Postage Stamps: Six Tips to Distinguish the Authenticity of Postage Stamps that you Must Know
Postage Stamps: Six Tips to Distinguish the Authenticity of Postage Stamps that you Must Know
With the rapid growth of stamp collecting and the rising popularity of Forever Stamps, the market has unfortunately seen an increase in counterfeit USPS postage stamps. These fakes often look convincing at first glance, but they fail to meet the strict production standards of the United States Postal Service.
Whether you are a collector, reseller, or investor, understanding how to identify counterfeit stamps is essential. Below is a comprehensive guide covering the six most reliable identification methods used by philatelists and postal experts.
1. Perforation: Shape, Technique, and Measurement
Perforation is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to detect counterfeit stamps.
✔ 1) Shape
Genuine USPS stamps are perforated using industrial‑grade machines with strict tolerances.
Their perforations are:
- Round, clean, and evenly spaced
- Smooth around the edges
- Consistent on all four sides
Counterfeit stamps often show:
- Triangular or irregular holes
- Slot‑shaped or polygonal perforations under magnification
- Rough edges caused by low‑quality punching tools
✔ 2) Punching Method
USPS uses high‑precision perforation equipment that is regularly calibrated.
Counterfeiters typically use:
- Manual perforators
- Low‑grade rotary tools
- Laser‑cut imitation perforations (common in fake Forever Sheets)
These methods produce inconsistent spacing and unnatural hole shapes.
✔ 3) Degree of Perforation
In philately, perforation is measured by counting the number of holes within 20 mm.
- Genuine stamps have consistent perforation numbers on all sides.
- Fake stamps often show different perforation degrees on each edge.
Even though genuine stamps may occasionally deviate slightly from catalog data, they still follow predictable patterns.
2. Color: Ink Quality, Registration, and Visual Purity
Color is one of the most revealing indicators of authenticity.
✔ Genuine USPS stamps
- Use high‑grade ink and advanced printing technology
- Have pure, bright, and stable colors
- Show precise color registration (no misalignment)
- Display smooth gradients and clean edges
✔ Counterfeit stamps
- Use cheap offset ink
- Colors appear dull, dirty, or slightly grayish
- Show misregistration, causing:
- Overlapping colors
- Ghosting (“luhong”)
- Blurred text or outlines
- Under a 20× magnifier, the image appears as coarse colored dots
Lighting also reveals differences—fake stamps often reflect light unevenly due to inferior ink.
3. Printing Method: Engraving vs. Offset vs. Photogravure
USPS uses several printing techniques, but engraved stamps are the hardest to counterfeit.
✔ Genuine engraved stamps
- Have a raised, tactile feel
- Show sharp, crisp lines
- Contain 250+ lines per inch under magnification
- Display deep, rich ink layers
✔ Counterfeit stamps
Most fakes are produced using:
- Offset printing
- Photogravure imitation
- Low‑resolution digital printing
These fakes typically show:
- Thick or uneven dots
- Blurred fonts
- Weak contrast
- Overlapping colors
- Flat surfaces with no relief texture
A 20× magnifier will clearly reveal the difference.
4. Stamp Size: Dimensions and Cutting Accuracy
Every USPS stamp has a precise size measured in millimeters.
✔ Genuine stamps
- Maintain strict dimensional accuracy
- Have clean, machine‑cut edges
✔ Counterfeit stamps
- Often vary by 0.5–1 mm
- Show uneven trimming
- May have been cut from a fake sheet with scissors or a blade
Experienced collectors can even identify fake imperforate stamps that were cut to mimic rare varieties.
5. Gum (Adhesive): Texture, Color, and Application Method
The gum on the back of a stamp is a major authenticity indicator.
✔ Historical USPS gum types
- 1950s: Dextrin gum (yellowish, glossy, thick)
- 1960s onward: PVA synthetic gum (whiter, thinner, less glossy)
- Modern stamps: Pressure‑sensitive adhesive (self‑adhesive backing)
✔ Counterfeit gum characteristics
Fake stamps often have:
- No gum at all
- A layer of white paint pretending to be gum
- Sticky adhesive that bleeds into perforations
- Uneven coating due to poor technique
If a stamp is supposed to have gum but doesn’t, it’s a major red flag.
6. Paper: Texture, Coating, and Security Features
USPS uses specialized stamp paper with:
- Security fibers
- Coating layers
- Anti‑counterfeit treatments
- Specific reflectivity under UV light
✔ Genuine USPS stamp paper
- Has a unique texture and sheen
- Feels firm and consistent
- Shows proper absorption of ink
✔ Counterfeit paper
- Feels too soft or too smooth
- Appears overly glossy or dull
- Shows uneven ink absorption
- Lacks security fibers or UV reactions
Under UV light, genuine stamps often show specific fluorescence patterns, while fakes usually do not.
🛡️ Final Advice: How to Avoid Buying Counterfeit USPS Stamps
Even with all the techniques above, counterfeiters continue to improve their methods. The safest approach is:
✔ Buy from trusted sources:
- USPS.com
- Local post offices
- Authorized USPS retailers
- Reputable philatelic dealers
If you want discounted postage for business or personal mailing, choose trusted discount stamp sellers with a proven reputation, such as:
These sellers specialize in genuine USPS Forever Stamps at reduced prices, helping you save money without risking counterfeit products.
🔗 Verified Official Sources:
U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)
USPS Official Forever Stamps Information & Pricing
Retired USPS mailroom supervisor with 30 years of service in Chicago. He now contributes columns on Forever Stamps, sharing trusted advice on spotting counterfeit risks and finding reliable discount deals for everyday mailers.
