Reference
Stamp Collecting Glossary
This glossary explains the terms used in stamp collecting and philately, in plain English. It covers condition and grading, printing and production, paper and watermarks, perforations, postal history, catalogue references, and the tools of the hobby. Browse the terms A to Z below, or jump to a letter. Where a term has its own detailed guide, you will find a link to it.
190+ terms
Plain definitions
A to Z
A to Z
Plain-English definitions
About this glossary
Terms190+ philatelic terms, A to Z
CoversCondition, printing, paper, perforation, postal history, catalogues, tools
ArrangedA to Z, with category tags
Written byDaniel Ardley, accredited dealer
Detailed guidesKey terms link to their own page
How to use this glossary
Every entry gives a short, clear definition you can rely on. Terms are listed alphabetically, and you can jump straight to a letter using the A to Z bar, or type into the search box to filter the list as you go.
Many entries link to related terms, and the most important ones link to a fuller guide of their own. If there is a term you would like us to add, just contact us.
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- A
- AccumulationCollecting
- A large, unsorted holding of stamps gathered without arrangement, as opposed to a formed collection.
- Aerogramme (air letter)Formats
- A lightweight folded letter sheet with airmail postage printed on it.See also:airmail
- AerophilatelyCollecting
- The collecting and study of airmail stamps, covers and the history of mail carried by air.
- AirmailPostal history
- Mail carried by air, and the stamps and markings used for it.See also:par avion
- AlbumTools
- A book with specially designed pages for mounting and displaying a stamp collection.
- ApprovalsCollecting
- Stamps sent to a collector to examine at home and either buy or return.
- ArrowFormats
- A printed arrow in a sheet margin, used as a guide for cutting or registering the sheet.
- AverageCondition
- A condition grade for a stamp with noticeable faults or poor centring, below fine.See also:fine
- B
- BisectPostal history
- Half of a stamp, cut and used to pay half its face value where this was officially allowed.
- BlockFormats
- Four or more unseparated stamps joined in at least two rows and two columns.
- Blued paperPaper
- Paper with a bluish tinge caused by a chemical reaction during early printing.
- BookletFormats
- A small folded cover containing one or more panes of stamps.
- Booklet paneFormats
- A small block of stamps as issued inside a booklet, often with selvedge or a tab.
- BPACatalogues
- The British Philatelic Association, which provides expertising and certificates of authenticity.
- C
- CachetPostal history
- A printed or applied design on a cover marking a first day or special event.See also:first day cover
- Cancellation (cancel)Postal history
- A mark applied to a stamp to show it has been used and to prevent it being used again.See also:postmark
- Cancelled to order (CTO)Postal history
- A stamp cancelled in bulk by the issuing authority rather than through the post, often keeping full gum.Full guide →
- CatalogueCatalogues
- A reference book listing stamps with identifying numbers, descriptions and values.See also:Stanley Gibbons
- Catalogue valueCatalogues
- The price at which a stamp is listed in a standard catalogue, a guide to relative value rather than a fixed selling price.See also:Stanley Gibbons
- CentringCondition
- How evenly a stamp's design sits within its margins; well-centred stamps are generally more desirable.
- CertificateCatalogues
- A document from a recognised expert confirming a stamp's authenticity and description.
- Chalky paperPaper
- Paper with a chalk-surfaced coating that marks when rubbed, used to deter cleaning and reuse.
- CinderellaFormats
- A stamp-like label that is not a valid postage stamp, such as a poster stamp, charity label or local issue.
- Coil stampFormats
- A stamp issued in a roll for use in machines, usually with two straight edges.
- Colour shiftPrinting
- A misregistration in which a printed colour is shifted out of position, a variety.See also:variety
- Colour trialPrinting
- A trial printing in alternative colours, made to help choose a stamp's final colour.
- Comb perforationPerforation
- Perforation that punches three sides of a row of stamps at once, in a comb-like pattern.
- CommemorativeFormats
- A stamp issued to mark a particular person, event or anniversary, usually available for a limited time.See also:definitive
- Constant varietyPrinting
- A flaw appearing in the same place on every sheet from a given plate, and so collectable.See also:flaw
- Control numberPrinting
- A letter and number in the sheet margin of early British stamps identifying the printing.See also:plate number
- Corner blockFormats
- A block of stamps from the corner of a sheet, including two margins.See also:block
- CoverPostal history
- An envelope or wrapper that has passed through the post, collected for its stamps and postal markings.
- CreaseCondition
- A line where a stamp has been folded, a fault that reduces value.
- Cylinder numberPrinting
- A number in the sheet margin identifying the cylinder used in photogravure printing.See also:plate number
- D
- Datestamp (CDS)Postal history
- A circular date stamp showing the place and date of posting, used to cancel stamps.See also:postmark
- DefinitiveFormats
- A stamp from the standard, long-running series in everyday use, as opposed to a commemorative.See also:commemorative
- DenominationFormats
- The face value printed on a stamp.See also:face value
- DiePrinting
- The original engraved piece from which a stamp design is reproduced for printing.
- Disturbed gumCondition
- Original gum partly affected by hinging, moisture or handling.See also:gum
- DoublingPrinting
- A doubled appearance of part of a design caused by a printing or plate fault.
- DuplexPostal history
- A postmark combining a cancelling device and a separate dated town mark in one strike.See also:postmark
- E
- EFOPrinting
- Errors, freaks and oddities; a collecting field covering production mistakes of varying significance.
- EmbossingPrinting
- A design pressed into the paper to stand in relief, used on some early stamps and stationery.
- EntirePostal history
- A complete item of postal stationery or a folded letter that has passed through the post intact.
- ErrorPrinting
- A stamp with a significant unintended production mistake, such as a missing colour or an inverted centre.See also:variety
- EssayPrinting
- A proposed stamp design prepared or printed but not adopted in that form.
- ExpertisationCatalogues
- Examination of a stamp by a recognised expert to confirm authenticity, usually resulting in a certificate.
- F
- Face valueFormats
- The denomination printed on a stamp, the amount of postage it represents.See also:denomination
- Facsimile
- A reproduction or copy of a stamp, not intended to pass as a genuine original.See also:forgery
- FakeCondition
- A genuine stamp altered to appear more valuable, for example by adding an overprint or a repair.See also:forgery
- FineCondition
- A condition grade for a sound, presentable stamp, the usual baseline for collectable material.
- Fine used (FU)Condition
- A used stamp with a light, neat cancellation and good overall appearance.
- First day cover (FDC)Postal history
- A cover bearing a stamp cancelled on its first day of issue.
- FiscalFormats
- A stamp used to pay a tax or duty rather than postage.See also:revenue
- FlawPrinting
- A small fault in the printing, such as a broken line, which may be constant or random.
- Forgery
- A stamp made to deceive, whether to defraud the post or to imitate a valuable issue for collectors.See also:facsimile
- Four marginsCondition
- Said of an imperforate stamp with clear, complete margins on all four sides, a sign of quality.See also:margin
- FoxingCondition
- Brown spots on paper caused by damp and age, a form of fault.
- FramePrinting
- The printed border surrounding the central design of a stamp.See also:vignette
- FreakPrinting
- A random, non-repeating production oddity, such as a paper fold or an ink smear.
- G
- GlassineTools
- A smooth, semi-transparent paper used to make protective envelopes for stamps.
- Granite paperPaper
- Paper containing small coloured fibres, used as a security measure.
- GumCondition
- The adhesive on the back of an unused stamp; its condition affects value.See also:original gum
- GutterFormats
- The blank margin between two panes of a sheet.See also:gutter pair
- Gutter pairFormats
- Two stamps joined by the blank margin (the gutter) between panes of a sheet.
- H
- Harrow perforationPerforation
- Perforation applied to a whole pane or sheet in a single operation.
- HawidTools
- A brand of clear protective mount, widely used to display stamps without hinging.See also:mount
- HingeTools
- A small folded piece of lightly gummed paper used to mount stamps in an album.
- Hinge remnantCondition
- A piece of a stamp hinge still attached to the back of a stamp.
- HingedCondition
- Said of a mint stamp mounted with a hinge, which leaves a mark.See also:mint hinged
- I
- ImperforatePerforation
- Issued without perforations, so the stamps must be cut apart; common on early issues.
- Imperforate betweenPerforation
- A variety in which the perforations are missing between two otherwise normal stamps.See also:imperforate
- ImprintPrinting
- Printed text in the sheet margin naming the printer or issuing authority.
- InscriptionPrinting
- Wording printed on a stamp, such as the country name or the subject.
- IntaglioPrinting
- Printing from an engraved, recessed plate, also called recess printing or line engraving, giving fine, slightly raised lines.See also:line engraving
- Inverted watermarkPaper
- A watermark positioned upside down relative to the design, a collectable variety.See also:watermark
- J
- Job lotCollecting
- A mixed quantity of stamps or covers sold together as a single lot.
- JumboCondition
- A stamp with exceptionally large, even margins, more generous than normal.See also:margin
- K
- KilowareCollecting
- Used stamps still on paper, sold by weight for soaking and sorting.
- L
- LabelFormats
- A stamp-like item with no postal validity, such as an advertising or charity label.See also:cinderella
- Laid paperPaper
- Paper showing fine parallel lines when held to the light, from the papermaking screen.See also:wove paper
- Line engravingPrinting
- A printing method using finely engraved lines on a recessed plate, used for many classic stamps.See also:intaglio
- Line perforationPerforation
- Perforation applied one row of holes at a time, leaving uneven crossing points at the corners.
- LithographyPrinting
- A printing method using a flat surface and the repulsion of grease and water, giving smoother, flatter images.
- Local (local stamp)Formats
- A stamp valid only within a limited area or service rather than nationally.
- LoupeTools
- A small magnifier used to examine stamps closely.
- M
- Maltese CrossPostal history
- The cross-shaped cancellation used to obliterate the first British stamps.
- MarginCondition
- The unprinted border around a stamp's design, or the selvedge around a sheet; wide, even margins are prized.
- Marginal ruleFormats
- A printed line in the sheet margin, sometimes used to identify a printing.
- Maritime mailPostal history
- Mail carried by sea and handled aboard ship or at ports, with its own markings.
- MichelCatalogues
- The standard German stamp catalogue, widely used across Europe, with its own numbering.
- Millimetre gaugeTools
- A fine scale used to measure stamps and their features in millimetres.
- Miniature sheet (MS)Formats
- A small sheet containing one or a few stamps within decorative margins, issued as a collectable item.
- MintCondition
- An unused stamp in original condition, as issued.
- Mint hinged (MH) / mounted mintCondition
- A mint stamp with original gum that shows a hinge mark.See also:hinge
- Mint never hinged (MNH) / unmounted mint (UM)Condition
- A mint stamp with full original gum that has never been hinged.Full guide →See also:mint hinged
- Mint very lightly hinged (MVLH)Condition
- A mint stamp with full original gum bearing only the faintest possible trace of a hinge, the grade just below never hinged.Full guide →See also:mint never hinged
- Missing colourPrinting
- An error in which one of the printed colours is wholly absent.See also:error
- MountTools
- A clear, backed holder used to display stamps without hinging, such as a Hawid mount.
- Mounted mintCondition
- A mint stamp that has been hinged.See also:mint hinged
- Multiple watermarkPaper
- A watermark whose design repeats many times across the sheet rather than once per stamp.See also:watermark
- N
- No gum (MNG)Condition
- A mint stamp without gum, whether never present or since removed; sometimes called mint no gum.See also:gum
- No watermarkPaper
- Paper bearing no watermark, itself a means of identification.See also:watermark
- Numeral cancelPostal history
- A cancellation containing a number that identifies the post office which used it.See also:cancellation
- O
- ObliteratorPostal history
- A device or mark used to cancel a stamp so it cannot be reused.See also:cancellation
- Occupation issueFormats
- A stamp issued by an occupying power for use in occupied territory.
- Off-centreCondition
- Said of a stamp whose design sits unevenly within its margins.See also:centring
- OfficialFormats
- A stamp for use on government or departmental mail, often overprinted to indicate it.
- OffsetPrinting
- An unintended transfer of ink from one sheet onto the back of another, a printing flaw.
- Ordinary paperPaper
- Plain, uncoated stamp paper, as distinct from chalky or surfaced paper.
- Original gum (OG)Condition
- The gum applied to a stamp when issued, still present on the back.See also:gum
- OverprintPrinting
- Additional printing applied to a stamp after issue, for example to change its country or use.See also:surcharge
- P
- PacketCollecting
- A made-up selection of different stamps sold together, often for beginners.
- PaneFormats
- A subdivision of a printed sheet, or the block of stamps within a booklet.
- Par avionPostal history
- French for "by air", the standard inscription on airmail.See also:airmail
- Part-perforatePerforation
- A stamp perforated on some sides but not all.
- PerfinPerforation
- A stamp with small holes punched through it spelling initials, used by firms to deter theft.
- PerforationPerforation
- The lines of small holes punched between stamps so they can be separated.See also:perforation gauge
- Perforation gaugeTools
- A measuring scale used to count perforation holes over a set length, identifying a stamp's perf.See also:perforation
- PhilatelistCollecting
- A person who collects or studies stamps and postal history.See also:philately
- PhilatelyCollecting
- The collecting and study of stamps and postal history.
- Photogravure (gravure)Printing
- A printing method using a finely screened, etched cylinder, giving soft, dotted images.See also:cylinder number
- PlatePrinting
- The engraved metal printing surface bearing the stamp design.See also:plate number
- Plate numberPrinting
- A number in the design or sheet margin identifying the printing plate used, important to specialists.Full guide →
- Plate proofPrinting
- A trial impression taken from the finished plate to check it before printing.See also:proof
- Postage dueFormats
- A stamp showing that postage was unpaid or underpaid and a charge is owed.
- Postal historyPostal history
- The study of the routes, rates and markings of mail, usually collected on cover.See also:cover
- Postal stationeryPostal history
- Items with a stamp design printed directly onto them, such as prepaid envelopes, cards and wrappers.
- PostmarkPostal history
- A mark applied at a post office showing place and date, often also cancelling the stamp.See also:cancellation
- ProofPrinting
- A trial impression taken to check a design or plate before printing.
- ProvisionalFormats
- A stamp issued as a temporary measure, often an overprint or surcharge, to meet an immediate need.See also:surcharge
- R
- Re-entryPrinting
- A doubling of part of a design caused when a plate is re-engraved slightly out of register, a collectable variety.See also:variety
- RegisteredPostal history
- Mail sent under a recorded, signed-for service for security, with its own labels and markings.
- RegummedCondition
- A stamp that has had new gum applied to imitate original gum; a fault that must always be disclosed.See also:original gum
- RemainderCollecting
- Stock of a stamp left unsold when an issue is withdrawn, sometimes later sold off.
- ReperforatedCondition
- A stamp with perforations added or repaired to improve appearance; a repair that must always be disclosed.
- ReprintPrinting
- A later printing of a stamp from the original plates, made after the issue has ended.
- RetouchPrinting
- A repair to a worn or damaged part of a printing plate, sometimes visible on the stamp.
- Revenue (fiscal)Formats
- A stamp used to pay a tax or duty rather than postage.
- Ribbed paperPaper
- Paper showing fine ridges, produced during manufacture.
- RoulettingPerforation
- Separation made by short cuts or pierces rather than punched holes, removing no paper.
- RPSLCatalogues
- The Royal Philatelic Society London, the oldest philatelic society, which issues expert certificates.
- S
- Safety paperPaper
- Paper treated or printed to reveal any attempt to clean and reuse a stamp.
- ScottCatalogues
- The standard stamp catalogue used in the United States, with its own numbering system.
- ScuffCondition
- A surface graze on a stamp, a fault.
- Se-tenantFormats
- Two or more different stamps joined together as printed.
- Selvedge (selvage)Formats
- The blank marginal paper around a sheet of stamps.See also:margin
- Semi-postal (charity stamp)Formats
- A stamp sold above face value, the surplus going to a charity or cause.
- SheetFormats
- The full unit of stamps as printed, made up of one or more panes.See also:pane
- SheetletFormats
- A small complete sheet of stamps, usually without the decorative margins of a miniature sheet.See also:miniature sheet
- Sideways watermarkPaper
- A watermark lying on its side relative to the design, a collectable variety.See also:watermark
- Slogan postmarkPostal history
- A postmark including an advertising or public-information slogan beside the datestamp.See also:postmark
- SoakingTools
- Removing used stamps from paper by floating them in water.See also:kiloware
- SoilingCondition
- Dirt or grubbiness on a stamp, reducing its appearance.
- SoundCondition
- Said of a stamp free of faults, whatever its centring; undamaged.
- Space-fillerCondition
- A faulty or low-grade stamp kept only to fill a gap until a better example is found.
- Squared circlePostal history
- A Victorian cancellation combining a circle within a square frame.
- Stanley Gibbons (SG)Catalogues
- The principal British stamp catalogue and dealer, whose SG numbers are the standard reference for GB and Commonwealth stamps.
- StockbookTools
- A book with strips or pockets for storing stamps without mounting them.
- StockcardTools
- A card with clear strips for holding and presenting individual stamps.
- StripFormats
- Three or more stamps joined in a single row.
- SuperbCondition
- A top condition grade, for a stamp with near-perfect centring and no faults.See also:fine
- SurchargePrinting
- An overprint that alters a stamp's face value.See also:overprint
- Surfaced paperPaper
- Paper given a coated surface, such as chalky paper, to deter reuse.See also:chalky paper
- Syncopated perforationPerforation
- Perforation with some holes deliberately enlarged or omitted, used as a security feature.
- T
- TabFormats
- An attached marginal label, often inscribed, collected together with the stamp.
- TabletPrinting
- A panel within a stamp's design carrying the value or an inscription.
- TearCondition
- A fault in which the paper of a stamp has been torn.
- Thematic (topical)Collecting
- Collecting stamps by subject, such as birds or trains, rather than by country.
- ThinCondition
- An area where paper has been lost or weakened on the back of a stamp, a fault.
- Tone spotCondition
- A small spot of discolouration on a stamp, a minor fault.See also:toning
- Tongs (tweezers)Tools
- Specialised tweezers used to handle stamps without damaging them.
- ToningCondition
- Discolouration of paper through age or damp, reducing freshness and value.
- TPO (travelling post office)Postal history
- A railway carriage fitted out to sort mail in transit, with its own postmarks.
- Traffic lightsPrinting
- Coloured printer's check dots in a sheet margin showing the inks used.
- Tropicalised gumCondition
- Gum that has discoloured or cracked through heat and humidity.See also:gum
- Typography (letterpress)Printing
- Printing from a raised, inked surface, also called surface printing, giving flat, even colour.
- U
- Ultraviolet (UV) lampTools
- A lamp used to detect paper types, repairs and security features not visible in ordinary light.
- Unmounted mint (UM)Condition
- Full original gum, never hinged.See also:mint never hinged
- UsedCondition
- A stamp that has been through the post and cancelled.
- Used abroadPostal history
- A stamp of one country used and postmarked in another, from the era of overseas postal agencies.
- V
- VarietyPrinting
- A consistent, collectable difference from the normal stamp, such as a flaw, re-entry or watermark variation.
- Very fine used (VFU)Condition
- A used stamp in superior condition with a clean, well-placed cancellation.
- VignettePrinting
- The central pictorial part of a stamp design, within the frame.
- W
- War taxFormats
- A stamp or overprint raising extra postage to help fund a war effort.
- WatermarkPaper
- A design or pattern within the paper, visible when held to the light, used to identify and authenticate stamps.
- Watermark detectorTools
- A small tray and fluid, or an electronic device, used to reveal a stamp's watermark.See also:watermark
- Well-centredCondition
- Said of a stamp whose design sits evenly within its margins, a mark of quality.See also:centring
- Wove paperPaper
- Paper with a smooth, even texture, the most common stamp paper.See also:laid paper
- Y
- Yvert et Tellier (Yvert, YT)Catalogues
- The standard French stamp catalogue, with its own numbering system.
From the shop
Put the terms to use
Now that the language makes sense, browse a selection from our Great Britain stock, described in exactly these terms.
9187: GB SG246 6d Slate purple 1902 Sc#135a Mi111Iwb Mint MVLH C£45
£10.00
9186: GB SG230 2½d Ultramarine 1902 Sc#131 Mi107Ic Mint MH C£20
£4.20
9185: GB SG225 2d Bright red & Pale grey green 1903 Sc#130 Mi106Iwa Mint MVLH C£70
£15.00
9184: GB SG221 1½d Black purple violet & Bluish green 1905 Sc#129 Mi105Iwa Mint MH C£50
£9.00
Founder and stamp dealerLast updated June 2026