Distinguishing Characteristics of Scott 1 and Scott 3
The 5¢ 1847 stamp - Scott 1 (Die Proof)
The 1875 reproduction of the 5¢ 1847 stamp - Scott 3P4
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 top of the frill of the white shirt ( it looks like a scarf or an ascot to the author) 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. This is clearly evident in the leaves in the detail in the frame surrounding the vignette. In this instance a proof of Scott number 1 was used for illustration, the issued stamps rarely have this level of detail.
The reproduction is slightly shorter and wider than the original and the reproductions often have a rich red brown color. Number 1 is collected in a variety of colors, ranging from red brown and even a bright red orange to a dark blackish brown.
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, never valid for postage and of course not even an 1847 stamp, it just looks a lot like number one, the 1847 5¢ stamp.
