I find it very strange that the certificate number is blacked out. In my opinion, there is only one reasonable explanation. Because then someone could verify ALL of the information on the document with the Department of Vital Statistics via a Verification Letter. They won't give out info you don't know, but they will verify info you do know, such as “Does certificate #12345 contain the name “XXXX?”.
Also, I verified with the dept that a certified copy has a signature stamp and a raised/embossed seal on it. They are put on the back. The seal is supposed to be deep enough to be quite visible from the front.
That’s what I was wondering about. Even when stamped on the back, the imprint, however illegible it would be, should show up in the scan, shouldn’t it?