side of these two. I was totally unaware of this minor number. I just need to check my extras for a 2283 next. As it turns out, I unknowingly had a used 2283b ( light blue sky with no red dots ) mounted in my Liberty Stamp Album.