Caution
Scott 348 and 385 are often faked. We would advise
purchasing either of these stamps from a reputable dealer only, or better
yet with certification. Both of these stamps
are prime candidates for fakery, since they are in that gray area in which
the cost of certification can often be more than the cost of the stamp.
Particularly suspect are well-centered stamps. Although many fakes are made
by trimming a
fully perforated or better yet a large margined straight edge copy of Scott
331 or Scott 374, these fakes are easily recognized since they often
measure less than the proper width of 21.5 mm.
The more dangerous fakes are made from the imperforate stamps, in this case
Scott 343 and Scott 383, respectively. The perforations must be examined
closely to guarantee authenticity. Keep in mind that much of the stock
of the imperforate stamps Scott 343 and Scott 383 have been given fake
perforations to resemble their more expensive coil counterparts. (see
also Scott 352 and Scott 387 )
