Cherry Blossoms: 5 Sen Green No Syllabics
Genuine
19 March 1876 – Green – Foreign Paper
Scott #54A and Sakura #51
Size 19 1/2 mm x 22 1/2mm
The design is almost the same as the 6 sen stamps, but with a few modifications. The most significant is that there are no syllabics on the issue. The Chrysanthemum Crest is moved to the top of the oval band and flowers and leaves replace the waves. There was only one plate .
Reminder: Only 16 petals or florets in the genuine Kiku Crest (Chrysanthemum Crest).
5 Sen Green Secret Mark
The point on the character for sen at the west is a different shape than the one at the east.
Differences Between Genuine and Forged
A: Genuine: The small line projecting from the scroll below the northwest cherry blossom has a slight upward twist. Forgeries: If the line exists in the forgery, it points straight outward or has a slight downward bend.
B. Genuine: There is a space between the curve of the east lower branches and the belt with “5 sen”. Forgeries: In many forgeries this branch touches the belt.
C. Genuine: There are twelve shading lines in the oval band above the buckle in almost all the genuine*. Forgeries: In the forgeries this number varies from nine to sixteen.
*All 40 positions of the genuine show 12 shading lines in the oval band above the buckle. However, in position 34, shown in the black and white above, the 12th shading line at the southeast is so close to the band that it can appear as part of the band instead of a shading line. Both plate wear and over inking can make this position appear to have only 11 shading lines.
“Signed” Forgeries
All signed forgeries below with 14 petals in Chrysanthemum Crest except that Wada’s, Plate 45, Position 5 has 13 petals.
Maeda: Type 1
Mozō in oval band on each side below value characters
Maeda: Type 2
Sankō in oval band west of top characters
Mihon: Type 1
Mihon in oval band west of top characters
Mihon: Type 2
Mihon in oval band west of top characters (lemon yellow shade)
Wada: Plate 45, State 1
Small sankō on each side in oval bank above value characters.
Wada: Plate 45, State 2
Sankō in oval bank west of top characters.
Wada: Plate 45, State 3
Mozō in oval on each side under value characters.
“Unsigned” Forgeries with Genuine Stamp
Spiro: Type 1
Only two holes in buckle, seven shading lines and syllabic レ (phantom),
Spiro: Type 2
Nine shading lines and Syllabic レ (phantom).
Wada; Plate 46
Wrong number of shading lines (differs depending on position).
Hirose: Plate A, Position 1
Wrong number of shading lines in oval above buckle.
Hirose: Plate A, Position 2
Wrong number of shading lines in oval above buckle.
Hirose: Plate B, Position 1
No or very light shading lines to west of “5” in “5 sen.
Hirose: Plate B, Position 2
Wrong number of shading lines in oval above buckle.
ABC Kurabu (ABC Club) - 1950's-1960's
For more information about the ABC Kurabu Forgeries click here.
Note: Numbers in parenthesis and bold are the catalog numbers found on reverse of the forgeries. State 4 forgeries did not have any numbers on the reverse. It is believed that State 4 forgeries exist for all different values. But only a few State 4 examples were available for examination. When State 4 was available for examination, the design type is recorded.
ABC (Kurabu) Club Forgery 5 sen green, no syllabic – Design 124
States 1, 2, 3 & 5 (No. 45).
Characteristics of Design 124:
-
-
- Extra dot.
- Break in design line.
-
Reproductions
JSPA Sheet No. 7 Issued 10 July 1962
This stamp reproduces the genuine issue of 19 March 1876 on wove paper. The reproduction is imperforate on cream-colored wove paper.
Click here to see more information about JSPA reproductions.