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This is a quick, down and dirty guide to identifying the types of the 10c Green issues of 1855-61. There were 5 types in the series and, usually, they are pretty easily identifiable. Here are pictures along with descriptions of the types.
Type I (#13 and 31) - The shells at the bottom and the design at the sides are complete. That's all you need to know for the stamp to be a Type I. But, wait until we get to the Type V and you will see the difference and how Type V stamps are often mis-identified as Type I.
Type II (#14 and #32) - Notice how the shells at the bottom are not complete when compared to Type I. The lines at the top of the designs above the "X" are virtually complete.
Type III (#15 and #33) - The lines at the top of the design are incomplete.
Type IV (#16 and #34) - The lines at top and/or bottom have been recut. This is the only distinguishing feature of this type. The stamp at the left has had the bottom line recut; the second stamp has had the top line recut and the third stamp has had both the top and bottom lines recut. The stamp on the right is a perforated example of the recut, Type IV.
This is the Type V (#35 - it does not exist in the imperforate state). Notice how the shells are fairly complete at the bottom. HOWEVER, the design at the sides has been cut away and is incomplete. Next, take a look at the set of topmost arrows. They are pointing to the location where you will see only one or maybe one and a half pearls at the top of the shells. If you will look again at the Type I stamp next to the Type V, you will see the differences and that there are clearly three pearls at this location. This is also true of the other types. The cutting away of the design at the sides and the fact that only one pearl remains is the defining factor of this type.
As with any of my guides, I will be happy to answer any questions or offer my opinion on any stamp being offered on Ebay. You may write to me at
GSQUARED7@JUNO.COM.
Gary Goldstein
Southwest Stamps
This is a quick, down and dirty guide to identifying the types of the 10c Green issues of 1855-61. There were 5 types in the series and, usually, they are pretty easily identifiable. Here are pictures along with descriptions of the types.
Type I (#13 and 31) - The shells at the bottom and the design at the sides are complete. That's all you need to know for the stamp to be a Type I. But, wait until we get to the Type V and you will see the difference and how Type V stamps are often mis-identified as Type I.
Type II (#14 and #32) - Notice how the shells at the bottom are not complete when compared to Type I. The lines at the top of the designs above the "X" are virtually complete.
Type III (#15 and #33) - The lines at the top of the design are incomplete.
Type IV (#16 and #34) - The lines at top and/or bottom have been recut. This is the only distinguishing feature of this type. The stamp at the left has had the bottom line recut; the second stamp has had the top line recut and the third stamp has had both the top and bottom lines recut. The stamp on the right is a perforated example of the recut, Type IV.
This is the Type V (#35 - it does not exist in the imperforate state). Notice how the shells are fairly complete at the bottom. HOWEVER, the design at the sides has been cut away and is incomplete. Next, take a look at the set of topmost arrows. They are pointing to the location where you will see only one or maybe one and a half pearls at the top of the shells. If you will look again at the Type I stamp next to the Type V, you will see the differences and that there are clearly three pearls at this location. This is also true of the other types. The cutting away of the design at the sides and the fact that only one pearl remains is the defining factor of this type.
As with any of my guides, I will be happy to answer any questions or offer my opinion on any stamp being offered on Ebay. You may write to me at
GSQUARED7@JUNO.COM.
Gary Goldstein
Southwest Stamps
Guide created: 01/09/09 (updated 11/07/09)
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