Is There A Good Way To Identify A 63B?

Hi Philazilla, how about for grins you show one of each certified examples of deep blue and dark blue for all of us to view? Maybe throw in a normal typical 63 as well.

These color differences have been discussed ad nauseum on the forum in part because they are so subjective and elicit tons of opinions. It has been said that unless there is a truly striking difference the catalog publishers have done a disservice by listing these and creating more issues to try and obtain.

Here are three stamps from the same Kelleher auction presumably scanned on the same equipment:

Scott 63 Blue



Scott 63b Dark Blue



Scott 63-E13f Blue



All three of these stamps have PF certs.

thanks Rodcam, Wow I see the difference but I expected the dark blue to be even darker.

Here are some from my collection. The 63 shades all have certs specifying the color.

1st Design Essay Indigo:



1st Design Essay Ultramarine



Plate Proof on Card



Pale Blue



Pale Milky Blue



Blue



Deep Blue



Dark Blue



Bright Blue

Is there a census of a date range for the used Dark Blue 63s? I'm wondering if most were used in 1863?