United States Stamp: Scott #26A

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Stamp Specs

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Stamp Value

Scott #26A Overview

Scott #26A, a United States three-cent postage stamp, stands out as a distinctive member in the series of mid-19th-century stamps. While sharing similarities with Scott #26, Scott #26A is classified as a Type IV design, distinguished by specific characteristics not present in Scott #10 and #11 issues.

Design & Print

The defining feature of Scott #26A’s Type IV design is the presence of broken outer vertical frame lines, just above the top label and just below the lower label. This design element sets it apart from Scott #26, where the outer vertical frame lines are continuous. The stamp reflects the intricate printing techniques of the era, highlighting the attention to detail in stamp design.

Postal Usage

Scott #26A, like its counterpart Scott #26, was used primarily for the standard letter rate. It was essential for various postal needs, requiring additional stamps for heavier or longer-distance mail, such as to California or for double and triple rate letters. The stamp also supplemented higher denominations for international postage. During this time, prepayment of envelopes was optional, leading to some recipients paying for the postage upon delivery.

Identification

Identifying Scott #26A as a Type IV design requires careful examination of the outer vertical frame lines. The key is to look for breaks in these lines just above and below the labels. It’s important to note that Scott #26 stamps in top and bottom sheet positions are often mistakenly identified as Scott #26A, as their frame lines end at the page margin, giving the appearance of being broken. However, true Scott #26A stamps have intentionally broken frame lines, distinguishing them from Scott #26. Due to the higher value of Scott #26A, accurate identification is crucial to avoid misidentification.

Scott #26A holds a unique position in the realm of American philately, marked by its Type IV design and specific printing characteristics. Its role in the postal system of the time, coupled with its distinctive design features, makes it a significant stamp for collectors and historians. Understanding the nuances of Scott #26A’s design, postal usage, and identification offers a deeper appreciation of its place in the history of United States postage.

Scott #26A Varieties

Scott #26A has different varieties that may add affect the stamp value. Note that this not a complete list of varieties. We’ve only provided the ones most notable in terms of popularity or value. We are continuing to update our data, so this list may update over time.

Calculating Variety Values

To determine the change in value a variety may provide, simply apply the percentage to the “base value” of the stamp (meaning the value of the stamp based on condition, grade and factors such as faults — but without any of these varieties pre-applied). For example, if the base value of a stamp that is Used, Very Fine, with Minor Faults is $100 and a particular Cancel variety provides a 50% premium, the estimated value of the stamp would be $150.

Colors

Various shades and colors can be found on many stamps of the same issue. These color varieties of the same issue were generally not intentional, and occurred as a result of the manual process of mixing inks. Some color shade varieties demand a premium value, and are sought after by many philatelists.

A number indication along with the variety description indicates a Scott sub-listing under the main Scott number. Not all varieties will have this information applicable.

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Cancelations

Cancellations are the added marks, usually of ink, that are placed over a stamp to prevent its reuse. They can vary greatly in style and method. They can be an indicator of where and how the stamp was used, providing insights into the postal history, routes, and practices of the time. Some cancellations are more scarce than others, or enhance the visual appeal of the stamp, and can add a premium value.

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Transfers

Common printing errors of earlier issues include additional transfers of the plate during the printing process, which results in a duplication of part of the stamps design, sometimes only on a very small part of the design.

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Plate Varieties

This issue has variations based on their position on the printing plate. Stamp recutting refers to the process used in traditional stamp printing where the original engraved plates or dies start showing signs of wear after extensive use. Over time, the continuous pressure and repeated impressions during stamp production can lead to the gradual degradation of fine details in these plates, resulting in stamps that are less crisp and distinct. Numbers in parenthesis indicate the plate and/or position on the plate.

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Paper Types

Paper varieties occur when an issue is printed on paper that is not standard for the issue. This is usually a result of experimentation, sometimes as protection against counterfeiting or a change in paper vendors or availability, but may also be due to printer error.

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Perforations

Perforation varieties are may be a result of special orders for private parties, errors in the printing process, or print runs on machines that were not standard for the issue.

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Errors

Printing errors can minor or extreme. Some errors drastically change the appearance of the stamp, while others are very subtle and require close examination.

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Fair Market Value

Our Fair Market Value (FMV) system is based on the average value of sale prices realized for this issue. Unlike other value systems, the FMV provides the value one could expect based not only on condition and grade, but important factors such as gum disturbance, cancel strength, and degrees of faults.

Attribute Definitions

Image
If a stamp has an image, it is clickable and you can view a larger image and go to the original sales listing to view certificates, and details about any faults. Depending on where it was sold, you may need to create an account or join a Facebook group to access.

Sale Date
The date the stamp was sold.

Price
The Price is the realized sale sale price of the stamp that was sold.

Type
The Type refers to the multiple of the stamp. For example, a single stamp vs. a pair. “Strip” is generally a strip of 3 stamps, and sometimes requires an imprint and plate number depending on the issue. “Block” is generally a block of 4 stamps without a plate number, unless otherwise noted as such in Scott. “Plate Block” indicates the plate number block designation in Scott, whether a plate block of 4 or 6 stamps depending on the issue.

Condition

Mint	The stamp has original gum or was issued without gum “NGAI”.
Unused	The stamp is not canceled and has no gum, or is regummed.
Used	The stamp has been postally used, indicated by a cancellation mark.
On Cover	A stamp that is postally used on an envelope or entire mailing piece.

Gum

Never Hinged	Full undisturbed OG.
Lightly Hinged	Indicates very minor gum disturbance of 5% or less of surface area.
Hinged	The stamp has a hinge remnant or disturbed gum between 5%-50% of the surface area.
Heavily Hinged	A hinge remant or disturbed gum over 50% of the stamp, or that which causes the stamp to warp or bend unnaturally.
Part OG	Stamp has less than 50% original gum remaining.
NGAI	Refers to unused stamps that were issued without gum “No Gum As Issued”. Condition is classified as “Mint”.
None	“None” can indicate an Unused stamp with no gum, or Used stamps which by default have no gum.

Cancels

Basic	Cancels that do not generally provide any added value. They can be hand stamped or machine applied.
Color	Colored cancels that add a premium value.
Special	A unique type of cancel, such as “PAID” or “Steamship”, that adds value to the stamp.
Fancy	Any type of pictorial or image based cancel that generally adds a premium value.
Pen	Manuscript cancels applied with a writing instrument by hand where the cancel type reduces the stamp value.
None	“None” indicates a Condition that is Mint or Unused and therefore has no cancel.

Cancel Strength

Light	Lightly applied cancels covering 5% or less of the stamp.
Normal	Cancels that cover over 5% of the stamp, and do not obstruct more than 50% of the stamp design.
Heavy	Obtrusive cancels that obstruct more than 50% of the stamp design.
SOTN	“Socked On The Nose” cancels are perfectly centered over the stamp, which adds value.
None	“None” indicates a Condition that is Mint or Unused and therefore has no cancel strength.

Grade
We provide grades from Very Good “VG” to GEM. While there is technically a grade below VG called “Average”, we consider anything VG or below to be valued the same. Those that fall between two grades are indicated with a /. Those that have Jumbo margins are represented with a “J”. Learn more about stamp grades.

Certs
Whether or not a stamp has a certificate of authenticity.

Graded Certs
If a stamp has a graded cert, you can determine it’s grade by looking at the Grade column. For example, a grade of VF would indicate a graded cert of 80.

NA
If NA, or Not Applicable” is present, it means that the particular attribute does not generally affect the value of the particular issue. For example, many Revenue stamps do not have different values for Mint vs Used, thus their condition is “NA”.

Fault Explanations

No Faults
Stamp is generally sound with no faults. May still have natural occurrences such as gum skips, gum bends, short gum, or gum wrinkles which may slightly effect the value.

Minor Faults
Stamp may contain one or a combination of the following:

Small faint or pressed out crease less than 5mm.
1-2 short perfs that are less than half the height of the other perfs, but not shorter than the bottom of the other perf holes.
Small shallow thins less than 5mm and undetectable from the front side when placed on black background.
Small light stains or toning not distracting from the stamp design.

Moderate Faults
Stamp may contain one or a combination of the following and may also contain Minor faults:

Reperforated on only one side.
Faint crease more than 5mm that is not visible on front side.
3-4 short perfs where the height is below the middle height of the other perfs but not below the bottom of the other perf holes.
One repaired perf tip.
Medium shallow thins more than 5mm in size but undetectable from front side when placed on black background.
Filled thins less than 1mm.
Tears less than 1mm, repaired or not.
Moderate stains or toning.

Major Faults
Stamp may contain one or a combination of the following and may also contain Minor and Moderate faults:

Reperforated on more than one side.
Heavy crease visible from front side of the stamp.
Deep thin of any size that is visible from the front side when placed on black background
Filled thins more than 5mm.
Tears larger than 1mm, reparied or not.
Holes of any size.
More than 4 short perfs where the height is less than the middle of the other perfs.
More than one repaired perf tip.
Pulled perfs that are removed below the bottom of the other perf holes.
Rebacked stamps.
Heavy stains or toning.

Scott #26A

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Image	Sale Date	Type	Condition	Gum	Cancel	Cancel Strength	Grade	Cert	Graded Cert	Faults	Price
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