Lot 419 United States Of America #J19 10c Deep Red Numeral On Engine Turned Background, 1884-1891 Postage Due Issue, A Fine Used Single 1890 Printing

A fine used single of the 10c deep red Numeral On Engine Turned Background from the 1884-1891 Postage Due Issue 1890 printing. The shades on this issue cover a wide range, with many appearing to be deep claret, or other shades of claret. This is despite the fact that Scott describes the colour as "red brown". The 1891-1894 issue that follows this one is described in Scott as bright claret, so many stamps from this issue often get misclassified as deep claret. According to well known expert Richard Frajola, the true claret shades on the 1891-1894 issue must fluoresce under ultraviolet light, otherwise they are shades of red brown. By fluoresce, I mean they must simply change colour. They won't fluoresce brightly. Many of the shades that appear to be red brown are actually shades of brown also. Only the very deepest red browns are included in the red brown group. To see a visual reference, go to: https://www.rfrajola.com/Dues/Stamps_Page_17.jpg.

2016 Scott Specialized values this at $35 for VF. Our estimate of the value, based on the condition is $17. The stamp offered here grades 68 as follows:

Centering/Margins: 30/60

Paper Freshness: 5/5

Colour: 5/5

Impression: 5/5

Absence of Visible Paper Flaws: 5/5

Perforations: 10/10

Cancellation: 8/10