A watermark is an identifying image or pattern in paper that appears as varying shades of light and dark when viewed by either transmitted light or reflected light. These patterns are created from var
The Crown CA watermark found on many British Commonwealth stamps (seen from the reverse)
A US postal stationery envelope from 1883 showing a clear watermark on laid paper
Machine-made watermark on a 19th century letter
A counterfeit is a fake or unauthorized replica of a genuine product, such as money, documents, designer items, or other valuable goods. Counterfeiting generally involves creating an imitation of a ge
Watermark
…the thickness or density of the paper. Watermarks have historically been used on postage stamps, currency, and other official documents to discourage counterfeiting. There are two primary methods of producing watermarks in paper: the dandy roll process and the more complex cylinder mould process. Watermarks vary…
Counterfeit designer t-shirts at a flea market
Counterfeit Brazilian real banknotes
U.S. CBP Office of Field Operations agent checking the authenticity of a travel document at an international airport using a stereo microscope
Bulk bag of counterfeit Viagra