Spot the Difference if you Can #25
The early stamps of Iceland can be hard to identify especially the colours & minor varieties that exist.
The two stamps shown below were issued between 1896 to 1901 in a set of 10 stamps. One is worth about 15 times as much as the the other in Mint condition. In used condition, one is worth about double the other. Can you see the difference?
Look carefully at the stamps below & see if you can spot the difference.
The Stamp on the left is Scott #21 & on the Right is Scott #22. The two types are can be determined by carefully measuring the size of the Numeral 3.
The one on the Right is 3.2 mm tall while the other is 3.8 mm tall. One other difference is the thickness of the numeral 3. One is thinner & one is bolder than the other.
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One other difference is the thickness of the numeral 3. One is thinner & one is bolder than the other.
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Here is an overlay of the two stamps (I used EzImage to do the overlay so it’s easy to see).
As mentioned, the stamp on the left is about 15 times more valuable than the other in mint condition.
Yet, the used copy is about half the value of the stamp on the right. Both are very hard to find in MNH (Mint Never Hinged Condition).
I have found several copies ( both mint & used for my collection ) but I did pay a premium for the #21 as it is not offered often in true VF condition.
These differences are listed and imaged in EzStamp as shown below
Happy hunting