chemically altered $2 red seal OR genuine error?

mp3j

I know, I know. Completely unmentioned by the seller. Not being sold as an error. BUT this one looked different than the "orange seal" fakes. The numbers and seal appear to be missing, but does the engraving near the missing red ink seem washed?











First reaction is FAKE of course. Until better pictures, what are your thoughts?

Constantine

The right grey TWO looks faded/interrupted. But the pictures are so grainy and with yellowish pixels, it is really hard to see for sure. It is likely a case where if it is too good to be true then it is. If it is cheap and with a rock solid return policy (eBay) it may be worth a closer look. Although as said, the TWO on the right looks messed with.

Jim61

At first glance, I do not like it.



To better determine you really need to be able to pick this up in your hands.

The first test would be the nose test.

Then since it is a 1953 and not well worn, some embossing should still be there IMO.

Then look at the red ink removal areas under a higher power loupe.



Just my initial thoughts.

Steve_in_Tampa

I agree with Jim. My initial thought was the note has been tampered with or altered.

mp3j

UPDATE:



In hand in low light it looked good. However, in bright daylight you could tell it was a bit lighter in the red ink areas. The note also had no embossing and yes it did smell like soap or something. I returned this note, no problem. I had a feeling it was worked on, but it was worth a shot. As always, thanks for your thoughts.

Jim61

Thank you for the followup update. I am glad you were able to determine it was not as expected and was able to return it.

synchr

Agreed, with todays modern cameras and cell phones you would have to take a photo in purposefully dim light to get that grain.

There seems to be a bright patch where the reds were but the photo makes it difficut to tell.

SmallSizedGuy

Fake.



I have seen $5 red seals with full embossing with no red overprint. The give-away was the paper was too bright.