1925 Surcharged In Red On Second Peking Printing 3 Cts On 4c Slate-Gray, Surcharge Inverted Error

Dear members,

I had recently got this particular Chinese junk stamp. And would like to know if it is genuine.

Please feel free to give me whatever advise you have.

Best regards,
Nelson

nelsonong

I'm hardly an expert on these but I'm posting another version of this stamp with surcharge. Note the difference in characters between my stamp and yours.

Hi gettinold,

Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Nelson

My four cents: Overprint forgery.

Hi Calstamp,
Do you have a forgery copy to show me?
Thanks,
Nelson

Nelson...

I do not have a copy of a forged overprint to share with you. As originally issued or as your have posted with the inverted overprint. As you undoubtedly are aware, Scott cites a catalogue value of $275,000 USD for a (genuine) postally-used version of a good quality sample with the inverted surcharge. Aka Scott 274a.

Examining stamps via photos posted on the Internet can be problematic. The basis for my comment (suggesting a possible overprint forgery) includes many years' collecting experience, quick review of Varro Tyler's writings, review of Ma's Illustrated Catalogue of the Stamps of China (1998), and seeing/examining many copies of the base issue. However, this is not intended to convey a claim of expertise. But rather informed observation.

The shape and weight of the letter "c" on your stamp simply appears different (in my personal opinion) from the "upright" overprints I have "examined" first-hand. Same for the weight of some of the Chinese characters. However, given the catalogue value cited above, it may well be worth your time and money to submit your stamp for expertizing.

And now a little background, courtesy of the Ma catalogue...

"In November 1922, the Ministry of Communication decreed the increase in postage rate from three to four cents for domestic ordinary delivery. Prior to this, large quantities of four cent stamps were already printed. Although generally accepted, the new rate was vigorously opposed by the Governor of Chekiang Province. As a result of which the new rate was not enforced. The four cent stamps were thus becoming useless for the time. So order was given to overprint them with new value of three cents. The surcharge was made in two types; one in sheets of 100 stamps and the other in sheets of 120 stamps. The former was sold in Post Offices in small sheets of 50 stamps (10 x 5) and the latter in sheets of 40 (10 x 4).

The stamp is also known with inverted overprint." (Italics)

I hope you have discovered a genuine copy of Scott 274a. As we all will be able to say "we were there".

Cheers.

Nelson

On the PF website they have counterfeits and genuine. Here are images of the counterfeits





And here is image of a genuine overprint




If the PF certifies a stamp as counterfeit the fee is less than the price of a tank of gas. I've had a few stamps come back as counterfeits. Sometimes peace of mind is worth the fee. A stamp like that, if genuine, would need a certificate from a recognized expert in order to be offered at auction. I can not distinguish between the genuine and the counterfeits.