Expert: Terry Tipton - 11/6/2009

Question
We have a IRS Documentary Stamp that has 1 dollar on it. It is green and has the pic of a lady on it. It has some writing on the top of it, in old calligraphy-type black pen, but can't tell what it is. Can you help me? What is it worth, if any thing?

Answer
Hello Sandy,

Thanks for your question.

What you have there is referred to as a revenue stamp. They were used as a form of receipt to show payment for services rendered or good received. That particular stamp you have sounds like Scott #R21 that was issued back in 1914. It has a list value of 55c.
The writing that you describe is how stamps were cancelled back then. Postmasters or those in charge had no modern machinery so they used a pen to "cancel" the stamp by either writing initials, date or some other kind of emblem.

If you do not collect stamps yourself, may I suggest you place the stamp in a small frame and display it in a family room or den area. It makes for a great conversation piece as not too many people have heard about these stamps before.

Thanks again for your question and let me know if I can be of any more help.

Terry