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Are you a stamp collector or seller? It’s important to be aware of fake stamps. A fake stamp is a forged or altered stamp that is passed off as genuine. It can be a real problem for collectors, as fake stamps can significantly reduce the value of a genuine collection. Therefore, it’s essential to learn how to identify a fake stamp to protect yourself and your collection.

There are different types of fake stamps; some are entirely counterfeit, and some are forgeries. Counterfeit stamps are made to look like genuine stamps from the original plate, but they are reproduced using a printing method that differs from the original. Meanwhile, forgeries are made to resemble genuine stamps, often using a combination of original and fake elements. Collectors should also be cautious about altered stamps from issued stamps.

One of the most critical things to check when assessing the authenticity of a stamp is its perforations or ‘perfs.’ A fake stamp typically has very smooth edges, unlike genuine stamps that have rough edges from the perforation process. Second, examine the color of the stamp, which should be precise. The ink should be evenly distributed, and there should be no color bleeding or blurring. Finally, inspect the paper quality, which should match the original paper.

Additionally, you can use a UV light to detect fake stamps as they typically have different fluorescent properties from genuine stamps. You can also compare the stamp with an official catalog to see if it matches the description. Many catalogs list characteristics like perforations, size, and color details to help collectors differentiate genuine from fake stamps.

fake stamps are a real problem in the stamp collecting world. Collectors and dealers must learn how to identify a fake stamp to protect themselves and their collection’s value. Remember to check the perforations, color, paper quality, fluorescent properties, and compare the stamp with official catalogs to spot a fake stamp.