Bad Listing For #8A, Beware Of This One

Here is a stamp listed as unused #8A, type IIIa. It is actually #9, position 89R1L. It is clearly recut at top and bottom. Do not bid on this one as an 8A.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3525078656...352507865667

I pointed this out to the seller, who said he/she would have to "check with local dealers."

Dumb question, this not being my area at all, but is this even a legit imperf? I don't like those cuts at all, and the left edge shows some suspicious possible residual perforations.

I got the same response from him. I even sent him the link and position to plate it.
I will bet that he will not look into it.

Yes, it is a legit imperf. If it would have had perfs (#23), it would be worth about 8xs what the imperf is worth.

looks like a legit (imperf) Scott #9 to me.

Good catch.

The top line is clearly recut. That makes it a #9, period.

There are a couple positions on pl 1L- most notably 89R1L, where the bottom line was not recut and wore, thus creating a break in the bottom line. The fact that it is recut takes precedence over any consideration of a break. It is, of course, a nice variety of Ty IV, #9 that belongs in any 1c specialist collection.

Over the years numerous people have argued for these to either get their own type or else be called a IIIA. I resisted this strongly the last time such an effort went by me, as I feel that it is fine classified as it is. It's really not that confusing: "if recut then Ty IV".

It's all about hierarchy: recut trumps broken frame line. Same thing for the perforated issues: Incomplete side ornaments (#24) trump broken frame lines (#21). This was the idea behind my decision tree for typing the One-Cent 1851-61 issue that Don has so kindly hosted at stampsmarter--making sure that the features characteristic of more common varieties are highest in the decision hierarchy, the opposite of what we find in the Scott catalog, where the scarcer varieties are listed first. This would avoid the absurd situation in which the stamp in question here is now above $480. What are the chances now that the seller will change this listing?

"What are the chances now that the seller will change this listing?" Slim to none?

There are 3 hours left of the sale and the price is up to $705.
There is no way that he will end the sale, he would rather screw someone for the money.
I feel sorry for the winner already.

Interesting comment/business practice on CKStamps. I find them much more honest about including flaw descriptions vs. NYStamps but both are churn and burn shops in NY area that I think sometimes plays off each other to be the highest US classic auction volume on ebay?

Would a buyer get protection via Paypal for 180 days if PF or others experts came back that this was not an 8A given the item was not what was advertised, i.e., not an undescribed flaw but rather a misrepresented (fraudulent) item? I think so but would not want to be the "winner" testing this theory, especially at $800++.

I have found a cert is required on these issues unless you are a true student of this "fly-speck" philatelic specialty, which takes many years of hands on study, which I find closer to work vs fun/joyful which is why I started up again in this hobby after a 38-year hiatus.


Authentic stamps are for champs, this one#128546; is no fun!

Likely they will cover it with something like you can return it if it isn't what we say it is???

"Guarantee full refund if not as described." No response to my follow-up inquiry about checking with local dealers (I wonder who that would be--nystamps?)

Sold unchanged for $705. No response to follow-up inquiry. Review left on Stamp Smarter.