Stamp Collecting Terms: What Do They Mean?
Uncover the meanings behind common words and phrases used by stamp collectors
G - S
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Gutter | The margin between panes of stamps in a sheet |
| Hinged | A stamp that has been mounted using a stamp hinge, often leaving a mark on the back |
| Imperforate | A stamp without perforations along the edges, requiring cutting with scissors |
| Inverted Watermark | A watermark that appears upside down on a stamp |
| Joint Issue | Stamps issued by two or more postal administrations with a common theme |
| Local Post | Stamps or mail services limited to a specific region or city |
| Margin | The blank area around the design of a stamp |
| Mint | A stamp in unused condition, with full gum and no cancellation |
| Mint Lightly Hinged (MLH) | A mint stamp that has been hinged once but remains in nearly mint condition, with minimal gum disturbance |
| On Paper | A term used to describe a stamp that is still attached to the original piece of envelope or packaging |
| Overprint | Additional printing on a stamp after its initial issue, such as changing the value or adding a commemorative text |
| Pair | Two unseparated stamps |
| Perfins | Stamps that have been perforated with initials, symbols, or patterns, often by businesses to prevent theft |
| Perforations | Small holes punched between stamps to make them easy to separate |
| Philately | The study and collection of stamps and postal history. |
| Phosphor | A luminescent coating applied to stamps to aid automatic sorting machines |
| Plate Block | A block of stamps with margin inscriptions identifying the printing plate used |
| Postage Due | A stamp used to collect postage not paid by the sender |
| Postally Used | A stamp that has been genuinely used to send mail through the postal system |
| Postal Stationery | Envelopes, postcards, or other preprinted items with a stamp impression used for postal services |
| Postmark | A postal marking indicating the date and location where a letter was mailed |
| Proof | A trial printing of a stamp, often made before the final design is approved |
| Postal History | The study of postal systems, routes, rates, and markings on mail |
| Revenue Stamp | A stamp used to collect taxes or fees, such as on legal documents |
| Self-Adhesive Stamp | A stamp with adhesive on the back that doesn't require moistening |
| Selvage | The border of blank paper around the stamps on a sheet |
| Se-tenant | Stamps that are different but attached together, often with complementary designs |
| Souvenir Sheet | A small sheet of stamps issued to commemorate an event, often including special designs or decorative borders |
| Specimen | A stamp or cover overprinted to show that it is a sample, usually not valid for postal use |
