2c Carmine (Scott 519) Value

Hello all,

Stamp newbie here, and I'm trying to establish the value of a stamp I found going through some old family boxes. From the research I've been doing I think it is a 519.

At this point, with my limited knowledge on the matter, I'm having trouble coming up with a general value. I have seen so many varying prices for this stamp, and I'm feeling quite inadequate to appraise it on my own.

I'm hoping for any help that might keep me from having to pursue a physical appraisal. I thank you for your time and expertise.

Jaclyn

One, simple question first:

Q: How did you come up with 519?

This is asked because many, many, many first-time posters assume that they have the most rare of a variety without first eliminating all of the others. To be a 519, you need to have perf 11, and a double-line watermark.

I used the Washington/Franklin Identifier Tool on stampsmarter.com. I haven't really done any research on watermarks, though.

This design perf 11 is 519. However it gets faked a LOT from imperfs with added perforations.

Building more on Partime's reply: stamps of this basic design were made in huge quantities. There are some subtle varieties which are scarce/rare. They typically differ by perforation rate and watermark. Thus to ID them correctly, one must learn the two skills of perforation gauging and watermark detection. Hint: your stamp is not perf 11, thus not a 519.

I see. So it is a perf 12? Then does that narrow it down to either a 332 or 375, depending on the watermark?

The quick answer is YES, either a 332 or 375, depending on watermark. Please note, however, that the centering is not the best, and there are other issues (bent or missing perfs) that make this a very undesirable specimen.

Hang around awhile, and work towards 50 posts. You never know who may offer to send you some free stamps to help fill in your collection.

Okay. Thank you. I really appreciate all of your help. :)