Glossary Of Philatelic Terms
- Aeromail: Stamp specifically designated for airmail.
- Adhesive: Gum on the back used to stick the stamp to the envelope.
- Bisect: When a stamp has been cut in half, usually due to a stamp shortage.
- Block: Four or more stamps arranged in a square.
- Booklet: Small collection of stamps bound together.
- Cancel: Marking applied to a stamp to prevent reuse (often a postmark).
- Coil: Stamps issued in a continuous roll for vending machines.
- Coil Stamp: A stamp produced in a continuous roll, typically used in vending machines and identified by having two straight edges without perforations.
- Commemorative: Stamp issued to honor a person, place, or event.
- Commemorative Stamp: A stamp issued to honor a specific person, place, event, often with a limited availability period.
- Denomination: Face value of the stamp, indicated by a number or inscription.
- FDC (First Day Cover): An envelope bearing a stamp canceled on the first day it was issued.
- Forgeries: Counterfeit stamps made to deceive collectors.
- Gum: The adhesive backing on a traditional stamp that requires moistening for use.
- Imperforate: Stamp lacking perforations for separation.
- Intaglio Printing: Printing process where ink sits in recessed areas.
- Margin: Unprinted space surrounding the design or between stamps.
- Mint: Unused stamp in original condition with gum intact.
- Mint Sheet: A full sheet of unused stamps still together as originally issued.
- MNH (Mint Never Hinged): Abbreviation for “Mint Never Hinged,” indicating a mint stamp that has never been attached to a cover
- Overprint: Additional printing applied to a stamp after initial production.
- Perforation: Small holes separating individual stamps in a sheet.
- Perfin: Holes or designs punched into a stamp for identification.
- Philately: The study and collection of postage stamps.
- Plate Number: Unique number identifying the printing plate used for a stamp.
- Postal Stationery: Envelopes or postcards pre-printed with postage.
- Postmark: Marking applied by a post office indicating date and location of mailing.
- Precancel: Stamp pre-printed with a cancellation mark.
- Proof: Trial printing of a stamp design before official issue.
- Selvage: Edges of a sheet of stamps containing non-postal designs.
- Souvenir Sheet: Special sheet issued with a commemorative stamp and decorative design.
- Specimen: A stamp produced for official purposes, typically not intended for postal use and often marked as “Specimen”.
- Straight Edge: A stamp with one or more edges lacking perforations, distinct from coil or booklet stamps that naturally have some unperforated edges.
- Superstamp: High-value stamp used for bulk postage.
- Surcharge: An additional fee applied to a stamp, often indicated by an overprint, to raise its postal value.
- Tête-bêche: A printing error where two stamps are joined with one upside down in relation to the other.
- Variety: A minor variation from the standard design or printing of a stamp, which can be collectible.
- Watermark: A faint design embedded in the paper, visible when held to light (security feature).
