How Would I Start / Continue To Identify This 10 Cent Jefferson?

How would I start / continue to identify this 10 cent Jefferson? By using Stampsmarter, I can eliminate a few numbers because there is no grill and there is no secret mark. So this leaves # 150, 187, 187a, 209, 209b and 290c as the possible numbers. It also appears to be perf 11.5 x 11.5 if I measured correctly. So what would my next step be? May I also say that I have no idea about the different papers….soft / hard / porous….etc. Any help is appreciated.
Thank you,
Robert

Did you take a look at this Stamp Smarter page?
http://www.stampsmarter.com/1847usa...Note10c.html

And this one on paper types?
http://www.stampsmarter.com/Learnin...erTypes.html

Don

Don. No I did not see those. I will check them out now.
Thanks,
Robert

Thanks again for the links. If I looked at everything correctly, I should the the extremely rare # 150......(just kidding).

Please correct me if I am wrong but I think it is # 150. There is no grill, no secret mark and hard white paper. By process of elimination, this leaves only #150. Am I correct?

Thanks for your help.
Robert

Robert... kindly post a scan of the back of the stamp...

Randall

There is a secret mark. Look at the top right hand scroll. That eliminates 150.

OK Here is the reverse.
Thank you,
Robert

If there are only four vertical lines between the oval and the edge of the shield it is a 209. There are other indicators but that is a good one. No need to see the back of the stamp. A grill would not have the crescent secret mark.

Hi Randall. Thanks and I do believe I see the secret mark. I need a better magnifying glass.........

So, no grill, with secret mark, and hard paper leaves me with either # 161, # 172 or # 197. Since # 172 and #197 are valuable stamps, mine must be the #161.....the most inexpensive.

But how can I be sure?

With a secret mark, wouldn't that eliminate # 209?

There are 5 lines between the oval and edge of shield.

It comes down to the paper. The 187 can sometimes show the secret mark because ABN used Continental plates.

Wow there is so much to learn. At least it keeps my mind busy.

Well I believe it is # 161. No grill, secret mark, hard paper and 5 weak vertical lines.

This is also under the assumption I am right on the hard/soft paper.

Thanks for all your help.
Robert

The 10 cent American Bank note 187 and 188 exist in pairs. One with secret mark one without.

Yes I saw that. I would like to get a pair one day. I think it would be nice to have.

You can download Lester Brookman's three volume work of The United States Postage Stamps of 19th Century.at the U.S. Philatelic Society Electronic Library page to get a better understanding of these stamps.

Here's a pair, 188 left and 187 right.

Wow awesome pair. I will check out that library page when I get a chance.
Thanks for posting the pic!
Robert