5 SOLDI


Very common stamp, especially the second type because of its large use on the mail. I show here below two samples, one of the first (Fig. 1) and one of the second type (Fig. 2).


First type
 
Second type

Fig. 1: first type

 

Fig. 2: second type


The main differences are:

In the first type the curl on the forehead is flat and low, very often not so evident (common characteristic to all the values of the first type). In the second type it is bigger and pointed (common characteristic to all the parts of the second type).
In the first type the ribbon behind the nape is open, similar to a "3" and thinner (common characteristic to all the values of the first type). In the second type it is closed, similar to an "8" and thicker (common characteristic to all the values of the second type).
In the first type in the left bottom corner a small colored dot connects the two decorations. In the second type the two corner ornaments are clearly apart from each other.

It should be said that do exist other small details that differentiate the two type of stamps, but they result very often difficulty to be seen (a suggestion? the perforation in the second type is often more pointed...). I invite you to go to the specialized readings for further digging on the subject).


Catalogued color shades (as per Sassone) - 1st type

Red (typical color)
Pale red
Bright red

Catalogued color shades (as per Sassone) - 2nd type

Red (typical color)
Pale red
Scarlet red (hazy printing)