Forgeries of Koban Issues 1876-1892
The “Signed” and “Unsigned” Forgeries of the Koban Stamps of Japan
UPU and New Koban Stamps (1883-1892)
There are no known forgeries by the major forgers of Japanese stamps of the UPU or New Koban stamps. However there is one known forgery type by an unknown forger of three values of these stamps. They all have a forged printed “Tokio” cancel. There is also one known value (the 15 sen green) of the old Koban stamps made by this forger. That stamp is pictured with the other forgeries of that value.
Old Koban 1876-1877
There are no known Old Koban forgeries with either Mozō or Mihon worked into the design. All known “signed” forgeries are Sankō. The Sankō appears in different positions on the stamps and it helps to know where to look for them. With the Koban issue, Wada introduced another type of forgery. One with a fake cancel printed worked into the design.
Sankō on either side of paulownia leaves
1 sen – black or maroon, 2 sen – dark violet of olive brown
Sankō on either side above stars in oval band
1 sen – black or maroon, 2 sen – violet of olive brown
Sankō in space between crest and sun partially concealed by branches
50 sen has second sankō on either side of “sen”
Sankō on either side within oval band
Sankō on either side above bottom group of characters in oval band
Sankō below stars in oval band
Large sankō on either side within oval band
Sankō on either side above stars in oval band
Wada printed cancels – sometimes with and sometimes without sankō.