1861 Washington 3c Comparison

Continuing to sift through my new collection and I'm new to this, but these two appear different in nature. One is extremely transparent, where I can see through it even if it's not in the light. The other seems more durable and thick, and the details are heavier than the rightmost piece.
Particularly the bottom serif on the bottom-right "S".
The pictures don't really do justice on how different they feel in hand imo, but I hope you guys can help me out!

Both stamps are used so comparison is not always reliably done. For example, transparency may be due to a lot of the sizing (added to hold together paper fibers and make paper smoother, among other things) being washed out of the stamp. Ageing from bad storage would do it. It could be just originally thin to thick paper.

As for the "S", do you mean the "S" of "US" or the "S" of "CENTS"? Any differences I can see are most likely due to heavier or lighter inking. There are other tiny differences that you haven't mentioned that are not a concern, generally. Overall, do not judge old stamps by modern standards or expect them to be perfect.

It is important to remember that this was a workhorse stamp for the years 1861 through 1868 and beyond. The printing quantity was approximately 1.8 billion. There were many shades and and a number of different papers were used. Based on your scans and the colors I see, the left stamp was an earlier printing and the right stamp was a later printing. Neither is particularly valuable.

Oh, they're valuable to me. Information is the most valuable thing we can get out of this hobby so thanks for helping me grow!

Hybrasil- Could you teach me about those other details you mentioned? I'd like to know what to look for...
I did my best at overlaying both stamps together using Photoshop and the "older one" definitely has thicker serifs, and the 3s are slightly lower as well.

Since you have Photoshop, just image the two stamps together at larger than normal size. Then split the images and adjust the margins so the printed designs are positioned similarly. Overlap the images and you can flip back and forth to compare details.

The lighter color (right side) stamp of yours is probably the better printed of the two (but is not perfect). The left stamp is more lightly printed. That could be from inking, plate wear or a weak entry onto the printing plate or any combination of the three.

On the left stamp:
• See the frameline at 12 o'clock. There are what look like two retouch/re-entry spots correcting the design. Might be just ink blobs; it would be better to see this in person.
• At 11 o'clock, there is shading missing and weak lines in spots.
• At 8 o'clock, there are two elongated comma or plant bud elements. The lower of the two is nearly gone.
• At the bottom in THREE CENTS, there are letters that are either connected or not connected in comparison with the other.

You can probably find a lot more.

Again, these points are rather insignificant for the issue. There were too many stamps issued for most collectors to care much. But the skill in spotting small differences is very useful for determining types and plate positions for the US 1851-57 issues.

Stephen - You might enjoy this exhibit:

https://www.uspcs.org/resource-cent...n-1861-1869/

Hybrasil, that's honestly amazing how you could spot all that so fast... I The more knowledge you have, I'm sure the hunt is that much more fun!

I did what you suggested with the back-and-forth Photoshop comparison. That's a great idea, and easy to see!
The 3s actually are significantly lower on the older one, and the bottom serifs definitely fatter.

rogdcam- Oh wow! Yeah this is definitely one of the earlier prints of the series.. The Brazer T-2 matches it very well. That's an excellent reference, thank you... I'm learning that StampWorld only touches the surface of this hobby!

Consider joining these organizations. Lots of available information to be learned. Also www.stampsmarter.org is a very good resource.

American Philatelic Society
U.S. Philatelic Classics Society
United States Stamp Society

Thank you! I'll check it out