The Philatelic Foundation is the only expertizing organization in the United States to own a reference collection of world-wide stamps and covers. The Philatelic Foundation’s staff of full-time experts uses the reference collection on a daily basis, comparing submissions of “patient
s” submitted by our clients with examples in the collection that are known to be genuine.
The United States material is contained in the reference collection that was formerly owned by John N. Luff, a prominent New York dealer, philatelic author, a President of The Collectors Club, and an honorary Governor of that Club at the time of his death in 1938.
A recent submission of several high value unused 1869 Issue stamps, resulted in comparing them with three high value stamps, the 24 cent, 30 cent and the 90 cent, all in blocks of four from the Luff Reference Collection. At first blush, the blocks from the reference collection, as shown, are remarkable looking. However, they are nothing more than deceptive fakes made from thinned down card proofs, which were then perforated, gummed, and grilled by the faker. The give away is the grill which if genuine, measures 12 X 11 or 11 ½ grill points. The faked grills on the blocks however, measure at 10 X 10 grill points.
When purchasing a stamp or a cover with significant value, always request a PF Certificate and give yourself the confidence and security in knowing that your purchase is g 
enuine in all respects. The PF has been the “gold standard” in philately for almost 70 years.
Written by Robert G. Rose who is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees