Poland 649 And 652 Vs 656A And 656B

649 and 652 have engraved centers, while 656A and 656B are supposed to be lithographed. Is there an easy way to distinguish the difference? I seem to be finding several of the more expensive 656As and no 649s. I assume that the engraved can be distinguished by running a fingernail lightly over the center and feeling a little "texture"? While the lithographed centers feel slick to the fingernail test?

Is there any way to determine using a magnifying glass or a microscope?

Hi,

Check the values in the top right corners.

Start with any stamp that isn't either the 25g or 60g and you'll see the engraved value has a well defined dotted pattern.

The engraved 25g and 60g will show this same pattern.

The values in the litho versions have a uniform flat colour.

Here's a scan of the value on the engraved 45g showing the dotted pattern:



This is the only one of the set I have to hand but you should be able to distinguish the engraved 25g and 60g from the litho versions this way.

Thanks! That works great! Scott catalog should mention that in a footnote...