Help with this USA $2 Madison

[tomd]

I have this stamp that I think is Scott 262.

The stamp has no water mark so it is not Scott 277.

Is the another one like this that I have not seen yet?

[Butterfly]

Interesting stamp!
Looks too good to be true.
Waiting for the experts to chime in.

[tomd]

My thought also.

But if it is Scott 262, then I am looking at about $1,195 for this stamp.

I am never that lucky.

[khj]

It's a modern reissue by USPS from a BEP S/S containing 4 of the stamps. I'll get you the Scott catalog number a little later.

[Gordon Lee]

Greetings Mr. tomd
.
Mr. khj is correct. Look at Scott 2875 and 2875a.
.
Respectfully,

Gordon Lee

[khj]

I couldn't find my scan (maybe I never scanned it?), so here's a pilfered pic.



US #2875(3Nov1994), 100th anniversary of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
2013 Scott catalog mint = $16

for single stamp #2875a = $4

In addition to the "it never happens to me" method, basic methods to distinguish modern singles from the earlier issues:

1. your stamp is perf 11 (earlier issues are all perf 12) and also shows bullseye perforations
2. your stamp appears "whiter"
3. your stamp should be tagged, so it will have a greenish glow under short-wavelength UV light

I don't remember if there were any design differences, but the modern stamp design was based on the original die. The perforation measurement is the easiest way, and your stamp is definitely perf 11.

Sorry I couldn't give you different news.

[kacyds]

Hey Tom,

khj hit the nail on the head. Sorry to see its only a Scott# 2875...

I took a Scott# 2875a and a Scott# 277 (double-line watermark) that I have in my collection and scanned them side by side for comparison....

[tomd]

Thanks all, I did not see the 1994 issue.

Well at least for the short term I found a gold mine.

Too bad it was pyrite "fools gold"

This makes more sense to me though.

[tomd]

Well I just need to keep looking for my treasure!!!!!

[Admin Bear]

Never give up mister....

but also of design note the upper corners are very different from the original issue.

[tomd]

I see now, then I had pay dirt in my head.

[zepherusbane]

Even though the modern reissue is a fine stamp, I wish the USPS wouldn't re-publish like that.

I find it too easy to get mixed up when trying to purchase and there are those who purposely sell the reprints to fool the unsuspecting into buying for a higher price. I've seen the same confusion with the Columbus re-issues.

[Admin Bear]

it does make for a PITA...