Cuba - 1855-57 1R & 2R

 The Original Die used to print this 1 Real value was engraved in 1854 by Don Jose Perez Varela at the Fabrica Nacional de Sellos in Madrid, Spain.

A few features were added so it could be differentiated from any possible forgeries that were numerous for Spanish issues. 

The cost and difficulties in obtaining large amounts of hand-made papers prompted the Spanish Postal authorities to use an unwatermarked machine-made paper which prompted the flood of forgeries.

The 1R has a variety of colors and quality depending on the state of the dies at the time of printing.

Deep green, yellow green & worn die lemon color

Worn 1856 die & acid cleaned 1860 die

NOTE - In the genuine, the circle is not centered but slightly to the right and there should be 73 evenly spaced pearls in the circle

Forgeries

Forgery Type I

- Top letters are thinner and the second "0" is inclined. 

- The right inferior rossete is flat at the base. 

- Number 1 is thinner than the original. 

- The bell shape ornaments are smaller

- The line of the hair touches the eye and the eyebrow.

- This counterfeit appeared during the years 1859-63

Forgery Type II

- The height of the counterfeit stamp is slightly shorter than the genuine.

- Flaw under "P" of PLATA.

- Letters are more irregular, specially the second “A" of PLATA.

- The 1 is thicker and more imperfect than the original. 

- The line of the hair is almost a straight line in the forehead and thicker between the eye and the ear.

- This counterfeit appeared during the period 1862-1863.

Postal use of Type II

Havana to Santander, Spain.

Havana, September 30, 1862.

Type II Block

Forgery Type III

- The face of the Queen is very different 

- The top C & S are inclined

- The background pearls are smaller and uneven

- The bell shape ornaments are not uniform and very different from the originals

- They were counterfeited in Havana and they are known as "COUNTERFEITS OF HAVANA". 

- The counterfeiters were apprehended and most of the stamps siezed by the Spanish Authorities.

Type III Block

Forgery Type IV 

- A rather crude forgery

- The queen lacks the laurel leaves in the hair

- The eye is much smaller

- The bell shape ornaments are much smaller

- The top letters are shorter

Forgery Type V - Image from period book

- Overall very crude

- Under the eye there are vertical shade lines

- The circle pearls vary greatly in size

- Background pearls are scattered with many joined

2R

First, second & third printings

Forgery

I have only found 1 postal forgery

- Thick uneven letters

- Coarse shading

- Pointed nose

- Small uneven background pearls