Very Interesting Stamps

This stamp blue 3 cents actually has a splintered grill in three corners. How rare is that? I'm grateful for all the information I couldn't find much about it, in the picture it's not easy to see, but clearly three split grills.

The common grill varieties are usually listed in Scott's US Specialized. As you have not provide a number or useful description of the stamp I can't check the catalog.

Yes the grill is on the back but illustrations of both sides is always best. I will say the stamp, if used, could use a good cleaning soak to loosen the paper and hinges on the back to remove them. They should just float off.

Edit: To correct "od" to "of" due to fat finger typing.

Based on the shape of the stamp and your description, it looks like this could be a #114 (1869 3c Locomotive). The Scott Specialized Catalog lists a normal copy at $20 used, a split grill at $40, and a quadruple split grill at $130.

I agree the stamp could use a good soaking, as you might be able to see more of the grill points under that paper adherence.

As with everything else, condition of the stamp is important, and the true price that you could get for the stamp depends on the supply and demand. Based on the catalog values, the quad split grill is relatively scarce, but even scarcer are the number of people interested in buying one.

I second ppg's recommendation for everyone to post the front and the back of items, and I'd also suggest giving your topics more specific titles, like "1869 split grill", to assist with future searches.

Thanks for your explanations, I took a somewhat general title to collect stamps here, which I find interesting and post. Otherwise I would always open a new topic. I have seen that this is very likely not good for this forum and it could lead to me overcrowding a bit too much with my post, however, I also like to listen to your opinions. Yes, this stamp, I will probably have to clean that would be clearly better

However, I think someone who really collects stamps from the USA should be interested in it.

However, for a normal $20 trade value or $20 catalog value as the Michel catalogue indicates a catalog value of $70?

Some thoughts:

You cannot ask about the rarity of a stamp without showing us the actual stamp (this means the front) This is like asking someone what your car is worth and showing only a picture of the underside. Nice mufflers but what is it?

If after a dozen or so times you can't seem to post clear pictures you may need to fall back and work on how to post clear pictures with good and useful resolution. (IMHO)




If you want real world values search ebay sold listings for lower value items and auction results for higher value items. You have a better chance of dancing the mamba with a naked unicorn than you do seeing a stamp trade at CV. And ask yourself why one catalog thinks that a stamp is worth multiples more than another catalog. Voodoo perhaps? Secret algorithms? Witchcraft? All three combined?

Merry Christmas

The problem was with a clear picture from above, unfortunately, the three grills were absolutely not visible. That's why I unfortunately had to take pictures at an angle. I was wondering why the Michel catalogue is set for 70 € and the Scott catalogue only for 20 dollars, since both are probably very familiar with this area, but could also be voodoo magic. Who knows, I can't rule that out;)

Here is a picture from the front side

And happy Christmas to you too!

You would be lucky to get $20.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nk...H_Complete=1

Yes, maybe 30 $ because of the good centering:)

The centering is not very good for the issue and the cancel is very heavy obscuring the entire chop-choo train.

Let me take this one sentence and build some thoughts...
1. In almost every case, scans are far superior to photos. Scanners are inexpensive and have uses far beyond philately.
2. Communication is important. It is necessary to know what we are looking at. In this case, a square-on image of the front to know what stamp it is, another of the back side which often reveals significant clues, and then any close-up images to emphasize the specific question at hand.
3. To emphasize grills, it is a rare instance where a photo is often superior to a scan. Start with a square-on image on the back, but with a very low-angle lighting from the side to cause the grill points or depressions to cast shadows. Another way (with a scan) is to adjust the contrast to a high degree to exagerrate the grill effect.
4. Angled photos are rarely of value.
5. As to value, I agree with rogdcam, collectors generally want face-free cancels which show the main design. This stamp does not have that eye-appeal from the front.

Just to add what John says -- with used stamps it is important to soak off all that junk off the back:

If some of that is glue on with a non-soluble glue, it will affect the value.

The hinges may be hiding thins.

You point out a spot that may have a grill, but that grill may be obscured by the hinge.

And, even with a phone camera, it is important to get the stamp in focus. Fuzzy pictures are not worth much.