The original plates were used to produce counterfeits. The counterfeits outnumber the genuine stamps.
Fortunately, the counterfeiters retouched the plate before printing, so the counterfeits are fairly easy to ID.
Unfortunately, the stamp you show is a counterfeit. In the picture below, I've circled one of the easier to spot telltale signs. In the counterfeit, they retouched the lines of the right column so that there are 3 distinct lines. In the original, the right most line is much thicker, and as the lines approach the banner (see circled area), the other two lines fade away and are not clear at all. In your picture, the three lines are very clear.
[Note: I've simplified the explanation a little bit. If you examine the stamp under a magnifier, you will actually see a very light and spotty additional line or two. I've ignored those for the sake of simplicity.]
Posted 09/24/2010 08:29 am
