1920
Mi 18
 Forgery
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Mi 18
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Forgery
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Original |
This sample is a completed forgery where both stamp and surcharge are fake. The forgery can thus be recognized also by the characteristics that where given for issue Mi #9. (Note that the samples above are scanned through different plastic films, such that the difference in colour has become too large.)
The printing of the original surcharge is dull black, while the fake surcharges have a richer, glossy surface. In general, the letters of the surcharge are more rounded and with less distinct corners, while the originals have a distinct Antiqua style. This is particularly true on top of the "M" and on top and legs of the "k".
It is not possible to use the distances between the black "dots" and the letters to distinguish between original and fake issues.
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This sample is also a complete forgery with fake surcharge on fake stamp. This forgery can thus be recognized also by the same characteristics as described for issue Mi #16.
Similar to Mi #18, the fake surcharge can be recognized by the lack of Antiquan styli of the letters "Mk". Note that in the sample shown below the head of "1" is much thicker on the forgery than on the original stamp. This is not a safe sign, however, as there are large differences also between the original overprints. Caution is recommended, as there probably also exist fake surcharges on ORIGINAL stamps on the market...
It is not possible to use the distances between the black "dots" and the letters to distinguish between original and fake issues.
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As for the issues above, also this sample is a complete forgery with fake surcharge on fake stamp. The forgery thus have the same characteristics as described for issue Mi #11. (Note that the samples above are scanned through different plastic film, such that the difference in colour has become too large.)
The original stamps are printed on thin white paper with some spots, while the fake ones are printed on yellowish paper with compact surface structure.
There are no safe distinguishing characteristics in the number "2", but "Mk" on the original stamps has more distinct Antiqua style than the forgeries, especially below. The black "dot" under 2 is small and distinct on the originals, but large and indistinct on the forgeries.
The horizontal lines cancelling "70 Penni 70" are evenly thin on the originals, but uneven with thick ends on the forgeries. Note that the right end of the lines is better aligned on original than fake stamps, and that the upper line is longer than the lower. On the originals, however, the lower line is typically 150 mm and the upper 155 mm, while on the forgeries the lines are 145 and 150 mm, respectively.
The distance between the lines and the letters "2 Mk." can NOT be used to distinguish between originals and forgeries.
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