How to Differentiate Between the two Dies of the British Colonial Stamps

British Colonial Die I: a used green Nigeria King George V stamp, red marks at the base of the crown, which sits below the frame line. British Colonial Die II: a green Nigeria ½d King George V stamp, red marks at the base of the crown, level with the frame line.

One of the most common questions we receive about British Colonial stamps is how to differentiate between the two dies of these common stamps. The easiest way is to look for the base of the Crown and whether is it BELOW the Frame line. If it is BELOW the Frame line, then it is Die I. If it is LEVEL with the frame lime, it is Die II.
Other differences exist as shown in the two images shown here, but the key feature to look for is the Base of the Crown & it’s relation to the Frame.