Need Help To Identify.

How do I determine if this is a 196DD ?

Maybe this page can help ...

http://www.philadb.com/?site=list&c...d=484&id=518

Michel 196 is printed in two colors. The main color of dark blue is printed over the background color of light green. If the light green is printed twice then it is Michel 196 DD. You will need a 10X magnifier and you will also need to know what the normal green underprint looks like so you can tell the difference.

This issue is also known with an inverted underprint and is easier to find than the double underprint.

The problem is I've been told two different things with regards to inverted backgrounds. Some say certain stamps are symmetrical and therefore no way to tell if it's inverted. Then I've seen those same stamps sold as inverted. Just because the edge was shorter on one side. I have also seen the 196 sold as inverted and it too extended a bit passed the edge. Here is an example that I have. And have been told no but yet seen it sold as it was inverted. Clarity would definitely help thanks. The 196 extended a little passed the left side. But this example is a little short on one side. Or end !

1. Narrow borders have nothing to do with whether the background is inverted.
2. You asked about Mi 196DD. That is background doubled, not inverted. (Read what Germania has posted about that.)
3. If it really is the inverted variant that you are asking about, see the link that tommtomm provided.
4. But if you are using Michel, there's an illustrated explanation of the inverted background on the page that introduces the image of the stamp with which you started.