Introduction To The Mexico 1868 Full Face Hidalgo Thick Figure Transfer Types

Introduction to the
Mexico 1868 Full Face Hidalgo

Thick Figure Transfer Types
By
James H. Ford
April 28, 2016
MEXICO-ELMHURST PHILATELIC SOCIETY, INTERNATIONAL
Notice of Copyright
All reproduction rights are fully reserved and any reproduction of this
document, all or in part, without written permission of the Mexico-Elmhurst
Philatelic Society, international is prohibited.
Introduction to the
Mexico 1868 Full Face Hidalgo
Thick Figure Transfer Types
by
James H. Ford
The Mexico 1868 Hidalgo postage stamp issue is one of the most
complex in philately. While only 5 denominations were printed, during the years
of 1868 to 1872; there were two series of stamps, with and without perforations,
each of which was overprinted with numbers denoting the year and district of
issue, 41 of each, as well as the names of the districts, which were printed
vertically, top to bottom or bottom to top, or horizontally, or sometimes omitted;
there were unauthorized postal forgeries surreptitiously printed on government
equipment (the "Types of Mexico") and authorized postal forgeries, included in
the Anotodos; as well as counterfeits and reprints.
The two series of 1868 that are commonly called the thick and thin figure
varieties, which refers to the shapes of the numbers that denote the value of the
stamps, were printed by lithography. The thin figure variety, used primarily in
1868, had at least 50 lithographic transfer types for each value.
The thick figure variety was in service from 1868 to 1872, had only 10
lithographic transfer types for each value - the subject of this paper.
It is not usually difficult to tell the thin and thick figure stamps apart: the
numerals of thin figure stamps generally sit farther to the left, are more delicately
drawn and, with a few exceptions, do not have a period after the numbers; the
numerals of the thick figures generally sit closer to the word CENT, are more
robust and, with a few exceptions, have a period after the numbers. The serifs on
the 1’s are very different; they are small and nearly horizontal on the thin figures,
whereas the thick figure serifs are more pronounced with a distinct downward
slope. With regard to periods after the number, determining the transfer type can
conclusively establish whether the stamp is one of the exceptions or not.
Counterfeits of the 1868 Hidalgo Issue are not plentiful and are easy to
distinguish, having a rather pinched-face portrait with beady eyes. Counterfeits
have none of the characteristic flaws of the 10 transfer types.
Unauthorized reprints, on the other hand, are more of a problem since the
lithographic stones were produced from an original die, but are not hard to
distinguish because the die had become worn and corroded, resulting in
numerous small dots on the image. They have some of the characteristics of thick
figure transfer types, but the numbers are distinctly different, having been hand
drawn. The distinguishing feature of these reprints is the small groups of dots
occurring in the C and O of MEXICO.
These unauthorized reprints were produced primarily in the less common and
more expensive 50 and 100 centavos values.
Since the numerals of each of the 10 transfer types were hand drawn on
the transfer rolls, it is often possible to determine the specific transfer type by
merely examining the numbers that denote the values of the stamps. The relative
shapes, sizes and positions of the numerals within the value frame make it
possible, when they are not obscured, to quickly determine the transfer type or, at
least, reduce the possibilities to a very few candidates. A close examination of
the following graphic shows that the numerals of each value are quite distinct for
each transfer type.
2
For example, with the 6 centavos:
The number 6 touches the line below it only on transfer type 8;
The 6 is very close to the C of CENT on transfer type 6.
With the 12 centavos:
The number 2 leans backward on transfer type 3;
The top loop of the 2 is closed on transfer type 7.
The period after 25 touches the line below on transfer type 4;
The 5 is large, thin at the back and badly formed on transfer type 6.
The 5 is long and touches the line below on transfer type 1;
The 0 in 50 is small and touches the line above on transfer type 5.
The second 0 of 100 is smaller than the first on transfer type 5.
The first two numerals of 100 lean to the left on transfer type 7.
3
The pages that follow this introduction illustrate in some detail the
characteristic features of each of the 10 transfer types for each of the 5
denominations of the Mexico 1868 Full Face Hidalgo Issue. Since the numerals
may be hidden or obliterated by overprints, cancellations and miscellaneous
marks, the various characteristics may be of some value.
The literature on the 1868 issue, including the postal forgeries (the
"Types of Mexico" or "Tipos"), the Anotodos ( the "Accounted for") and the
numerous flaws resulting from damage, dust particles and debris sustained by the
lithographic stones and paper during the production of the stamps as well as
varieties created by retouches to repair them; is both extensive and impressive.
Only the more recent references pertaining to the 1868 thick figure transfer types
are listed below.
References:
Nicholas Follansbee, A Catalogue of the Stamps of Mexico 1856-1910, Fourth

Edition, Ashland, OR, 2015
Quintus Fernando, The 1868 Issue of Mexico, http://mepsi.org/exhibits/1868issue/,

retrieved 10/21/2014
John Heath & Doug Stout, Mexico – The 1868 Issue, A Specialist Handbook,
MEPSI Publications, printed by Oxford Book Projects, 2005
Roberto Garcia Larranaga, The '68 Hidalgo issue of Mexico 1868-1872, MEPSI,
Elmerhurst, IL, undated
Gunnar Benson, Studies in the 1868-1872 Issue, serialized in Mexicana, January

1982 - October 1986
John K. Bash, The Reprints of the 1868 Issue, Mexicana, p 106, July 1984
Paul de Smeth and the Marquis de Fayolle, Les Premieres Emissions du Mexique,
translated by Keith Hoover, Mexicana Reference Pages, January 1953
Acknowledgements:
This introductory guide would not have been possible without the kind
assistance of Fritz Aebi, Thurston Bland, Jose Fregoso, Tad Mackie, Martin
Spufford and the resources of MEPSI.
April 28, 2016
4
Mexico 1868 Full Face Hidalgo Issue
6 Centavos Thick Figure Transfer Type 1
There is a mark on the circle just above the 6.
There is a dot between the bottom frame line and

the lower left square.
The X in MEXICO is blurred.
There is a small dot in the space to the left of the 6.
The period after the 6 is farther to the right

than normal.
The 6 touches the line above it.

The line below the 6 has a lump at left of the 6.
The first diagonal line of the M is thick.
Part of the upper left outer frame line is thick.
The outer circle is thick at about 8:30 to 9:00.
The period is close to the 6.

The junction of the outer circle, at 7:30, where it

joins the vertical line is thick.
Also, the circle is broken just right of this junction.
There is a spot on the vertical line of the E of the

word CENT just under the center horizontal line.
There is a break in the outer circle under the X.

The vertical line to the right of the 0 in MEXICO
is broken or missing.
The top quarter of the right frame line is thick.
The 6 is quite close to the C.

The circle is weak between 2 and 3 o'clock.
There is a small bump on the bottom frame line

near the SW corner.
The botom frame line is thick under the letters

CE of CENT.
There is a mark protruding from the upper left

leg of the M in MEXICO.
There is a mark just below the line below and to

the left of the 6.
The 6 touches line below it.
There is a dot on Father Hidalgo's left cheek.

There is a mark on the interior circle at
3:00 o'clock.
The frame line below the 6 is thick.

The top of the first leg of the letter Min
MEXICO is split.
The lines above the second leg of the
X are broken.
The double frameline is broken above and to the

left of the M of MEXICO.
There is a bump on the left side of the base of the 1.

There is a dot just inside the 0 in MEXICO at

3:00 o'clock.
The line below and to the left of the 12 is wavy

and it is broken just before the 1.
The second leg of the M in MEXICO is weak.

The C in MEXICO ends in ball at the top.
The period after 12 is split.


There is a small dot between the 2 and the period.

There is a dot below the line under the left side of
the C in CENT.
The line at the upper left of the right hand column

is doubled or thick.
The entire right frame line is rough.
The 12. is neatly drawn and well centered.

The left leg of the M in MEXICO is thick.

The first stroke of X in MEXICO is thick.
There is a dot inside the right hand inner

frame line just above the South East square.
There is a dot on the knee of the 2.
The first diagonal of the M in MEXICO is broken.
The left outside frame line is thick in the middle.
The top loop of the 2 is closed (or nearly closed).

There is often a small split in the botton of the 1.
Both diagonals of the X in MEXICO are thick.
The lower left of the inside circle is thick between

7 and 9 o'clock.
The line beneath the 1 is weak.

The left side of the inside circle is thick between

8 and 9 o'clock.
There is a break in left side of the lower left

column.
The base of the 2 is thick and line under the

2 is broken.
The serif at top of the 1 is very small
The inner frame line of the lower left ornament

is broken at 4 o'clock.
The second diagonal of the M in MEXICO is

broken at the top.
The vertical line to the left of the M in Mexico

is broken at the bottom.
The right frame line is thick between 3:00 and

4:00 o'clock.
There is a spot on the top of second diagonal of

the M in MEXICO.
The top loop of the 2 in 25 is closed.


There is a dot under the line between the 5 and

the period.
There is a small mark on the lines above the X in

MEXICO.
The period after 25 touches the line below.

The outer line of the circle is thick between 7 and

8 o'clock.
The right tip of the lower left triangle touches the

circle.
The double line of lower left square is broken at

7:00 o'clock below the star.
There is a small dot between the outer frame lines

of the upper left ornament at 11:00 o'clock.
The 5 is large, thin at the back and badly formed.

The 25 sits farther to the left than the other types.

The 5 touches the line below.
The two vertical lines of the letter N are thick.
There is a small dot between the frame lines of

the upper left ornament at 8:00 o'clock.
The 5 touches the line above, and the 5 appears

squashed due to its short neck and large loop.
There is a break in the line under the 0 of

MEXICO.
There is break in the outer frame line of the

lower left ornament at 10:00 o'clock.
Two horizontal background lines that touch

the circle at 10:00 o'clock are thick.
A curl of hair above Father Hidalgo's right ear
has been retouched.
The base of the 2 slants upward at the right.

The line under the 25 is thin and jagged.
The bottom of first diagonal of the X in MEXICO

is thick and curved.
The 5 is long and touches the line below.

The figure 50 is distinct, well formed and sits

slightly high in the space.
There is a break in the line and the circle above
the left side of the C in Cent.
The second diagonal of the M is thick at the top.

The right diagonal of the X appears to be curved
at the top.
There is a small bump on the bottom of the 0 in 50.

The lower left of the letter 0 in MEXICO is thick.
The base of the 5 is thin, the back is thick and the

loop ends in a ball.
The first diagonal of the Min MEXICO is broken.
The space between the circle and the upper right

column is wider than normal or the curved line is
thick due to a later retouch.
The 0 in 50 is small and touches the line above.

The Numerals 5 and 0 are wide apart and the 5

sits farther to the left than normal.
There are short undulations in both lines under

the E of CENT.

The lower back portion of the letter C of CENT

is thin.
There is a small clot on the top left of the first

stroke of M in MEXICO.
There is a small clot above the period after the

word CENT.
The X in MEXICO is broken at the top right.
There is no period after the 50.

The right half of the upper frame line is thick.
The bottom of the 5 is flat.

The number 100 and the word CENT are very

close together.
The lower back portion of the letter C of CENT

is thin or broken.
There is a break in the outer frame line of the

upper left square at 9:00 o'clock.
The first leg of the letter M in MEXICO is thick
at the base.
There is a mark on the right of the foot of the

first stroke of the M.
The inner circle is thick at about 8.30 o'clock.


Both 0's in 100 are slender and elongated.
There is a small mark on the line under the second

0 111 100.
The second 0 of 100 is smaller than the first.

The top left corner of E in CENT is broken.
There is break in the inner frame line of the NW

square at 11:00 O'clock.
The lower part of the 0 in Mexico is thick.

The left side of the letter 0 in MEXICO is flat.
The first two numerals of 100 lean to the left.

There is a small dot on the top left of first stroke

of the M in MEXICO.
The small triangle below the 0 in MEXICO is
indented at the top.
The second 0 in 100 is long and touches the

line below.
None of the numerals in 100 touch the lines

above or below.
The 1 in 100 touches the line above it and the 0's

are long.
There is a dot below the line under the right side
of the first 0 in 100.

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Introduction to the

Mexico 1868 Full Face Hidalgo

April 28, 2016

MEXICO-ELMHURST PHILATELIC SOCIETY, INTERNATIONAL

Nicholas Follansbee, A Catalogue of the Stamps of Mexico 1856-1910, Fourth

Quintus Fernando, The 1868 Issue of Mexico, http://mepsi.org/exhibits/1868issue/,

Gunnar Benson, Studies in the 1868-1872 Issue, serialized in Mexicana, January

April 28, 2016

There is a mark on the circle just above the 6.

There is a dot between the bottom frame line and

The X in MEXICO is blurred.

There is a small dot in the space to the left of the 6.

The period after the 6 is farther to the right

The 6 touches the line above it.

The first diagonal line of the M is thick.

Part of the upper left outer frame line is thick.

The outer circle is thick at about 8:30 to 9:00.

The period is close to the 6.

The junction of the outer circle, at 7:30, where it

There is a spot on the vertical line of the E of the

There is a break in the outer circle under the X.

The top quarter of the right frame line is thick.

The 6 is quite close to the C.

The circle is weak between 2 and 3 o'clock.

There is a small bump on the bottom frame line

The botom frame line is thick under the letters

There is a mark protruding from the upper left

There is a mark just below the line below and to

There is a dot on Father Hidalgo's left cheek.

The frame line below the 6 is thick.

The double frameline is broken above and to the

There is a bump on the left side of the base of the 1.

There is a dot just inside the 0 in MEXICO at

The line below and to the left of the 12 is wavy

The second leg of the M in MEXICO is weak.

The period after 12 is split.

The vertical line to the right of the 0 in MEXICO

There is a small dot between the 2 and the period.

The line at the upper left of the right hand column

The entire right frame line is rough.

The 12. is neatly drawn and well centered.

The left leg of the M in MEXICO is thick.

There is a dot inside the right hand inner

The first diagonal of the M in MEXICO is broken.

The left outside frame line is thick in the middle.

The top loop of the 2 is closed (or nearly closed).

Both diagonals of the X in MEXICO are thick.

The lower left of the inside circle is thick between

The line beneath the 1 is weak.

The left side of the inside circle is thick between

There is a break in left side of the lower left

The base of the 2 is thick and line under the

The serif at top of the 1 is very small

The inner frame line of the lower left ornament

The second diagonal of the M in MEXICO is

The vertical line to the left of the M in Mexico

The right frame line is thick between 3:00 and

There is a spot on the top of second diagonal of

The top loop of the 2 in 25 is closed.