Johannesburg numeral postmarks (referred to as Counter Numbers by Ralph Putzel) go from 1 to 174. First introduced in 1901, within these 174 postmarks are numerous differences in the overall size of each postmark, the letters and numerals within them, as well as the many variations found in the date line. The date may or may not be in roman numerals and time code letters may or may not be present. Nevertheless, for the sake of simplicity and consistency they can be conveniently grouped into 18 (A - R) easily identifiable types.
Where there is more than one significant difference for a specific numeral type (eg both letters and roman numerals for the month or both a normal or reversed year) they are shown as follows: 43j (i), 43 j (ii) etc with a brief description explaining the difference. Differences in postmark diameter sizes, codes and time varieties are not listed separately
A - Inner circle divided and closed off with numeral usually surrounded by two large asterisks at sides of base. Date in centre in one line
B - Inner circle divided into two half-moon sections with numeral at base. Date in centre in one line
C - Divided inner circle. Numeral at base enclosed by thin curved bars. Date in centre in one line
D - Double circle. Numeral at base enclosed by thicker curved bars. Date and time in centre in three lines
E - Divided inner circle. Numeral at base enclosed by thin curved bars. Date in centre in one line
F - Divided inner circle. Numeral at base enclosed by short curved bars or name at top enclosed by short curved bars. Date in centre in one line
G - Double circle with the lower quarter coloured in. Numeral at end of name. Two horizontal lines at either end of name and numeral. A relief canceller. Date in centre in one line
H - Divided inner circle. Numeral at base enclosed by heavy curved bars of various widths which in some examples extend above the date line. Date in centre in one line
I - Squared circles with numeral at base surrounded by two small dots between numeral and name. Date inside inner circle in one line
J - Divided inner circle. Numeral at base. Date in centre in one line; the earlier dates are usually in letters and the later dates in roman numerals
K - Divided inner circle. Numeral at base. Date in centre in one line usually in roman numerals but sometimes in letters. In later years the date may be reversed (2 or 4 digits). Some examples have JH followed by numeral at base. 'Johannesburg' is smaller than type J
L - Double circle or Divided inner circle. Numeral at base surrounded by two crosses or dots between numeral and name. Date in centre in one line.
M - Numeral between name on lower right hand side. Three types. 1. Double circle. Bilingual name: CENTRAL JHB. at top and SENTRAAL JHB at bottom with numeral between JHB. Date in centre in one line. 2. Single circle. JOHANNESBURG at top and S.AFRICA at bottom with numeral between them. 3. Divided inner or double circle. JOHANNESBURG at top and numeral No. X at bottom
O - Double circle. Numeral at base. Date in centre in one line and may be reversed. Some examples have a JH followed by numeral at base
P - Double circle. Numeral at base. Date in centre in one line. Johannesburg is larger than type O
R - JHB at top. Numeral at base. Date in centre in one line
