HEAD XVIII. A heavy eyebrow. A short side-lock with a sharp point, starting near the eye-brow, ends [HW: some] distance from the ear-lobe. There are five locks in the front row and the same number in the back row. Of the five front locks four are heavy. There is also a long and thin strand between the second and third front-lock. Together with the side-lock starts the lowest front-lock which broadens out towards its middle and ends in a point a short distance behind the ear-lobe. The second front-lock is in line with the queue. "CENTS" close to outer frame line. "CE" nearer than in Var. 3. "T" has a short cross-stroke; "TS" is wide and "NT" is near at top.
All varieties of the SIX CENTS red exist only on Knife 3, and all those of the SIX CENTS green only on Knife 2. The former is a newcomer and was styled "Official, Size 7". On account of its size (221 × 98 mm.) the envelope did not meet with much favor, and to-day it is difficult to find a cancelled specimen in fine condition. In accordance with the instructions of the Post Office the envelope should have been folded so that the right side flap overlapped the left, but this rule was not strictly adhered to, so that many collectors possess specimens with the opposite folding.
TEN CENTS, GREEN.
Narrow labels with straight ends.
8-1/2 loops on the left; 9 loops on the right.
This die appeared in April, 1855. Its issuance is due to an Act of Congress of March 3, 1855, which fixed the letter rate for transportation over 3000 miles at 10 cents.
HEAD XV: VAR. I:—Letters of "TEN" about equally spaced. "T" slants back and is somewhat nearer the left label than "N" to the right. "CE" close: "NT" near, and the top of the latter above "N". "S" closer to curve than "C". Frequently a little white line runs out from the left ornamental scrollwork a short distance above "C".
TEN CENTS, GREEN.