Dies Of #319 Different From Types 1 & 2??

Understood, Don. In that vein, the lines in the hair also seem to be more complete on the ''outlined star' type, suggesting that this may be an overall inking issue. But those 2 stars are really different in outline; for example, look how much farther the upper point of the outlined star penetrates into the horizontal line at the top, which alters its overall character a lot. I wish I had more specimens on hand to compare .... Stephen

yes, as the illustrations of Purington show there is such a big difference that one really first believes in something like a die difference. BUT: those are only illustrations. I didn't find any stamp showing the left image in that way. My stamp always show the contour lines, but some thicker, some very thin. But as Purington shows it, that the lines are completely missing at both places I didn't find.

Those stamps are not expensive, so I guess this is a good start for you to collect these shields and look for die differences or Purington differences!

We never seem to run out of interesting philatelic questions that need answering, do we?! So little to do, so much time .... no wait, reverse that ....