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12ยข

Which stamp is it?

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See below for details

Introduction

This 12¢ value was printed by two printers:
The National Bank Note Company
(1870-72)
The Continental Bank Note Company
(1873-78)

Identifying which stamp belongs to which printer is a little challenging, but can be done. Here is a step by step guide

Does the stamp has a grill on the reverse?

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Detail shown below

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The grill seen on the reverse of some stamps

If your stamp has the a grill on the reverse you have quickly identified the stamp. It is the first printing of this stamp from the National Bank Note company and is #140

There are two types of grills, the H grill and the I grill, the I grill being far less common, and as a result has a higher value.

If your stamp has a grill the button below to be taken to your stamp.

If your stamp has no grill on the reverse continue reading.

There is a grill (#140)

Look for the 'Secret Mark'

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Look for the curl in the bottom of the number 2 of 12. If you see this 'secret mark' shown above you have a copy of #162. If you do not see this curl or 'secret mark' then you have a copy of #151.

Select a button below to be taken to your stamp

It has "Secret Mark' (#162)
It has NO 'Secret Mark (#151)