Bank Note Differences

Is there an obvious visible difference to distinguish between 'National Bank Note'. 'Continental'. and American Bank Note.?

Thank you from a rookie

Welcome to the Stamp Community Forum!

You can look in the Scott U.S. Specialized catalog at the front and you will find a section to help you identify the various issues.

Another resource, on-line, is found here:

http://www.stampsmarter.com/learnin...eIssues.html

Yes, there is a visible difference, though it is subtle. National and Continental stamps are hard papers, and American is soft porous paper, and will show fibers at the tips if the prefs. The real difference will be seen when held in front of bright light, Hard paper will appear translucent and the soft paper will appear mottled.

A bit harder to differentiate National and Continental stamps, but Continental added the "secret marks" to most of the series.

http://www.stampsmarter.com/1847usa...etMarks.html