Dictionary of Stamp and Philatelic Terms
The professional reference for amateurs, exhibitors, and international judges — in accordance with FIP, APS, and RPSL standards
+150documented term
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A series of small, evenly spaced holes between the stamps facilitates their separation without tearing. The number of holes is measured every 2 cm using a perforation gauge.
Types:
Types:
- Line Perf: Parallel holes in one direction — historically the most common
- Comb perforation: Three sides are pierced at once.
- Rotary perforation: A rotating cylinder that produces very regular holes
⚠️ A stamp whose perforation is measured with different values horizontally and vertically is called a “Compound Perf” and has a special collection value.
A stamp that left the printing house without perforation. This may be a production error or an intentional cut for the collection. To prove authenticity, it must be present in husband (Imperforate Pair) Not individually — as any stamp may be cut at its edges to appear unperforated.
⚠️ The single “non-perforated” stamp is not recognized in exhibitions except with the certificate of an expert.
A pair of stamps lacking perforation despite having it on the outer edges. This is one of the most requested perforation errors by collectors.
A design embedded in the paper pulp during manufacturing, visible only by shining light from behind the stamp or using a revealing liquid. It is used to prevent counterfeiting and to identify different prints.
Its conditions:
Its conditions:
- Upright — Original position
- Inverted — The paper was inserted into the machine upside down → Special value
- Sideways — horizontal position instead of vertical
- Reversed — horizontal reflection
💡 The Signoscope optical tool is the best for detection without any damage to the glue.
The adhesive on the back of the stamp is used to affix it to the envelope. Its type and condition directly affect its revenue potential.
- OG (Original Gum): The original gum is intact as made.
- NH / MNH: Without a trace of the snot—the highest value
- HR (Hinge Remnant): Adherent remnants of a thorn
- NG (No Gum): Without glue — removed or not found
- Regummed: New glue added later — a distortion that reduces value
💡 Ultraviolet (UV) light reveals added glue because it glows a different color.
A small paper strip that was once used to secure stamps in albums. Peeling it off leaves a residue that diminishes the stamp's value for modern collectors who prefer NH.
- Chalk paper (Chalky): White coating prevents counterfeiting — glows under UV
- Ordinary paper: Pure cotton — the most common
- Granite paper: Integrated colored fibers — a safety device
- Fluorescent paper: It glows under UV for automated sorting.
- Polymer paper: Plastic — the latest currency security technology
Additional printing over an existing stamp. Types:
- Change the value (Surcharge): Print a new value over the old value
- Defining the use: As a designation for “Official Service” or “Foreign Use Only”
- Regional classification: To convert state stamps for use in another territory
- Memorial: Decorating the text of an occasion or date
The accuracy of the printed design's positioning relative to the four margins of the stamp. Perfectly centered (OC) means equal margins on all sides and greatly increases the stamp's value.
💡 Many stamps light up and are worth 10 times more when perfectly centered compared to their misaligned counterparts.
The same print may be produced in different shades due to variations in ink composition or storage conditions. Each shade may have a different value in the catalog. The Stanley Gibbons catalog is the most accurate reference for classifying shades.
The most elegant method of stamp printing. The details are engraved into a metal plate, filled with ink, and then paper is pressed onto it to draw the ink out. The result: a raised, tactile design. Used in rare classic stamps and by companies such as Bradbury Wilkinson.
💡 How to distinguish: Touch the design with your finger — the intaglio print feels.
It is based on the principle that water and oil do not mix. The design is drawn on a stone or metal plate with an oily substance. The surface accepts the ink where the design is applied and rejects it where the water is present. Offset printing is its modern version, using rubber rollers.
The oldest method — ink on a raised surface imprinted on paper. It was common in early editions before 1920. It gives a sharp appearance but is less precise than intaglio. It is clearly visible under a microscope (clear ink dots).
A technique combining intaglio etching and photography. The design is transferred by light onto an engraved metal cylinder. High-quality stamps are produced in multiple colors. Common in British and German post-World War II issues.
Passing the paper through the printing press twice produces a duplicate design with a slight shift. This is one of the most requested and valuable printing errors in the market.
In multi-print stamps: if the paper is inserted upside down in the second printing stage, the center or frame will appear upside down by 180°. This is one of the most valuable printing errors in the world.
🏆 The 1918 American “Inverted Jenny” sold for over a million dollars.
The absence of a complete color from the stamp print—either due to ink depletion or a color cylinder malfunction—is a genuine issue. The missing color is confirmed by a certified expert (BPA or PF). Chemical bleaching produces a similar appearance but is counterfeit.
Mismatch between two or more ink layers during printing results in a color appearing outside the intended boundaries. Large offsets (+5 mm) are of particular importance. Measured in millimeters.
The ideal condition for any stamp—complete, original adhesive without any trace of chipping or touching. The most valuable on the market. It is symbolized by... MNH or ** In the catalogs.
A stamp that has its postage value and has actually been used. The stamp affixed is called a "cancellation stamp." Classic stamps used on the cover are often more valuable than those used individually.
💡 “Cancel To Order” (CTO) stamps are stamps that have been collectively cancelled without actual postal use — less valuable than those actually used.
- Superb (SUP): Absolutely perfect — fully centered, intact original glue
- Very Fine (VF): Excellent — almost even margins, good adhesive
- Fine (F): Good — suitable margins, the glue may be slightly cracked
- Very Good (VG): Acceptable — slightly skewed or one short margin
- Good (G): Weak — design flaws that disrupt the design or obvious defects
- Poor (P): Poor — only for filling in the group
- Thin (delicate): Thinning of the paper from the back — revealed by shining a light on it
- Tear: A cut in the paper — significantly reduces the value
- Crease (fold): A fold in the paper — visible by running a finger across it
- Stain: Contamination from moisture or external materials
- Short Perf (short perforation): One or more of the holes are shorter than usual.
- Missing Perf (Missing Hole): Absence of a complete hole
⚠️ The defective stamp is not accepted by PCGS or PF certification offices in high-grade boxes.
The technique for removing stamps from envelopes involves soaking them in warm water and then drying them on a flat absorbent sheet. This method is not suitable for soluble ink or self-adhesive stamps.
Regular stamps are issued for daily circulation over many years. They carry multiple values and designs representing enduring national symbols. They are issued in long series and may be reprinted several times, producing valuable collectible variations.
Issued for a limited period, ranging from weeks to months, to commemorate an event or figure. They are typically larger and more colorful than commemorative coins. Their discontinuation makes them rarer and more sought after.
A special edition containing a single stamp or set within a larger decorative frame bearing the event details. Designed primarily for collectors and not for postal circulation. Cards without perforation (Imperf S/S) are rarer.
Stamps are issued in a small sleeve for carrying in a wallet. They usually contain 4 to 20 stamps. Old booklets in their original, sealed condition are much more valuable than individual stamps.
Two or more prints with different designs or values are printed together and joined. They are usually assembled as a single unit. These prints are popular for producing integrated visual compositions.
Stamps are printed in long rolls for automatic machines. They have perforations only on one side (two sides) or straight on both sides. Distinguishing them from page clippings is important.
Stamps with pre-glued adhesive for easy application without soaking. Instead of traditional perforation, they are die-cut. Collectible, they are either on their original paper or carefully peeled off.
A temporary stamp is issued when a particular issue is unavailable or its value changes. It is often an older stamp overlaid with a new value. Many temporary stamps are very rare.
The first essential tool for every hobbyist. Its edges are smooth (non-serrated) to hold the stamp without damaging the paper fibers or transferring hand grease to it. Good quality metal is preferable to plastic.
💡 Never hold rare stamps in your hand — grease damages the glue and fibers.
To examine the printing details and detect forgery and defects:
- 10x: Most commonly — for general examination
- 20–40x: For detailed information and printing method
- Digital Microscope (USB Microscope): It connects to a computer to capture and document details.
A ruler specifically designed to measure the number of perforations in 2 cm. Essential for distinguishing between similar versions with different perforations. The British Instanta brand is among the most accurate and precise.
- Reagent liquid (Oden/Donn Fluid): The stamp is temporarily moistened to show the mark on a black container — safe and without harm to the adhesive if used carefully.
- Light Signoscope: Reveals the mark with light without any liquid — best for rare stamps with MNH adhesive
It reveals: postal phosphorus, added glue, repaired paper, chemically bleached stamps, and counterfeit overlays.
- 366 nanometers: Phosphorus and added gum reveal
- 254 nanometers: Chemical bleaching and paper types reveal
💡 Investing in a good UV lamp saves money from the first purchase.
- Stockbook: Clear plastic pockets for storing stamps safely without adhesive
- Album (achievement album): Pages printed with specific locations for each stamp — for organized display
- Acid-free is essential: The materials must be acid-free to prevent the stamps from deteriorating over time.
- Stanley Gibbons (SG): The most comprehensive reference for the British Commonwealth and the world — the most accurate in classifying colors and perforations
- Scott: The American reference — the most widely circulated international stamps worldwide
- Michel: German reference — excellent for European and Ottoman
- Yvert & Tellier: The French reference — for Francophones and North Africa
- Bale: Specialist in stamps of the Middle East and Arab countries
The international organization sponsoring the World Filatelia Exhibitions (WIPA) and FILATELIA. It sets the judging criteria, exhibition categories, and participation requirements. Its headquarters are in Switzerland.
The standard display unit for international exhibitions accommodates 16 A4 pages. International exhibitors are permitted to display between 5 and 8 frames (80–128 pages). The opening pages (Title Page + Summary) are not included in the display.
Distribution of the 100 points in the Postal History exhibitions:
- Presentation and delivery (5 points): Beautiful design and readability
- Status and rarity (30 points): Condition 10 + Rarity 20
- Knowledge and personal study (35 points): Highest single weight
- Treatment and importance (30 points): Processing 20 + Importance 10
- Large Gold: 95–100 points
- Gold (ذهب): 90–94 points
- Large Vermeil (large gold): 85–89 points
- Vermeil (doctrine): 80–84 points
- Large Silver: 75–79 points
- Silver: 70–74 points
- Silver Bronze: 65–69 points
- Bronze: 60–64 points
- Postal History: Study of pathways, rates, and seals
- Classical (Classic Philately): Pre-1945 editions
- Thematic/Topical: A specific subject such as animals or art
- Technical (Philatelic Literature): Philatelic research and books
- Post-war (Modern): Post-1945 editions
- Youth: For those under 18 years old
The two most important pages in the exhibition — are sent to the judges before the exhibition:
- Title page: It defines the scope, purpose, and organizational plan.
- Summary page: Top 12 Items List + Latest Changes
An envelope sealed with a special stamp on the first day of the stamp's official issue. It bears the new stamp(s) and the date stamp from which city. The most valuable is the FDC from the city where the stamp was first officially issued.
A service that ensures the message is tracked from sender to recipient. It is distinguished by a label bearing the letter R and a tracking number. Registered envelopes have special collection value due to the presence of two stamps—cancellation on dispatch and arrival on receipt.
Mail transported by air. The first organized air service began in 1918. Early airmail stamps are among the most valuable stamps. Early airmail seals and packaging are among the most important topics in postal history.
A mail cart operating on the train sorts letters and cancels their stamps while in motion. TPO stamps are among the rarest and most sought-after postal stamps in postal history. Egypt was the first African country to adopt this system (1875).
These are stamps affixed to incoming mail with a reduced postage charge to indicate the amount to be collected from the recipient. Their designs and lettering differ from regular stamps—they usually include the word “Taxe” or “Postage Due” or its equivalent in Arabic.
A stamp used for paying government fees and taxes (contracts, documents, licenses). Not for use in regular mail. Its specific field of use is Cinderella Philately, but it has an active collector's market.
Mail deposited on board a ship in port or at sea, bearing the stamps of its country of origin, and canceled with a special "paquebot" upon arrival at its first port of call. This is one of the most fascinating areas of postal history.
Issued in Britain on May 6, 1840, it features a portrait of the young Queen Victoria on a black background. It revolutionized the global postal system by placing the value on the stamp instead of collecting it from the recipient. Today, it sells for thousands of pounds used.
It was founded in Bern, Switzerland in 1874 and began operations on July 1, 1875. It standardized international postal rates and ensured cross-border delivery. Today, it has 192 members. October 9 is World Post Day, celebrated annually.
The British reformer who, in 1837, proposed a system of postage stamps prepaid at a fixed rate (one penny) regardless of distance. Before him, rates were collected from the recipient and varied according to distance. His revolution created philatelia as a hobby.
The period of the world's earliest stamp issuance (c. 1840–1875) is characterized by precise hand-engraving on high-quality paper. Classic stamps are the most valuable collector's items. The earliest stamps of most countries in the world, including Arab countries, are included.
From the Greek words philos (lover) + ateleia (exemption from duty—a reference to a stamp that exempts the recipient from paying). It means the study and collection of postage stamps and postal-related materials. A hobby practiced by more than 20 million people worldwide.
- RPSL: The Royal Philatelic Society — London — the oldest Philatelic society (1869)
- BPA: Philatelia UK — issues internationally recognized certifications
- APS: The American Philatelic Association — the world's largest Philatelic association
- PF: The Philatelic Foundation — New York — Certificates of Authenticity for US Stamps
- ESC: Egypt Studies Circle — specializing in Egyptian and Sudanese stamps
