observe that in various specimens the forward end of the bust points to
different letters of the word "TWO" in the lower label. It required no
great amount of ingenuity to examine all known varieties of this die,
and to reach the conclusion that this important feature should be
selected as one point of a line measurement which would subdivide the
varieties into distinct classes. In carrying out this idea it was
equally apparent that in order to draw a straight line we need two
definite points, but the problem was: which point would serve our
purpose best? Luckily the design lent itself admirably to the
construction of such a line and the second, or starting point, was
found in the point of contact of the right hand oval with the inner
frame line of the upper label. The line is, then, drawn from this point
to the left extremity of the bust and prolonged until it strikes the
letter "W" or "O" of "TWO." In this manner five definite and
unmistakable classes are established, each of which may contain a
number of varieties. While this system is indispensible for
classification, the collector, after a very little training, may omit
the actual line measurement, as the eye is sufficient to note the class
to which any variety belongs. The five classes are:
Class I.--Line cuts first stroke of "W" of "TWO."
Class II.--Line cuts second stroke of "W" of "TWO."
Class III.--Line cuts third stroke of "W" of "TWO."
Class IV.--Line cuts last stroke of "W" of "TWO."
Class V.--Line falls outside of "W" and sometimes cuts "O."
[Illustration: I. II. III. IV. V.]
It may be well to state here that the die reading "U. S. POSTAGE"
exists only in classes I., II., IV., and V., and the reading "U. S.
POST" in classes II., III., IV. and V.
DIES INSCRIBED "U. S. POSTAGE."
The design consists of two concave and convex curves, of which the
first two form the upper, and the second two the lower label. Each of
these two curves meet in a point. The sides of the design are a pointed
oval consisting of the sections of a large circle. The inscription in
the upper label is "U. S. POSTAGE"; in the lower "TWO CENTS" with the
figure "2" in the ovals at the sides.
The 1863 design was issued with two shapes of the figure "2", which is
probably due to an oversight of the engraver; but, as every collector
knows, the design in which the lowest stroke of the figure "2" starts
sharply from the downstroke, and does _not_ curve back with it is a
rarity possessed only by a few lucky mortals.
In the general catalogues the common form is known as "Die A," the
latter as "Die B."
DIE A. (Seven Varieties).
They are subdivided as follows:
Class I.--Var. 1 Wrapper only.
Class II.--Var. 2 Wrapper only.
Class IV.--Var. 3 to 6 Envelope and Wrapper.
Class V.--Var. 7 Wrapper only.
DIE A.
CLASS I.
[Illustration]
VARIETY 1 (22-1/4 × 25-3/4 mm.).
Bust points to centre of "W," which touches line above.
"O" of "POSTAGE" to left, but near the junction point of the inner
frame line; "OS" nearly on level. "W" of "TWO" near inner frame line,
and touching the latter in deteriorated dies. "OC" near. A line drawn
through the junction point of the upper and lower inner frame lines
cuts the end curves of the "C" of "CENTS." "CE" well spaced, but "C"
lower than "E." "S" far from the right oval line. Figure "2" in right
oval nearly touches at left. In deteriorated dies both figures touch at
left. The tip of nose is near the left oval.
CLASS II.
[Illustration]
VARIETY 2 (22-3/4 × 25-1/2 mm.).
"POS" very near. "E" of "POSTAGE" touches frame.
Top of "TWO" far from left oval line, and distance between "O" of "TWO"
and "C" of "CENTS" nearer than in Var. 1. Nose near left oval.
CLASS IV.
[Illustration]
VARIETY 3 (22 × 26 mm.).
"O" in the centre of label and highest letter.
Centre line passes through "O" and "C" of "CENTS." The downstroke of
"2" in the left oval touches inner frame. "C" of "CENTS" is the lowest
letter, and "ENT" is widely spaced. Distance between "OC" wider than in
Var. 2. Nose near left oval.
VARIETY 4 (22-1/2 × 25 mm.).
"OS" on a level. "OC" very wide.
"POS" wide and "O" to the left of the point. Centre line touches "O" to
the right, and passes through the centre of "C" of "CENTS." Left
numeral does not touch outer frame line. "S" of "CENTS" very far from
right oval. Nose far from left oval.
VARIETY 5 (22-1/2 × 25-3/4 mm.).
"S" is the highest letter, far from line below.
A considerable margin between top of letters "S. POS" and the outer
frame line. "PO" close. "GE" wide at top. Centre line touches "O" to
right and passes through the curves of "C" of "CENTS." Numerals in
ovals do not touch. Distance between "O" of "TWO" "and "C" of "CENTS"
wide. "C" low. Nose near left oval.
VARIETY 6 (22 × 25-3/4 mm.).
Back of head close to right oval.
The entire inscription in the upper label is close to the inner frame
line and the letters are spaced closely. "U. S." is spaced closer than
in any other variety. Point of bust almost touches the frame line.
Distance between "O" of "TWO" and "C" of "CENTS" near. "CE" very close.
"S" near right oval. Nose near left oval.
CLASS V.
[Illustration]
VARIETY 7 (22-1/2 × 25 mm.).
Bust points between "W" and "O."
"U. S." widely spaced. "OS" on level. "GE" close. "T" of "TWO" far from
left oval. "OC" wide. "C" well under the point, and far from "E."
"CENTS" well spaced, and "S" far from right oval.
DIE B.
CLASS IV.
[Illustration]
VARIETY 8 (21-1/2 × 25 mm.).
In the numerals of value the end stroke does not curve back, but slants
sharply from the downstroke.
"S" of "U. S." and "P" of "POSTAGE" are spaced closely. "O" to left of
point. Top of "S" is a little above "O" and "T." Distance between "O"
of "TWO" and "C" of "CENTS" very wide. "C" by far the lowest letter.
The hair projects beyond the forehead, and the nose is near left oval.
This issue adds no new shapes of envelopes, only two knives are used,
and they are No. 2 and 11, both known as "Full Letter," Size 3,
measuring 139 × 83 mm. It has already been stated that the wrappers
bearing the design of Dies A. and B. were issued in accordance with the
Act of March 3, 1863, which changed the rate of postage for "transient
newspaper" to two cents. Shortly after their issue the Post Office was
informed that the wrapper, as issued with a marginal coating, infringed
the patent issued to L. P. Mara, and that the inventor would assert his
rights. We do not know what step the Department took to allay the ire
of the famous patentee, but we do know that the issue of newspaper
wrappers was suspended for about six months, to commence anew in April
1865.
Of more interest to the collector is the paper of these wrappers which,
generally speaking, is a rough manila, varying considerably in shade.
The width of the wrapper varies also from 148 to 152 mm., the length
from 227 to 230 mm., while the stamp is from 62 to 72 mm from the
gummed top of the wrapper.
DIES INSCRIBED "U. S. POST."
Towards the end of 1864, Nesbitt (the contractor for furnishing the
Post Office Department with stamped envelopes and newspaper wrappers)
had considerable financial trouble in living up to his obligations and,
at his earnest request, Congress passed a bill for his relief. As the
then existing contract expired Sept. 11, 1864, the Post Office
Department entered into a new agreement with Nesbitt, paying an
advanced rate to the contractor and ordering a change of the dies of
the two, three and six cents values.
At present we are interested only in the change of the two cent die. In
its new form the general features have been retained, but the
inscription is altered to read "U. S. POST" and the shape of the stamp
is either narrow or broad.
The narrow die is called by the cataloguer "DIE C" and the broad one
"DIE D."
Using the system of line prolongation which has been already fully
described, we are at once in a position to handle the large number of
varieties and to collect them systematically.
C Dies. (24 to 25 mm. width)
Class II Var. 1 and 2. Bust points to intersection of 2nd and 3d
stroke of "W."
" III " 3 to 9. " " to last stroke of "W."
" IV " 10 to 13. " " to left line of "O."
" V " 14 to 16. " " to middle of "O."
D Dies. (25-1/2 to 26-1/4 mm. in width.)
Class III Var. 17 to 21.
" IV " 22 to 27.
" V " 28 to 40.
As these varieties have never been thoroughly described and classified
and as there are but few collectors who have recognized the great
philatelic value of the Jackson dies, the writer desires to place
himself on record with a prophecy; _i. e._ that as soon as the general
collector knows how to find and to easily recognize the different
varieties of "U. S. POST," these dies are going to be sought after
enthusiastically.
To assist those who desire to become better acquainted with them it
will do no harm to give some additional information, showing how the
writer has studied the varieties and what means he has employed to
differentiate the several varieties belonging to one class.
Although the description of the varieties accompanying the cuts, should
be sufficient for the identification of any die variety, the writer has
found that a system of line prolongation is very useful whenever, due
to die deteriorations, a stamp appears to possess features which are
not found in the descriptions. The system is based on the position of
five letters which differ greatly in many varieties. These letters
are:--
1) "U" of "U. S."
2) "P" of "POST."
3) "T" of "POST"
4) "W" of "TWO."
5) "E" of "CENTS."
and the measurements are made as follows:
The left stroke of "U" is prolonged downward. Observe the line with
regard to letters "O, C, E" and "N."
The upright stroke of "P" is prolonged downward. Observe line with
regard to letters "C" and "E."
The central stroke of "T" is prolonged downward. Observe line with
regard to letters "W, O, C" and "E."
The left stroke of "W" is prolonged upward. Observe line with regard to
letters "S" of "U. S." and "P" of "POST."
The left stroke of "E" is prolonged upward. Observe line with regard to
letters "U." and "S."
The student who employs these measurements will find that, taking the
various dies belonging to one class, _one_ of the above mentioned five
line prolongations is sufficient to clearly differentiate any variety
of that group from any other. For instance, Class one includes but two
varieties. In Var. 1, a line prolongation of the "T" of "POST" cuts
through the "O" of "TWO;" in Var. 2 it passes along the second stroke
of "W." In case of doubt that single measurement is decisive.
As an additional safeguard to the collector the characteristic line
measurement is mentioned at the end of the description of each variety.
CLASS II.
Bust points to intersection of second and third stroke of "W."
[Illustration]
VARIETY 1 (24 × 26-3/4 mm.)
Narrow "U" far from oval line. Buff and Orange.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. There is generally a dot near top of left bar of "U."
"U. S." close. "P" nearly vertical. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval;
"WO" close; "OC near; "S" of "CENTS" near right oval. Figures of value
are exactly in centre of the side ovals. Nose near left oval. "E" line
through left stroke of "U." Envelopes only.
VARIETY 2. (24 × 25-1/2 mm.)
Narrow "U" touching line below. Dark Manila.
"POST" fully 8 mm. "P" vertical, much above level of "O." "O" turned to
the right. "ST" wide and "T" far from right oval; "WO" very close; "OC"
close; "CE" close; "NTS" near inner frame line. Nose near left oval.
"E" line to left of "S" of "U. S." Wrapper only.
CLASS III.
Bust points to last stroke of "W."
[Illustration]
VARIETY 3. (24-1/2 × 26-1/4 mm.)
Narrow "U." "PO" on a level. "O" and "C" near. Buff and Orange.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. "P" slants to left. "POST" evenly spaced. "T" far from
right oval. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval; "WO" close; "C"
considerably to left of the junction of the inner frame line. "EN"
spaced a little wider than "NTS." "S" near right oval. Nose further
from oval line than in Variety 1 and 2. Downstroke of right figure "2"
is slim. "U" line through "C." Envelopes only.
[Illustration]
VARIETY 4. (24-3/4 × 26-1/2 mm.)
Narrow "U." "OC" and "EN" very wide. Dark Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. Top of "P" near outer frame line. "PO" near, but "OS"
widely spaced. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" near left oval.
Nose far from left oval. End of downstroke of right figure "2" nearly
touches inner oval line. "W" line passes through head of "P." Wrapper
only.
VARIETY 5. (24-1/4 × 26 mm.)
"U" tall, wide open, and near inner frame line. Buff and orange.
"POST" 8 mm. "SP" near at base. "POST" closely spaced. "T" far from
right oval. "T" of "TWO" near left oval. "W" narrow and close to "O."
"OC" close. "CE" near at base. "S" near right oval. End of downstroke
of right figure "2" near inner oval line. Nose far from left oval. "P"
line passes through junction point of the two inner oval lines of lower
label. Envelopes only.
VARIETY 6. (24-3/4 × 25 mm.)
"P" vertical and much above level of "O." Buff Orange and Dark Manila.
Outer frame line of upper label near to "U. S." and "PS" of "POST"
"POST" 8 mm. "U" wide and far from left oval. "SP" wide at top. "POST"
well spaced. "O" considerably to right of point and slanting to right.
"T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" near left oval. "WO" near. "OC"
near, but top of "C" some distance below the point. "ENT" near. "S"
near right oval. The left figure "2" is well in the centre of the oval,
but the right one is near the inner frame line. Nose far from left
oval. "E" line passes through center of "S" of "U. S."
VARIETY 6a. (24-3/4 × 25 mm.)
"P" slanting to left over point. "O" far from lower frame line and far
to right of point. Buff.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large, wide open, tipped to left, and far from left
oval. "O" slants to right. Letters of "POST" well spaced. "T" far from
right oval line. "T" of "TWO" near left oval line. "WO" close. "OC"
near. "CENTS" near; "S" close to right oval. Nose near left oval. "U"
line cuts "E" from left to right.
Similar to Var. 6, except that "P" and "O" are nearly on a level and
the entire upper inscription is well in center of label.
[Illustration]
VARIETY 7. (24 × 26 mm.)
Nose generally touches line. Buff, Orange and Dark Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large, wide open, close to inner frame line and far
from left oval. "P" well to left of junction of the two inner frame
lines. "O" near the latter. "OS" widely spaced and "T" far from right
oval. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval. "WO" close. "OC" near and base
of "C" touches outer frame line. "EN" far. "NT" wide at base. "S" close
to right oval. End of down stroke of both figures far from their
respective oval lines. "E" line passes through first stroke of "U."
VARIETY 8. (23-3/4 × 26-1/4 mm.)
"O" above level of "P." "U. S." close. Buff, Orange and Dark Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large, wide open equally far from outer and inner
frame line, and far from left oval. "P" to left of junction point of
the two inner frame lines. "PO" closer than "OS." "T" far from right
oval. "T" of "TWO" close to left oval and base of "T" touches outer
frame line. "WO" close. "OC" near. "C" low. "EN" wide. "S" far from
right oval. Nose quite near left oval. End of down stroke of right
figure "2" nearly touches inner oval line. "U" line passes along
downstroke of "E."
[Illustration]
VARIETY 9. (23-3/4 × 26-1/4 mm.)
"U" almost vertical. "PO" wide. Buff and Orange.
"POST" 8-1/2 mm. "U" large, nearly touching outer frame line and far
from left oval. Wide space between "S" and "P." "O" well to the right
of junction point of the two inner frame lines. "T" far from right
oval. "T" of "TWO" close to left oval. "WO" close. "OC" near. "CE"
close, but "C" lower than "E." "EN" well spaced. "TS" close and "S"
close to right oval. Figure in left oval well centered, but end of
downstroke of right figure "2" near inner oval line. Nose near left
oval. "T" line touches "O" of "TWO" to the left. Envelopes only.
CLASS IV.
Bust points to left line of "O."
[Illustration]
VARIETY 10. (24-1/4 × 26 mm.)
Narrow "U." Pointed bust, often touching line below. Buff and Dark
Manila.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. "U" far from "S," and far from right oval. "SP" very
widely spaced. "PO" close. "OST" near. Note that the outer frame line
commencing above "T" is incorrectly drawn so that the width at the
right end of the label is much smaller than it should be. "T" far from
right oval. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval. "WO" close. "OC" very
wide. "CENTS" close, far from inner frame line and letters in a
straight line. "S" far from right oval. Nose far from left oval. Top of
right figure "2" near inner oval line. "E" line passes just behind the
dot after "U" of "U. S." Wrappers only.
[Illustration]
VARIETY 11. (25 × 26-1/2 mm.)
Outer frame line strongly pointed at top. Buff and Orange.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. "U" large, far from left oval and top of "U" far from
outer frame line. Top of "S" close to outer frame line. "POST" closely
spaced. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" almost touches left oval.
"WO" close. "OC" close. "CENTS" close and "CE" on level. "S" far from
right oval. Nose near left oval. Both figures well in center of ovals.
"U" line passes along middle of "N." Envelopes only.
VARIETY 12. (24 × 25-1/2 mm.)
"U" nearly touches line below, and "O" of "POST" line above. Buff,
Orange, Amber and Dark Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large and far from left oval. "S" and "P" near. The
latter is in a nearly vertical position and stands well to the left of
the point. "POST" equally spaced. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO"
near left oval; "WO" close. "OC" near. "C" vertical, and at top near
point of inner frame line. "EN" well spaced. "S" near right oval. Nose
near left oval. Top of left figure "2" near point of oval. "U" line
passes close to head of "E" and touches the latter at base.
VARIETY 13. (24-1/2 × 25-3/4 mm.)
Hair projecting. "CE" on level and nearly touch at top. Buff, Orange
and Dark Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large and nearer to left oval than in Var. 12. "U. S."
near. "SP." near. "P" a little inclined to left and to left of the
point. "POST" spaced near. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" close
to left oval. "WO" and "OC" close. "ENT" close. "S" far from right
oval. Nose near left oval. "E" line passes near right stroke of "U".
CLASS V.
Point of Bust over middle of "O."
[Illustration]
VARIETY 14. (23-1/2 × 26 mm.)
"OS" far apart. "S" of "CENTS" near oval line. Buff, Orange, Dark
Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large, far from left oval, and near inner frame line.
"SP" wide at top. "PO" near, but top of letters some distance from
outer frame line. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" close to left
oval. "OC" near and top of "C" under the point. "CE" wide at base. "EN"
widely spaced. "NT" wide at base. "TS" near. Nose near left oval.
Figures of value well centered in ovals. "W" line touches top of "P." A
deterioration of this variety in which the nose almost touches left
oval and "TW" touch upper and lower frame lines is called 14 a.
VARIETY 15. (25 × 16 mm.)
Bust touches line over center of "O." Buff, Orange, Amber, Dark Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large, near left oval and at top far from outer frame
line. "P" to left of point. "O" well to right of point and slanting to
right. "OST" near. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" close to left
oval. "WO" close. "OC" wide. "C" low and touching outer frame line.
"ENTS" spaced near, but "S" far from right oval. Nose near left oval.
Left figure "2" well centered, but right figure "2" much nearer to
inner frame line. "W" line falls between base of "S" and the period. A
deterioration of this die is Var. 15a.
VARIETY 16. (24-3/4 × 26-1/4 mm.)
Bust nearly touches line to right of "O." Buff, Orange.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" wide and far from left oval. "P" to left of point and
close to outer frame line. "PO" wide. "O" far to right of point. "OST"
near. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval. Inner
frame line is some distance from top of letters "WO" of "TWO" and "N"
of "CENTS." "OC" wide. "CE" near but "EN" wide. "S" far from right
oval. Nose far from left oval. Left figure "2" well centered, but right
figure "2" much nearer to inner oval line.
D. DIES.
25-1/2 to 26-1/4 mm.
NOTE:--In Var. 17, 18, 23, 24, 31, and 34 the word "POST" is short and
spaced closely. Var. 22 has the narrow "U," and Var. 21, 27, 38, 39 and
40 show the widest spacing of "POST."
CLASS III.
Point of Bust over last bar of "W."
[Illustration]
VARIETY 17. (26-1/4 × 25-1/2 mm.)
"O" of "POST" considerably above level of "P." Wide space, after "S" of
"CENTS." Buff, Orange and Amber.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. "U" near left oval and near inner frame line. "U.S."
close. "P" far to left of point; "O" near point. "OST" close. "T" very
far from right oval. "T" of "TWO," far from left oval. "WO" near. "OC"
near. "CE" close at top. "N" above level of "E." "NT" close to inner
frame line. Nose far from left oval. Figures well centered. "U" line
touches "O" at right.
VARIETY 18. (26 × 25-3/4 mm.)
"OC" very near and "O" nearly touching line below. Buff, Orange and
Amber.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" wide, slanting sharply to left and near left oval. "P"
is to left of point and slants to the left. "POS" near, but "ST" spaced
wider. "T" very far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" close to left oval.
"WO" close. "CE" close at top. "EN" well spaced at top. "NTS" near and
"S" close to right oval. Nose near left oval. "U" line touches base of
"N." Envelopes only.
VARIETY 19. (26 × 25-3/4 mm.)
Letters evenly spaced, those in upper label almost in vertical
position. Amber and Light Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" wide, nearly vertical and far from left oval. "U.S."
wide. "P" vertical and to left of point. "POS" widely spaced. "ST"
near. "T" very far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval and
top stroke of "T" nearly touches "W." "WO" near. "OC" near. "C"
vertical but a little below "E." "Top stroke of "T" of "CENTS" close to
inner frame line. "S" near right oval. Nose near left oval. Figures
well in center of ovals. "T" line touches top of "E."
[Illustration]
VARIETY 20. (25-1/2 × 25-1/2 mm.)
Sharp point at base of right "2." Amber and Light Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" wide and near left oval. "P" nearly vertical and to
left of point. Top of "O" almost touches outer frame line. Base of "S"
and "T" close to inner frame line. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval.
"WO" very close. "OC" close. "CENTS" close and "S" far from right oval.
Nose far from left oval. "T" line touches "O" to right.
VARIETY 21. (26 × 25-1/2 mm.)
"ST" and "OC" extremely wide. Point of bust far from line. Sharply
pointed nose. Amber and Light Manila.
"POST" 9 mm. "U" wide, near left oval, and sharply slanting to left.
"U.S." and "SP" very wide. "P" to left of point and slanting a little
to the right. "PO" very wide. "O" far to right of point and turned to
right. "OS" wide. "T" near right oval, "T" of "TWO" close to left oval.
"TW" very wide at base. "WO" close. "C" low and nearly under the point.
"ENTS" near and "S" close to right oval. Nose pointed and far from left
oval. Figures well centered. "U" line passes from tip of "E" to base of
"N."
CLASS IV.
Bust points to left line of "O."
[Illustration]
VARIETY 22. (25-1/2 × 26 mm.)
Narrow "U," the only one in DIE D. Buff.
Extremely rare. "POST" 7-1/2 mm. "U" nearly vertical and far from left
oval. "P" small near the point and at top far from outer frame line.
"O" far to right of point. "POST" equally spaced. "T" far from right
oval. "T" of "TWO" near left oval. "WO" close. "OC" wide, "C" slants
sharply to right and at base is within the angle, formed by the outer
curves. "CENTS" are on the same level. "S" near right oval. The inner
curves are far from top of letters "WO" and "CENTS." Nose near left
oval. In both side ovals the downstroke of figure "2" ends in a sharp
point. "U" line touches "O" to left. Buff envelope only. Knife 2.
VARIETY 23. (26 × 25 mm.)
Extremely wide space before "U" and after "T" in upper label. Bust
pointed. Amber and Light Manila.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. "U" wide. The inner curves of the label are close to
the inscription. "P" nearly vertical. "POS" close. "ST" near. "T" of
"TWO" close to left oval. "WO" near. "OC" near but "C" slants from left
to right and its base touches the outer frame line. Top of vertical
stroke of "E" close to inner point. "EN" well spaced at top. "S" slants
to right and is close to right oval. Nose very far from right oval.
Figure 2 in left oval is lower than figure "2" in right oval. "W" line
passes through middle of "U."
VARIETY 24. (26 × 26 mm.)
"O" above level of "P," "C" sharply turned to left. Buff Orange and
Light Manila.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. "U" wide, inclined to left and near left oval. "U.S."
near. "SP" near. "P" slanting to left and near the point. "POST" about
equally spaced but "OST" high nearly touching outer frame line at top.
"T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval. "WO" near.
"OC" near. "EC" close at top. "ENT" well spaced. "S" near right oval.
Nose close to left oval. Figures in oval well centered. "C" line passes
between "O" of "TWO" and "C" of "CENTS."
[Illustration]
VARIETY 25. (25-1/2 × 26 mm.)
"P" tipped sharply to left and "O" to right. Buff and Orange.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" wide and far from left oval. Base of "U", close to
inner frame line, but top of "S" close to outer frame line. "U S P"
near. "P" far to left and "O" in line with point. "POS" near. "T" far
from "S" and far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" near left oval. "WO"
close. "OC" close. "CE" on level but "E" slanting to right. "TS" close.
"S" near right oval. Nose some distance from left oval. Figures in
ovals well centered. Envelopes only.
[Illustration]
VARIETY 26. (26 × 26 mm.)
"P" nearly on a level with "O." "POST" close. "OC" near. Amber and
Light Manila.