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Forgeries

There are two types of philatelic forgeries: those that deceive the postal service and those that deceive collectors.

Forgeries intended to deceive the postal service are usually copies of recent stamps, produced in large quantities and resold at a fraction of the denomination of the real stamp.

Forgeries intended to deceive collectors are copies of rare stamps sold to collectors. Most of these forgeries are the work of forgers who worked before the Second World War. The most famous and competent of them, Jean de Sperati, created 566 forged stamps from more than 100 countries. His forgeries are highly prized by specialist collectors.

Forgeries

This superb forgery of a Vancouver Island stamp is the work of forger Jean de Sperati. He used the photolithography process, while the original was engraved.

National Archives of Canada, E.A. Smythies fonds, Acc. 1992-146.477

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Forgeries

Pane of 36 forged Newfoundland stamps based on the stamps of six different values issued in 1861. They are probably the work of the Italian forger Erasmus Oneglia.

National Archives of Canada, E.A. Smythies fonds, Acc. 1992-146.105

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Forgeries

Forged New Brunswick stamp attributed to the Spiro brothers, German forgers active between 1860 and 1880.

National Archives of Canada, E.A. Smythies fonds, Acc. 1992-146.352

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Forgeries

This reproduction of the St. Lawrence Seaway stamp, where the centre is inverted, is attributed to the Polish-born Canadian forger André Frodel.

National Archives of Canada, E.A. Smythies fonds, Acc. 1992-146.584

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