191 Thick Surcharge (Title Corrected)

Just checking with the group. I have a few of these, and only the last one that I purchased has such a thick "3" in the overprint. The other items in the overprint don't seem as thick so I am confused. Is this normal for the three? This is Scott/Unitrade 191, Die II.



Here is a "normal" 3 that I see in all of my other copies:



Here is the "thick" 3 that I see in my latest copy. Anyone have anything similar?

Partime, what is the white 'blotch' on the right 'two'?

I'll go with "scanner scum". It wiped off easily.

For the sake of newbies in here who want to learn more about our hobby, and, please, I am not trying to be petty, but, the stamp shown here does NOT have an overprint, but, is a 'surcharge' In years past, I too was corrected on this <G>

All the best

Chimo

Bujutsu

Title was corrected. Thanks to Bujutsu for explaining the difference.

To correct Bujutsu's correction, Let's start with Konwiser's definition of an overprint from his American Stamp Collector's Dictionary: "Overprint - Any word, inscription or device printed across the face of a stamp altering its use, locality or its face value, or overprinted for a specific purpose ...." Thus is it clear that the term "overprint" is a broad term which encompasses the more specific term of "surcharge" in the case of this stamp. So the original post was not incorrect calling this an overprint, which it is.

So I'm going to guess heavy over-inking and move onto the next big discovery.

I won't contest Konwiser's definition. However, my original understanding was, if there was an 'overprint', this was consisted in words (text) only such as "Victory", "Help The Refugee Campaign", "Red Cross", "Visit Of the Royal Family" etc., etc. However, if there was a 'currency' change, or a value alteration to a stamp, then is was a surcharge??

Personally, I wish there was a better explanation.

Chimo

Bujutsu

This is good information; if I could master all the "terminology" I would be a better collector.