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Scott Number: 65 Collection Reference No. for Communications: 4379

Denomination/Type: 3c Washington, rose, perf. 12

2025 Scott Catalog Value (for a single stamp): $ 3.00

Estimated Retail Value: $ 175.00 What is this?

Cancel Method: Manuscript

Cancel Date: July 01, 1864

Cancel or Company Type: Bank, Banker, or Broker

Company: M. P. Ayers & Co.

City: Jacksonville

State: Illinois

Two #65 along with two 2-cent Bank Check revenues paying 10 cents tax. It's too odd and haphazard to be contrived; everyone who looked at it believes it to be legitimate, but it doesn't match the tax rate tables. The postage stamps were affixed AFTER the revenue stamps, so it's not a matter of the improper usage being discovered and then paid. Additionally, the revenue stamps total 4 cents, whereas the postage stamps total 6 cents paid. The mathematical tabulation on the reverse is exactly double the document amount on the front. Some speculated that there may have been a secondary document attached and the 10 cent total was improperly paying the tax on both transactions. Another supposition was that it might be for a penal bond (one amount if paid before a certain date, and a penalty kicked in after that date). Any ideas?

If you have any information or comments about this cancel or stamp, please email me.