Belgium

1878 Issue 5fr (two types)

Sperati made unused and used reproductions of the 1878-1881 issue 5f stamps. The type A reproduction exists in both yellow-brown and red-brown shades while type B exists only in yellow-brown. Sperati used decolored genuine stamps so that the paper, perforations and gum are genuine for unused and the used reproductions have genuine cancels retained.

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Type A (red-brown and yellow-brown shades)

1. there is a second and smaller white dot following the constant first dot after "BELGIQUE"

2. the background above the "N" of "CINQ" extends into the curved white space

3. There are a number of colored dots between outer and inner frame lines at left opposite the value tablet

Type B (yellow-brown shade)

1. there is a more pronounced white spot between the "A" and "N" of "FRANCS"

2. only type B reproductions have a second white spot between the "A" and "N" of "FRANCS"

additional information from Sperati I:  Plate 109    Belgium Text

Richard Frajola (April 27, 2020)