HEAD OF FRANKLIN TO THE RIGHT, OVAL 20-1/2 × 24-1/2 MM. "ONE CENT" ABOVE; "U. S. POSTAGE" BELOW.
TWELVE VARIETIES.
The easiest way of classifying the various dies is to extend the base line of the bust and note its position with regard to the letters "A" and "G" of "POSTAGE". By this simple method we obtain the following groups:—
1) Bust points at G;
2) " " between A and G;
3) " " at A.
Next in importance is to note the position of the back of the bust with reference to the strokes of letter "U". Calling the stroke next to the star ornament the first stroke, and that next to "S" the second, we have two additional distinctive features. Finally, the distance from the back of the bust to inner oval line furnishes a third valuable clue.
To the above we may add three 10 mm. unit distance measurements, taken from the upper end of the first stroke of "U" towards "ONE"; from the right end of the horizontal stroke of "T" of "CENT" towards the "E" of "POSTAGE"; and from the upper end of the final stroke of "N" of "CENT" towards the "E" of "ONE", noting each time the end of the 10 mm. line. The result is shown in the subjoined table:—
Measured from upper extremity of "U" the end of the 10 mm. line touches right side of "O"; strikes base of "N"; or falls between the strokes of "N";
Measured from "T" the end of the 10 mm. line touches end of "E" reaches to about the middle of the lower horizontal stroke; or falls behind "E".
Measured from "N" end of 10 mm. line touches upper end of "E"; reaches to the middle of the upper horizontal stroke; or falls outside "E".