@Molokai or others who collect the 1870-1888 definitive series I have this stamp on cover and the postmark, while clear, has no year date. It seems like I recall you saying that you used to collect the Bank Note Series. If so, can you give me a reading on whether this stamp is Sc 136 or 158, or another Scott number? I know next to nothing about 19th-century U.S. Thanks. Don
It looks like a 158 with the secret mark to me <DON>. <HOCH> knows these well; perhaps he will check-in. There is a 158 variety with a grill...
Don there is also a printed on both sides type. if you can open cover to see inside of back of stamp place a bright light in front of cover so you can see through the stamp and cover. You just might see a off print of the stamp pastern. It would be rare so good luck.
