Types of the Offset 2¢ Washington
The Ribbons and Laurel Leaves

The Definition of the Ribbons on the Offset Stamps

Type IV

The ribbons are not as well defined on the Type IV. Many dots and lines of shading are weak and/ or missing entirely when compared to all of the other Offset Types.

All Others

The ribbons are well defined and have many more dots and lines of shading than the Type IV stamp. This is a particularly sharp example, there is variation. This distinction may prove very useful in ascertaining that a particular stamp is NOT Type IV.

The Definition of the Laurel Leaves on the Offset Stamps

Type IV

The laurel leaves are not as well defined on the Type IV. Many dots and lines of shading are weak and/or missing entirely when compared to all of the other Offset Types

All Others

The laurel leaves are well defined and have many more dots and lines of shading than the Type IV stamp. This is a particularly sharp example, there is variation. This distinction may prove very useful in ascertaining that a particular stamp is NOT Type IV.