Problem #163 - Value Of Searchable Databases

I started a previous discussion about the value of a searchable database for old certificates. I thought it would be useful to illustrate my point with another example. The #163 below has three certificates linked in the PF database. Searching through the PF database I found a fourth certificate depicting a stamp whose perforations matched exactly on three sides. This certificate not only stated that the right side was reperforated, it also undisputedly demonstrated that the stamp was subsequently additionally reperforated on the bottom!

That can make many a collector queasy to say the least.

Interesting. I am new to this hobby but I kinda like the result.

I did a little photoshopping. The reperfing at the right does not look obvious to me but on the image I am attaching you can see why they say its reperfed right. The perfs don't match very well. The bottom looks like a fairly good job, at least to my eyes of limited experience. But the before image is very persuasive!

The Stamp Auction Network is another great site to search for old images of stamps you might question. Stamps with one wide margin can be easily reperforated and the stamp becomes an XF-S 95 instead of a VF-XF 85. Here is a stamp that sold ungraded at a HR Harmer auction (note bottom margin). Fortunately the PF caught this one, although they called it reperfed on top and not the bottom. Maybe it's been reperfed top and bottom!

From "Anatomy of a fraud" Circa 2007

Very interesting examples showing the need for buyer beware.
Reperfration of stamps to increase value has been going on
for years even before the recent premium for investible "90,
95 and 98" stamps. Hiding or mis-representation of Certs.
is more common than many of us know so research before
Auction purchase is mandatory in my estimation.

Excellent research. More to the problem, what does it say about modern technological advancements if a 30 plus year old certificate is surpassed by one that not only cannot recognize a major reperf job but also grades that fault a 90!?

The technology is not used on every submission may be one reason. Or not.