Distinguishing Characteristics of Scott 1 and Scott 3
The stamp on the left is the Five Cent stamp of 1847, Scott #1
and the stamp on the right is the 1875 Reproduction, Scott #3
There are many ways to tell the 1847 stamp from the 1875 reproduction, but the simplest way is to look at the point where the frill of the white shirt meets the oval frame around the vignette. On the original stamp it meets the oval between the "F" and "I" of "FIVE", and on the reproduction at the top of the "F".
The engravers initials "RWHE" are much clearer on the original than on the reproduction. On the other hand, the original stamps often appear washed out resulting in a much less distinct engraved look than on the reproduction. This is clearly evident in the leaves in the detail in the frame surrounding the vignette.
The reproduction is slightly shorter and wider than the original and the reproductions often have a rich red brown color. Finally, the reproduction was never valid for postage and one would expect to see most examples without cancellation. In the truest sense, Scott #3 was never a postage stamp.
