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.

Mihon:  Type 2

Mihon in oval band west of top characters (lemon yellow shade)

Wada:  Plate 45, State 3

Mozō in oval on each side under value characters.

 “Unsigned” Forgeries with Genuine Stamp

Wada; Plate 46

Wrong number of shading lines (differs depending on position).

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.

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.