Every stamp collector dreams of uncovering hidden treasures—an overlooked gem worth far more than expected. Recently, I had one of those incredible moments while exploring a seemingly ordinary stamp collection.

The Discovery

A Common Collection at First Glance

Over the years, I’ve sifted through hundreds of stamp collections. Occasionally, I come across something special that its previous owner missed. Initially, this particular album seemed filled with common stamps, none standing out in value.

A Unique Find: The 2-Cent Black Stamp

Then, something caught my eye—a 2-cent black stamp featuring Andrew Jackson, marked with what appeared to be grill marks. These waffle-pattern indentations, pressed into stamps as a 19th-century security measure to prevent counterfeiting, can range in value from just a few dollars to tens of thousands.

Identifying the Grill Type

The Z Grill?

Curious, I examined the grill’s size, expecting it to be one of the more common types. To my surprise, it resembled the rare Z Grill, which can be worth as much as $1,100. However, grill types are often faked, so I knew I needed a certificate of authenticity.

The Certification Process

After several weeks, the stamp returned, authenticated—not as a Z Grill but as something even more extraordinary: a D Grill. According to the certification, this D Grill was worth an astonishing $5,250.

Understanding the Stamp’s Condition

The Details

The stamp bore a blue court cancellation mark and had minor imperfections:

• A thin spot at the lower right corner.
• A light pre-printing paper wrinkle caused during the manufacturing process.

While these natural flaws may slightly affect its value, they don’t diminish the stamp’s overall rarity and significance.

Tools for Accurate Identification

Using a Specialty Multi-Gauge

When measuring grill marks, I rely on a Precision Specialty Multi-Gauge for U.S. stamps, created by Sonic Imagery Labs. This transparent tool allows collectors to:

• Measure grill sizes and perforations with precision.
• Identify private printing vending machine perforations.
• Determine perforation variances in Washington-Franklin issues, which can significantly impact a stamp’s value.

If you’re interested, I’ve provided a link to purchase this useful tool.

Lessons Learned

Rare Finds Are Rare

Discovering treasures like this doesn’t happen often. Sometimes, I might go years without a big find, but when it happens, it’s a reminder of why I love collecting. These moments reignite my passion and drive to keep searching.

Join the Hunt

Availability in My Private Facebook Group

As with most of my featured stamps, this incredible find will be available in my private Facebook group. To join, search for US Stamp Shop on Facebook.

Stay Connected

If you enjoy learning about rare and valuable stamps, be sure to like and subscribe to my channel for more amazing discoveries. Until next time, happy collecting!

This rare D Grill find exemplifies the thrill of stamp collecting. With the right tools, knowledge, and patience, hidden treasures await those willing to look closely.