US Wells Fargo Scott # 143l6, Blue, 1861, Genuine / Counterfeit Status?

This stamp (image below) has a complete line across the center. The issue does not normally have a line, but the Scott catalog text says "Most counterfeits have a horizontal line bisecting the shield. Some genuine stamps have a similar line drawn in with blue or red ink. Value for genuine with line, $900."

Do any of the European catalogs or more specialized books which address these? If so, would it be possible for you to refer me to the source or send me a scan?

Do you know of an internet website which addresses these? If so, could you send me a link? Thanks, I appreciate your help.

StampAuctionNetwork is a good source of images of genuine copies. And ebay for pictures of forgeries and reprints. Here is Mystic's copy to see a genuine example with the handwritten line drawn in.


In another thread here on SCF ( https://goscf.com/t/53298 ), John Becker says refers to Larry Lyons 3 volume set: "The Identifier for Carriers, Locals, Fakes, Forgeries and Bogus Posts of the United States", volume III, pages 1146-1147.

Enjoy!