Small, Medium, Large Dates

Ever wonder how to tell a small, medium and large date from each other?

I have.

In working on my US plate number coil collection today, I saw that I now have an example of all three sizes in a collection I bought recently.

Scott #2905, 2905a, and 2905b, a small, medium and large date distinguishable by the plate number.

I thought I would share, if others want to see.

In photo, large date is on top, then medium and on bottom is a small date.

Other than the large date, it being bolder and maybe larger than others, I would not be able to distinguish these from each other on sight alone as single items without a plate number. Scott says there is a slight measurement difference of 0.1 mm.

So, Good luck in your hunt.

I am unable to see the difference between medium and small. The small date actually looks bolder than the medium. Seems like a difficult sort unless as you stated the plate numbers tell the complete story. Excellent photo, btw.

Ever wonder how to tell a small, medium and large date from each other?


On these three it is fairly simple - large is plate S333, medium S222 and small is S111. The difference between small and medium is indeed very little and most folks will not be able to measure that. Best way is go with the plate numbered stamps.


Peter

I'm having trouble too to see the difference between small and medium.
Since you have all three, can you measure their heights?

About the thickness of a sheet of paper.

I wonder if it a real difference that was intentional by the printers or perhaps someone at Scott had a case of wishful thinking.

AQ

Here's a chart that lists small and large dates by catalog number and plate number for various coil issues.

https://pnc3.org/Reference/Small-Large-Dates.php