This small check collection was in Eric Jackson’s auction this week, and while it cost me more than I had hoped, I was willing to stretch a bit for it.

It traces the use of 2-cent revenue stamps from the advent of the tax in October 1862 through the late 1860s through the lens of a single company’s checks.

The checks themselves are great aesthetically, having been printed in two contrasting colors. Additionally it has an example from the second day of tax, October 2, 1862, which are quite rare. This is only the second example I’ve ever seen, and I’m still searching for a first-day usage.

I’m leaning towards keeping the collection intact rather than breaking it down.