Distinguishing Characteristics of Scott 2 and Scott 4
The stamp on the left is the Ten Cent stamp of 1847, Scott #2
and the stamp on the right is the 1875 Reproduction, Scott #4
The Ten Cent stamp is much easier to distinguish than the Five Cent stamp. The reproductions are shorter than the originals. On the reproductions the shirt collar is barely discernible, while it is clearly visible on the original. On the reproduction, the line of the coat points to the "X", while on the original it points to the "T" in "TEN", and as with the Five Cent stamp, the engravers initials "RWHE" are much clearer on the original than on the reproduction.
However, the simplest way to tell the 1847 stamp from the 1875 reproduction, is to look at Washington's eyes. On the reproduction the eyes have a droopy, sleepy look that is clearly not present on the original.
The Ten Cent stamp did not have the lack of engraved quality that plagued many of the Five Cent stamps, and the leaves in the frame surrounding the vignette are clearly evident on both the original and the reproduction.Finally, the reproduction was never valid for postage and one would expect to see most examples without cancellation. On the other hand, an unused copy of the original is exceptionally scarce.
