Identification of the 1847 5¢ and its 1875 reprint
The Shirt Frill
#1
1847
#3
1875
#1 The 1847 Original
The white frill on Franklin’s shirt touches the medallion frame roughly level with the top of the letter "F" in "FIVE".
#3 The 1875 Reprint
The frill touches higher up, roughly level with the top of the numeral "5" in the lower-left corner.
The Printers Initials
#1
1847
#3
1875
#1 The 1847 Original
The initials "R.W.H.&E." at the bottom are sharp and easily legible.
#3 The 1875 Reprint
The initials are blurred or poorly defined.
Additional Differences
Validity & Gum
The 1847 originals were valid for postage until they were demonetised in 1851. The 1875 reproductions were never valid for postage and were typically issued without gum.
Color
While both are shades of brown, the 1875 reproduction is often described as a chestnut or bright red-brown, whereas the originals vary from light brown to dark brown.
Paper
The 1847 original was printed on thin, greyish-blue wove paper. The 1875 reproduction was printed on harder, whiter paper
Rarity
The 1875 reproduction is significantly rarer, with only 3,833 sold, compared to millions of the 1847 original.