Class I.--Line cuts first stroke of "W" of "TWO." Class II.--Line cuts second stroke of "W" of "TWO." Class III.--Line cuts third stroke of "W" of "TWO." Class IV.--Line cuts last stroke of "W" of "TWO." Class V.--Line falls outside of "W" and sometimes cuts "O."
It may be well to state here that the die reading "U. S. POSTAGE" exists only in classes I., II., IV., and V., and the reading "U. S. POST" in classes II., III., IV. and V.
The design consists of two concave and convex curves, of which the first two form the upper, and the second two the lower label. Each of these two curves meet in a point. The sides of the design are a pointed oval consisting of the sections of a large circle. The inscription in the upper label is "U. S. POSTAGE"; in the lower "TWO CENTS" with the figure "2" in the ovals at the sides.
The 1863 design was issued with two shapes of the figure "2", which is probably due to an oversight of the engraver; but, as every collector knows, the design in which the lowest stroke of the figure "2" starts sharply from the downstroke, and does _not_ curve back with it is a rarity possessed only by a few lucky mortals.
In the general catalogues the common form is known as "Die A," the latter as "Die B."
Class I.--Var. 1 Wrapper only. Class II.--Var. 2 Wrapper only. Class IV.--Var. 3 to 6 Envelope and Wrapper. Class V.--Var. 7 Wrapper only.
Bust points to centre of "W," which touches line above.
"O" of "POSTAGE" to left, but near the junction point of the inner frame line; "OS" nearly on level. "W" of "TWO" near inner frame line, and touching the latter in deteriorated dies. "OC" near. A line drawn through the junction point of the upper and lower inner frame lines cuts the end curves of the "C" of "CENTS." "CE" well spaced, but "C" lower than "E." "S" far from the right oval line. Figure "2" in right oval nearly touches at left. In deteriorated dies both figures touch at left. The tip of nose is near the left oval.
"POS" very near. "E" of "POSTAGE" touches frame.
Top of "TWO" far from left oval line, and distance between "O" of "TWO" and "C" of "CENTS" nearer than in Var. 1. Nose near left oval.
"O" in the centre of label and highest letter.
Centre line passes through "O" and "C" of "CENTS." The downstroke of "2" in the left oval touches inner frame. "C" of "CENTS" is the lowest letter, and "ENT" is widely spaced. Distance between "OC" wider than in Var. 2. Nose near left oval.