Riverside Stamps
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Suspect Scott #385, Unused Single (6/2/19).
The Scott #385, Single Line Watermarked, Perf 12 Vertically, Flat Plate Press Horizontal Coil. This is a moderately priced stamp with a catalogue value of $45.00. This coil is often faked and can be made from a #383 by adding counterfeit perforations to the top and bottom, from a #383V imperforate vertical coil by adding counterfeit perforations to the top and bottom, from a #374 by trimming the perforations off the left and/or right and from a #374a booklet stamp by trimming the perforations off the left or right.
The watermark is an inverted reversed single line “P” at the top that reads horizontal which means that the suspect is not from a #374a booklet single.
Natural Light
Enhanced
The height of the suspect is 21.0mm at the top and 21.125mm at the bottom which is narrower than the usual 21.5mm +/- 0.3mm. The right edge is rough and wavy while the left edge is straighter, both edges are parallel with the frame. The right edge possibly shows signs of perforation remains.
The top and bottom perfs match well with genuine #374 perfs as well as showing signs of being genuine. The top perfs show strong pressure ridges.
Conclusion: In my opinion the suspect is a Scott #374 unused previously hinged single with the perforations trimmed away from the right side, the left side is probably a natural straight edge.
Reference material used:
- The Expert's Book. A practical guide to the authentication of United States stamps. By Paul W. Schmid.
As always comments and suggestions are always welcome.
To Contact Riverside Stamps:
Email:
Mike Girard - Owner / Operator / Web Master:
g1rardmn1099@comcast.net
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I am a member of the American Philatelic Society
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I am a member of the United States Stamp Society  USSS #: 16733 Visit the United States Stamp Society Website at www.usstamps.org |
I am a member of the Perfins Club
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