Types of the 2¢ Washington
Definition of the Toga Rope
The Lines of the Toga Rope
Type I
The line at the top of the toga rope is poorly defined. The lines of the rope are wider at the bottom than at the top. This is a typical example. Many Type I stamps have a much clearer definition of the line at the top of the rope and the lines of the rope are not that much wider at the bottom than the top. Still, it will never be as sharp as in the Type Ia and II stamps at right.
Type Ia
The line at the top of the toga rope is well defined and sharp. The lines of the rope are consistent top to bottom and do not seem to change in width from the toga rope into the toga itself. This is a defining feature that distinguishes the Type Ia from Type I.
Type II
The line at the top of the toga rope is well defined and sharp. The lines of the rope are consistent and do not seem to change in width from the toga rope into the toga itself.
Type III
This is not a determining factor in the Type III, although, in general, it resembles Types Ia and II much more than the Type I in this regard.
It should be noted that the Type II stamps are usually much sharper and printed in a heavier ink than Types I and III. This shows up quite clearly in the above examples. Note also, the rose carmine shade of the Type Ia.
