The 10c issue was first issued in 1855. Many call this issue the “California Stamp” as it was mostly used on postage to and from California. This issue was mostly used to pay the domestic rate of ten cent for postage traveling over 3,000 miles. It was also used to pay the foreign rate of 10c for postage sent internationally under 2,500 miles. This is an issue that I also notice gives a lot of beginners a problem. I notice every once in awhile a common #35 being trimmed (perfs. cut off) and being sold as one of the scarcer imperfs issues. Shown below is a common #35 which has a catalogue value of $65.00 (used). 

Shown below is the same #35 with the perfs. trimmed off. It would make a pretty convincing #13,14,15,16 to a novice! #16 has a catalogue value of $1,600.00 (used)!

Here we have one of the actual imperfs. issues. Notice the three pearls at each side of the bottom, which I have highlighted with yellow arrows.

Illustrated below is #35. Notice how the pearls are cut away! The imperfs issues all show three pearls at both sides while #35 does not! How easy is that to spot!?

Please keep in mind that some examples of #35 will show a couple pearls but they will definatly not be as clear. Most copies will not show any pearls. Remember ALL of the imperf issues will show three clear pearls at each side!

I spend my time and write these guides to help the philatelic community. I feel that my guides can help both buyers and sellers properly identify certain issues that I notice have been often misrepresented at online auction. Even If you personally already are familiar with the information presented in this guide please vote “yes” for helpfulness as it allows me to know that people support my effort to help the philatelic community . I would appreciate any emails with questions or comments on how to better help with any of my guides. If anyone is considering buying a stamp that is mentioned in any of my guides and have doubts about authenticity please email me and I will be glad to help Best regards, Mike