These identifications require very, very "close" work and make me glad that I don't collect this series, but grateful that we have collectors like Hochstrasse who do and can tell the differences in varieties. Don
The U.S. Third Bureau is a world unto itself. Too many variables for me. I do notice a many errors in identification result from not correctly using a perforation gauge. Of all the books and chapters of books devoted to ID'ing these stamps I still like Barbara Mueller's methods in United State Postage Stamps! A true classic of U.S. philatelic literature. Not my cup-of-tea but I can appreciate the fascination others have with them.
This is a 599a note the entire hair line is dark on top of his head. Courtesy of www.thesweedishtiger.com. Look at #300 last pick is my find.
I don’t know why this is working out like this? But any information on the stamps would help. Thank you markc59@charter.net
Check out the following link to differentiate the 599 & 599a. It's an awesome site for all U.S. stamps as a matter of fact. https://www.theswedishtiger.com/x1923b.htm
Mark, the 599A is much like the 50c Kennedy half dollar coin with accented hair. Once you actually own one the obvious distinctions become apparent. Unfortunately I have found this to be true in many aspects of philately especially with the Washington/Franklin series types I to VII as well as many of the color variations. Once you have discerned the differences between types it seems much simpler after the recognition has become apparent. This is part of the learning process. Hope you are not discouraged and continue to want to learn about philately. This is why many of the expertising outfits have extension reference copies with respect to color and variety because not every copy has all the features that guides point to.
