Steenerson's Revenue Taxpaid Stamp Certified Plate Proof Reference

In this review of Steenerson's Revenue Taxpaid Stamp Certified Plate Proof Reference Series, the reviewer finds a focused, scholarly resource for collectors and researchers of late 19th century U.S. revenue stamps. The book is best for historians, philatelists, and museum researchers seeking a visual inventory of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's plate proofs for the 1898 Battleship Proprietary series, and its single biggest value is the curated access to certified plate proofs held in the National Numismatic Collection for educational use.

Key Features

• Visual index: Provides a clear visual tour of a sampling of certified plate proofs, making it easier to identify specific Battleship Proprietary stamps from 1898 in a reference context.
• Institutional sourcing: Images and entries are drawn from the National Numismatic Collection at the National Museum of American History, which supports the book's reliability for research.
• Plate proof focus: Concentrates on plate proofs rather than circulation stamps, offering specialists material relevant to production and engraving studies.
• Educational intent: The series is designed for educational use and to assist future researchers, so the presentation emphasizes documentation over market valuation.
• Curated sampling: Shows representative examples rather than every item in the archive, which helps readers grasp variation without being overwhelmed.

Who It's For

This reference is aimed at dedicated philatelists and researchers who need photographic documentation of Bureau of Engraving and Printing plate proofs for the 1898 Battleship Proprietary stamps. It is particularly useful for those studying production methods, plate state differences, or provenance tied to the National Numismatic Collection.

Collectors seeking a price guide or a complete catalogue of every variation should look elsewhere; the series is not a comprehensive listing of all plate proofs or every variation in the archive, and it is not intended as a market reference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well-sourced images from a major museum collection provide authoritative visual reference for researchers.
• Clear focus on certified plate proofs helps specialists studying engraving and plate states.
• Educational framing makes the series useful as a research starting point and classroom resource.

Cons

• Does not show all plate proofs or all archival variations, so it is not a complete catalogue for exhaustive research.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Steenerson's reference is a focused, well-documented visual resource that fills a niche for historians and advanced collectors interested in the 1898 Battleship Proprietary plate proofs. It offers reliable, museum-sourced imagery and documentation that make it good value for research and educational use, though those needing a complete archive catalogue should supplement it with additional sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include every plate proof in the National Numismatic Collection?
No. The series shows a curated sampling of certified plate proofs and does not claim to document every item or variation in the archive.

Is this suitable as a price guide for collectors?
No. The book is intended for educational and research purposes and does not provide market valuations or pricing guidance.

Where do the images come from?
The images and plate proofs featured are drawn from the National Numismatic Collection at the National Museum of American History.