You will come across particular stamp collecting terms and phrases appear as you begin to identify your stamps. This useful philatelic glossary has everything you need to understand all of these useful terms. If you are just starting out on your stamp collecting adventure, take a look at the beginners guide to stamp collecting. Here are some of the top stamp collecting terms explained.
Stamp Collecting Glossary
Airmail: A stamp issued specifically for prepaying postage for airmail.
Album: A book or binder in which stamps are mounted.
Appraise: To determine the value of a stamp or collection.
Back of the Book: Stamps that are found outside the regular numbering system, such as special delivery, registered mail, and postage due stamps.
Block: Usually a square or rectangle, and consisting of at least 4 stamps uncut on one sheet.
Cachet: The markings, designs, or descriptions on commemorative envelopes or limited-edition covers that indicate the occasion commemorated.
Commemorative stamp: An occasion or theme is commemorated through these stamps, which are very frequently called ‘Specials’ since they are not associated with an anniversary.
Catalog: A reference book listing stamps with their values.
Coin Cover: An envelope with a postage stamp and a coin affixed, usually issued by the postal service of the country where the coin was minted.
Cancellation: Using a postal marking to deface the stamp, so it can’t be reused after it has been through the mail.
Philately: A study of postage stamps and related topics.
Philatelist: A person who collects stamps.
Definitive stamp: This stamp depicts the profile of the monarch and is designed to be used over a long period of time.
First Day Covers: FDC’s are stamps on covers, postal cards, or stamped envelopes franked on the first day of issue.
Imperforate Stamp: In stamp collecting, an imperforate stamp is one that has straight edges on all four sides.
Mint: An uncancelled stamp with its original gum in perfect condition.
Perforation: Using small pieces of paper to remove from the gaps between stamps to separate them easier.
Used: Stamps that bear a postmark or have been used postally.
33 year old casual stamp collector from the UK!
