Can anyone confirm that these two examples are Litho vs Engraved versions of these USSR/Russian stamps? Farm Woman 20k green #2286 vs #2290 and Architect 25k sepia #2287 vs #2291. Thank you
I am not an expert on Russia postage stamps, but consulting Scott 2017, for the stamps in question, it states:
Engraved Perforation 12 1/2 Type A1182, Year 1959
Lithography Perforation 12 x 12 1/2 Type A1182, Year 1960 and 1959
Also: the Engraved postage stamps, Perf. 12 1/2, are catalog valued at
2286 Mint NH US$ 7.00 Year 1959
2287 Mint NH US$ 3.25 Year 1959
2288 Mint NH US$ 9.25
Litho, perf. 12 x 12 1/2
2290 Mint NH US$ .25 Year 1960
2291 Mint NH US$ .75 Year 1960
2292 Mint NH US$ .25 Year 1959
2293 Mint NH US$ 1.50 Year 1960
Thank you Rgbrito and Michael for your help. The stamps felt smooth to the touch and I did not see any pattern when using the aluminum foil and eraser test so appreciate your confirmation that these are Litho versions. Both are also appear CTO (cancelled to order) versions that are cancelled with full gum and did not go through the mail which seems to be quite common with Russian stamps during this era.
Rgbrito's catalogue info gives very useful information for identifying these.
The two sets have different perforation measurements.
Even without using a perforation gauge, comparing one side (top or left) of one of the stamps against both sides (top and left) of the second stamp will show immediately whether the second stamp is engraved or litho.
If you are sorting a number of these and you have a blue 60 kop stamp then this must be litho which will help you see the difference by eye if both types are present.
Thank you Michael and nigelc. Great advice on using a known stamp to compare against the unknowns to gain experience in differentiating the types of printing. Setting up a reference set for quick comparison would be a useful tool!
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