| Collectible Stamp Forgeries |
Forgeries created to deceive stamp collectors have been around for well over one hundred years. Some were -- and are currently being -- created specifically to cheat collectors. Others were created as a practical means to supply large quantities of hard-to-find (even if inexpensive) stamps from "small countries" for sale cheaply in packets. In the broadest definition, forgeries come in many forms, ranging from bogus stamps that don't exist in any other form (really a different category), to complete fabrications intended to represent genuine stamps, to additions (i.e. overprints, postmarks, etc.) on otherwise genuine stamps with the intention of increasing their value. "Postal forgeries", made to defraud the post office, also exist and are the subject of intense interest by collectors. There is also the area of "official reprints" which are usually stamps that have been officially printed again at a later time; sometimes the reprints can be worth more than the original issues -- but often are worth much less. And, there are "private reprints" or "afterprints" which were usually printed unofficially by a private person who obtained access to the original printing plates. There are also many ways in which stamps can be manipulated or repaired to improve apparent quality, but that is another subject.
Many people collect forgeries, as well as reprints, especially the older forgeries by identified forgers. The names of famous forgers such Fournier and Spiro come to mind. Occasionally, rare forgeries can exceed the value of modestly-priced genuine stamps; typically, however, the value of collectible forgeries is a small or tiny fraction of the value of the real item. Often in the case of "common" forgeries, the cost may be 50 cents to a couple/few dollars, which simply represents the seller's cost of finding, describing, stocking, and providing the items. In some cases forgeries are more common than the genuine stamps -- in other cases they are extremely scarce. Just because a genuine stamp is inexpensive, does not mean that forgeries would not have been made; sometimes they were made in the early days because it was too difficult to obtain the genuine stamps in quantity (for packets). A dealer's selling price of forgeries of inexpensive stamps may have more to do with the skill and cost required to identify them than anything else.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying and selling correctly identified older forgeries. There is, however, a tremendous "gray area" of recently/currently created forgeries. With confluence of the high quality color copiers & printers and the popularity of Internet auctions, a whole new genre of forgeries was created and marketed to unsuspecting buyers. Even when such newly created forgeries are clearly marked and marketed as forgeries for just a dollar or two, many -- including me -- argue that they are damaging to the future of philately and will cause no end of problems in the future. Serious forgery collectors often do buy such items (for just a dollar or two) simply to have a reference example -- which in itself makes a lot of sense -- but that alone feeds the forgers' appetite. I do not offer any newly created forgeries.
An excellent resource and information portal for stamp forgeries, expertizers, and expertizing is operated by G. Kock and is found at Stamp Forgery Guide.
The following Google query will yield many hours of interesting reading about stamp forgeries: https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=stamp+forgeries
The listings below are my website sections currently (or previously) containing significant offerings of or information about forgeries. If you are seeking something that is not yet present, please let me know what you are seeking.
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SPECIAL OFFERS!
GREAT VALUES!
Updated
20 May 2025
Scandinavia:
 Philatelic
Literature
Collections
Used Albums
U.S. Stamps:
NH, Mint, and Used at great prices.
Collections
World Stamps:
Better stamps at great prices.
Collections
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SCANDINAVIAN PRICE LISTS ON THE
WEB Take a look at my specific country
price lists and topic price lists on
the web.
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Approvals are the best way to add to your collection.
If you prefer to examine stamps and compare them to your
collection, before you purchase, you will very much enjoy my
approval service. Send your want list today.
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Stender Scandinavian Stamp Albums
Albums made in Scandinavia, by Scandinavians make the most sense.
Well designed and attractive, these extremely price competitive
albums will make a great home for your collection. See the complete price list.
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I have added a Frequently Asked
Questions "FAQ" page for web site, computer, and Internet questions
as they relates to my site. I welcome your comments, input, suggestions,
corrections, etc.
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