I'd go with U9.
If you look at the Scott Specialist listing for these covers you will note that there is a design variant listed as U3 and the catalog # is listed as U5; or this could be design U5 with a catalog # U9. I think that is the discrepancy. This looks like catalog # U9 to me. But am not a specialist. I do know that if this is catalog # U9, the more valuable cover does not have a POD US watermark.
Bruce
It is TYPE U5, but catalogue number U9. Identifying by type doesn't work! It is one of the few areas (the only area?) where Scott uses the same designators for Design Type as well as Catalog number -- can be very confusing. For stamps, the design Types are typically "A" numbers, and for semi-postals, they use "B" catalogue numbers, but "SP" type designators.
Roy
So, does the cover have a watermark?
Bruce
I purchased this and am just wanting a second opinion on the identification. The seller had it identified as a U3 but it doesn't look right to me as U3 has straight lines before and after "tHREE" and "CENTS"...
re: 1850s envelope
I'd go with U9.
re: 1850s envelope
If you look at the Scott Specialist listing for these covers you will note that there is a design variant listed as U3 and the catalog # is listed as U5; or this could be design U5 with a catalog # U9. I think that is the discrepancy. This looks like catalog # U9 to me. But am not a specialist. I do know that if this is catalog # U9, the more valuable cover does not have a POD US watermark.
Bruce
re: 1850s envelope
It is TYPE U5, but catalogue number U9. Identifying by type doesn't work! It is one of the few areas (the only area?) where Scott uses the same designators for Design Type as well as Catalog number -- can be very confusing. For stamps, the design Types are typically "A" numbers, and for semi-postals, they use "B" catalogue numbers, but "SP" type designators.
Roy
re: 1850s envelope
So, does the cover have a watermark?
Bruce