I was wondering if anyone is keeping track of prefixes (or collects) the 'light' and 'heavy' Beattie - Rasminsky signature varieties? I am attaching a scan of I/S and M/X prefix 5's but you can find both 'varieties' on $1, $10, $20, $50 & $100.
I have never seen dealers list the variety. Charlton doesn't mention anything (but I do not have the latest edition).
Since the signatures were applied by letterpress; is this just heavier ink application? Or wear on the letterpress?
The difference for me is more than enough to call it (and collect) as a distinct variety.
I actually am a world paper collector (Africa, Islamic and British Commonwealth) and world collectors are familiar and collect such varieties.