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Scott Number: 250 Collection Reference No. for Communications: 5359

Denomination/Type: 2c Washington, type I, carmine, perf. 12, unwatermarked

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

Estimated Retail Value: $ 20.00 What is this?

Cancel Method: Manuscript

Cancel Date: February 21, 1891

Cancel or Company Type: Unknown

City: Hagerstown

State: Maryland

This looks like a nondescript illegal usage, a bit beat up, likely a $10-15 item at retail. But the timing is curious. It's dated February 21, 1891... but that stamp wasn't issued until 1894. Unless it's a contrived item, the only thing I can think of is that it was retroactively taxed at the time the check was submitted for payment, some 3+ years later. The reverse shows nothing except for the endorsement of the payee, presumably a family member.

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