Area on Map	Part of Design	Side by Side Comparison
	1	Toga Rope and Button	Type I vs Type II
	2	Portrait Oval	Type I vs Type II
	3	Shape of Mouth	Type I vs Type II
	4	Eye and Eyebrows	Type I vs Type II
	5	Locks of Hair	Type I vs Type II
	6	Shading in Chin	Type I vs Type II

See also: Methods of Printing for the Washington Franklin Stamps

The key to identifying these stamps is to examine the toga rope. The student of the Washington Franklin Heads has no doubt noticed the similarity in identifying the Type I and Type II stamps of both the 2¢ and 3¢  issues in this regard. It might be a good idea to examine the toga rope of the 3¢  Types at length, since copies of both the Type I and Type II are readily, and inexpensively, available. Since the 2c shares the same features, familiarizing oneself with the 3¢  variations will be of great aid in distinguishing the varieties of the 2¢  issue.  In the case of a cancellation covering one of the identification areas, or if the ink is light, you will need to examine many of the areas. In particular, if you think the stamp is a scarcer variety, you should examine all of the areas for positive identification. A powerful magnifying glass, microscope, or a high resolution scan (600 to 1200 dpi) will greatly aid in identifying the type.

Once you have determined the Type, you may link back to the appropriate page:  Flat Plate Perf 11  ·   Flat Plate Imperforate  ·  Perf 10 Rotary Coil  ·  Perf 11x10 Rotary

 

Side-by-Side Comparison of Type I and Type II of the Flat Plate and Rotary 3¢ Washington

Toga Rope and Button · Type I	Toga Rope and Button · Type II
The lines at the top of the toga rope and around the toga button are poorly defined. The lines of the rope are wider at the bottom than at the top.	The lines at the top of the toga rope and around the toga button are strong and well defined. The lines of the rope are relatively consistent from top to bottom.
Portrait Oval Frame · Type I	Portrait Oval Frame · Type II
The line of the inner circle of the portrait oval is well defined and forms a solid line.	The line of the inner circle of the portrait oval is weak and broken in places.
Shape of the Mouth · Type I	Shape of the Mouth · Type II
The line forming the mouth is thinner and straighter than in the Type II. In some cases, as in the image above, it curves slightly upward (smiles).	The line forming the mouth is thicker, and curves slightly downward (frowns).
Shading in the Eyes · Type I	Shading in the Eyes · Type II
The engraved lines that form the eye are much weaker than in the Type II. The eyebrow is not as well-defined.	The engraved lines that form the eye are stronger when compared to the surrounding design than in the Type I. Notice how well the eyebrow is defined. This is a weak example of this type and yet the eyebrow is quite distinct.
Locks of Hair · Type I	Locks of Hair · Type II
The locks of hair to the right of the ear are less well defined in the Type I than the Type II. The bottom line of shading is much shorter in the Type I.	The locks of hair to the right of the ear are better defined in the Type II than the Type I. The bottom line of shading is much longer in the Type II than the Type I.
Definition in Chin · Type I	Definition in Chin · Type II
Notice the two strong lines under Washington's chin. This is a strongly printed copy, on weaker copies the lines are even more pronounced.	The two lines under Washington's chin are not nearly as strong in the Type II stamp.

Washington Head: Denomination in Numerals: 3¢  Main Page

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