ere is still some doubt as to the secret marks
on the 15c. and 30c. stamps. The distinguishing marks are as follows:

[Illustration]

1 CENT.--A minute dash with ends up-turned placed in the pearl at the
left of the numeral of value. Proof specimens show a faint trace on the
ball to the right of the numeral. The balls in the original are all
white.

[Illustration]

2 CENTS.--The white line which encloses the words "U. S. Postage" turns
up in a ball on each side; the ball above the "U" interrupts four
shading lines of the frame, the "mark" closes up the inner space and
leaves it solid, while in the original it is open.

[Illustration]

3 CENTS.--The ribbon inscribed with the value has the border where it is
turned under at the left side made dark; in the original it has a white
edge surrounding it.

[Illustration]

6 CENTS.--The ribbon inscribed with the value has four dark lines of
shading where it turns under at the left side; in the original these
lines are much shorter and thinner.

[Illustration]

7 CENTS.--The angles of the ball in the right lower corner of frame are
capped by a minute semicircle of color: in the original both lower
corners are the same.

[Illustration]

10 CENTS.--The label containing the inscription "U. S. Postage" is
bordered with a white line which turns up in a ball at each end. That at
the right encloses a minute semi-circular mark; on the original the ball
is white on each side.

[Illustration]

12 CENTS.--The figure 2 at the turn encloses a colored dot above and
below; the originals do not show color.

[Illustration]

24 CENTS.--The last of the half-circle of thirteen stars has the shading
of the four lower points deepened; in the original the shading is equal
throughout, and the same as on the other stars.

[Illustration]

90 CENTS.--The shading of the four lower points of the right-hand star
has been deepened; in the original both stars are shaded the same.

15 CENTS.--The secret mark on this value has not yet been satisfactorily
identified. Some think that the mark lies in the outer lines of the
triangle at the lower left corner, as some of the Continental printed
stamps show a much heavier shading on the enclosing lines than is to be
found in the National printed stamps.

30 CENTS.--Also doubtful. Some claim that there is a little dot to the
left of the oval frame, but this is probably only a transfer guide.

One dealer in New York supplies four varieties o