1856 Austrian Mercury Head Newspaper Stamp

Hi,

I am fairly new to stamp collecting and have an album of of old Austrian stamps, and German provincial stamps (Hamburg, Bavaria, etc). Among the collection I have found what appears to be an Austrian Newspaper stamp. Looking this up I think that it appears to be the 1856 Mercury head Newspaper stamp. As this seems to be an extremely rare stamp, and because I am new to the hobby, I would like other peoples views before I become too excited that I have found something valuable.

I realise that there are forgeries of this stamp, but the ones I have seen via Google images seem much cruder than my own stamp.

Also, if it were to prove genuine, how much difference would the damage at the top and bottom edge make.

Thanks,

Colin

Crude forgery----it has no value in damaged condition .

Colin welcome to the board ,there are many people who can answer your questions here and you will find a friendly group to discuss anything related to stamps .

Thanks, I thought it was likely a forgery, but only having been collecting for a few weeks wanted to make sure.

Colin