Parma

1859 Issue 5c, (20c), 40c and 80c

Sperati I reported reproductions of the Parma 1859 issue 5c (two types that differ in color only), 40c and 80c (three types). Everything about these was made by Sperati including forged cancels. Sperati II reported that negatives were found in the Paris Museum of the 20c denomination which may also exist as finished reproductions.

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1859 Issue 5c - Types A and B (same design)

the two types differ only under UV light: Type A ink color appears as emerald green and Type B ink colors appears as yellow-green

1. there is a nick in the outer frameline at the level of the serif of the "P" in "PARMENSI"

2. there is a dot between the "T" and "E" of "CENTESIMI"

1. the "RM" of "PARMENSI" are joined at the bottom.

2. in "CENTESIMI" the top and bottom arms of the first "E" are weak or missing, the bottoms of the "N" and "T" are missing, the bottom left leg of the "M" is detached, and the final "I" is missing its bottom.

3. the "O" is missing its left side.

4. the framelines have numerous breaks.

1. there is a large break in middle frameline above the "A" of "STATI"

2. the outer frame line at left, on the level of the "S" of "STATI" is missing

1. there is a spot of color off the point of the shield at top left 2. the upper part of the right side of the "N" of "CENTESIMI" is broken away

1. there is a large break in middle frameline above the "A" of "STATI"

2. the lower right point of the shield appears to have extra ink blob

1. there is an extra blob of color in framelines to left of the "P" of "PARMENSI"

2. The A" and the "R" of "PARMENSI" are joined at the foot

additional information from Sperati I:  Plate 60   Parma Text
additional information from Sperati II:    Parma Text

Richard Frajola (May 15, 2020)