Mexico 1868 Hidalgo : 03b 12 cents

More variations on the 12 cent Hidalgo in this post.

Variety 12 IV

12 CENT variation IV

The fourth variation of this type has 2 remarkable items, both to be found near the 12.

First mark is the dot under the C of CENT.

drop hanging on the line under C of CENT

A second mark, can be found between 12 and CENT.  Here there is a second (smaller) dot.

two dots after the 12

Variety 12 V

The 'oddity' is to be found in the right top corner, in the decoration under the rosetta.
It's not easy to find a good example of this fifth type. In most cases, the district number is near this spot. Especially with a two digit district number, it becomce difficult. On top of that, often a regular cancel hides the variation too.

12 Cent - variety 5

Under the rosetta is a decoration in the shape of the tip of a fountain pen, seen from the side.
Left of it, towards the central picture of the stamp, is a second line, parallel to the decoration,
and left of that, is a frame line of the complete ornament.
These 3 lines are supposed to be parallel to each ohter, in this type however, it's not.

detail 12 Cent - Variety 5

closer detail of the 12 Cent - Variation 5

This second pic shows it clearer. The middle stroke of those 3, seems connected to the left one at the bottom. Through the most right stroke, an additional curve appears.
It looks like the middle stroke is not a line, but a stylish "q"

Variety 12 VI

The sixth variation can be recognised by looking to the X in Mexico and the bottom stroke of the 1 in 12 is lifted up.

variation VI - two characteristics

The stroke going from left above, to right under is thicker than the other stroke.

detail variation VI - 12 Cent

The second characteristic, is the horizontal line under the 1 of 12.
It is pointing upwards in stead of being a flat line.

uplifted 'serif' at the bottom of the 1 in 12

Overview variations IV to VI

VI (orange) - V - (light blue) and VI (light green)

to be continued...