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About Terry Tipton
Expertise
I have been involved in philately for most of my 56 years. I specialize in United States Issues and Postmarks. I have numerous reference sources to research if I do not know the answer. I am organized and promise swift courteous answers. I am a member of the American Philatelic Society. I also have my own philatelic mail order business.

Experience
As I mentioned, I have been collecting philatelic items for most of my 56 years. I have several albums of United States issues (most of them are pages I designed myself) and I also have numerous albums of postmarks sorted and researchhed by state.

Organizations
American Philatelic Society, All Nations Stamp Club and Harford County Stamp Club

Publications
Linn's, All Nations Stamp Club Website, and local Newspaper

Awards and Honors
Board of Directors for Christmas in April 1990-1996

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Stamps (Philately) - Stamp Question

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

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