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Published on: 13th September 2024
Philatelic Terms Explained: A Complete Guide to Stamp Collecting Terminology
Stamp collecting is a rewarding and educational hobby, but like many specialist fields, it comes with its own language. Understanding common philatelic terms will help you buy, sell, and enjoy stamps with confidence.
Whether you’re exploring items in our auctions, browsing past auction results, or building your own collection, this glossary provides clear explanations of the most widely used terminology.
T&T Auctions
Address
New Barn
The Estate Yard
Eridge Green
Tunbridge Wells
TN3 9JR
Phone: 01892 529898
Fax: 01892 619197
Email: info@tandtauctions.com
A
Accessories
Equipment used to assist collecting, such as albums, hinges, and watermark detectors.
Adhesive
A general term for postage stamps, especially those with gum on the reverse.
Admiralty Official
Stamps overprinted for use by H.M. Admiralty offices on official correspondence.
Advanced Coated Paper
Paper developed to reduce ink absorption during printing.
Advertisements on Stamps
Advertising historically printed on envelopes, margins, or booklet panes.
Aero-philately
The study and collection of airmail stamps and related postal history.
Aerogramme
A lightweight letter sheet intended for airmail use.
Affixing Machines
Machines used to apply stamps to envelopes.
Agency
An organisation that distributes new stamp issues on behalf of postal authorities.
Air Covers
Envelopes showing evidence of having been transported by air.
Airmail
Mail transported by aircraft.
Album
A book designed for storing and displaying stamps.
Approvals
Stamps sent by dealers for inspection, with the option to purchase or return.
Arrival Postmark
A marking applied at the destination showing date and location of arrival.
Auction
A common method of buying and selling stamps. View current listings in our auctions.
B
Backstamp
A postmark applied to the reverse of an envelope.
Balloon Post
Mail carried by balloon.
Bar Cancel
A cancellation made up of bars.
Bisect
A stamp cut in half and used for postage.
Block
A group of four or more unseparated stamps.
Booklet
A small bound collection of stamp panes.
British Commonwealth
Countries historically linked to the UK, often collected as a group.
C
Cachet
A design or marking added to a cover.
Cancellation
A mark applied to prevent reuse of a stamp.
Cancelled to Order (CTO)
Stamps cancelled without being postally used.
Catalogue
A reference book listing stamps and their values.
Catalogue Value
The listed value of a stamp in a catalogue.
Commemorative Stamp
A stamp issued to mark an event or anniversary.
Cover
An envelope or wrapper used to send mail.
Cylinder Number
A printer’s reference number found in the margin of stamp sheets.
D
Definitive Stamp
A stamp issued for everyday postal use over a long period.
Die
The original engraved design used to create a stamp.
Die Proof
A test print taken from the die.
Double Impression
A stamp printed twice, creating a duplicated image.
E
Embossed Stamp
A stamp with a raised design.
Entire
A complete postal item such as an envelope or postcard.
Error
A stamp issued with a mistake in design or production.
F
First Day Cover (FDC)
An envelope bearing a stamp cancelled on its first day of issue.
Fiscal Stamp
A stamp used to pay tax or duty rather than postage.
Flaw
An imperfection in a stamp’s design.
G
Gum
The adhesive on the back of a stamp.
Gutter
The space between panes of stamps.
H
Hinge
A small adhesive strip used to mount stamps in albums.
I
Imperforate
A stamp issued without perforations.
Inverted Centre
A stamp with the central design printed upside down.
K
Kiloware
Used stamps sold by weight.
M
Miniature Sheet
A small sheet of stamps, often commemorative.
Mint Condition
A stamp in unused condition with original gum.
O
Overprint
Additional text or design printed onto a stamp after production.
P
Perforation
Holes between stamps to allow separation.
Philately
The study and collection of stamps.
Plate Number
A number identifying the printing plate used.
Postmark
A mark showing date and place of posting.
R
Revenue Stamp
A stamp used to collect taxes or fees.
S
Selvedge
The margin around a sheet of stamps.
Specimen
A sample stamp marked to prevent postal use.
T
Tête-bêche
A pair of stamps printed upside down relative to each other.
Thematic Collecting
Collecting stamps based on a theme or subject.
U
Unused
A stamp that has not been postally used.
Used
A stamp that has been postally cancelled.
V
Variety
A variation from the standard stamp design.
W
Watermark
A design embedded in paper to prevent forgery.
Published on: 13th September 2024