Bisect

Bisects are stamps cut in half, used when supplies of postage run very low. Usually a style of bisection is specified (diagonal, horizontal or vertical). They can simply be used at half the value of the bisected stamp or can be surcharged with other values. Sometimes, a control mark is struck on the bisect or on its cover.

They are typically preferred to be on cover or on piece as the dated postmark will confirm the proper period of use. If done outside the authorized period, the bisect is just a curiosity that slipped through the postal system. So yes, bisects can often be forged or faked. Often enough, the announcement of the use of bisects attracts local collectors and postal people, who make covers, likely making the postage shortage worse. This accounts for the cheap prices of some bisects.  File:Faroes bisect.jpg|1919 Faroe Islands bisect of Danish stamp on piece File:Guernsey bisect.jpg|1941Guernsey bisect on cover. 

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