Welcome to the captivating world of philately, where every stamp holds a story and every collection becomes a treasure trove of history and culture. The Philatelic Dictionary is your key to unlocking the fascinating language and nuances of stamp collecting. From rare and valuable stamps to unique terminologies that adorn the philatelic realm, this comprehensive guide offers a rich tapestry of information for seasoned collectors and enthusiastic beginners alike. Let’s embark on a journey of exploration, where every page reveals the beauty and significance of the miniature masterpieces we call postage stamps.
Antiye (Postcards with Postage Stamp Impressions): Antiye refers to postcards that have postage stamp impressions on them. These postcards often feature a stamp that complements the theme or message of the postcard. Collectors find antiye cards intriguing as they showcase the combination of beautiful stamps and artistic postcard designs, making them valuable additions to philatelic collections.
Block (A Group of Postage Stamps): A block in philately refers to a group of postage stamps arranged together in a square or rectangular formation. These stamps are either stapled or unstapled, forming a cohesive unit. Blocks can consist of two, four, six, or more stamps, making them interesting collectibles for philatelists who appreciate the aesthetics of stamp arrangements.
Perforation: Perforation, commonly known as perforation, refers to the small teeth or holes along the edges of postage stamps. Perforations are created to allow easy separation of stamps from each other and to facilitate tearing the stamps from sheets without damaging them. The number and size of perforations vary depending on the stamp’s design and denomination.
Denomination: Denomination, meaning denomination, denotes the monetary value assigned to a postage stamp or any valuable paper used for postal purposes. The denomination is often expressed through numbers and, in some cases, writing. It indicates the price of the stamp for postal use, and different denominations allow collectors to explore the various rates applied to postal services over time.
Emission: Emission refers to the issuance of a postage stamp or valuable paper into circulation. When a new stamp is released by a postal administration, it is considered an emission. Emisyon not only introduces new stamps to the public but also marks significant events, historical anniversaries, and national celebrations, making them important additions to a collector’s philatelic journey.
Error: Error, meaning error, relates to the mistakes that occur during the printing or stapling process of valuable papers. These errors can manifest as misprinted colors, missing perforations, double impressions, or other variations from the intended design. Collectors find error stamps highly valuable, as they represent unique anomalies in the production process.
Proofs: Proofs, also known as proofs, are trial prints prepared to showcase the printing status to the organization that commissions the stamps. These early impressions offer insight into the stamp’s design, color, and overall appearance before mass production. Eses are significant for collectors as they provide a glimpse into the stamp’s creation and can be considered rare philatelic items.
Watermark: Watermark, commonly known as watermark, refers to the special pattern, writing, or motif embedded into the stamp’s paper during manufacturing. Watermarks are visible when the stamp is held against the light, adding an extra layer of security to prevent counterfeiting. For collectors, identifying and classifying different watermarks is an intriguing aspect of philately.
Stamp Size: Stamp Size denotes the dimensions of the stamp design (excluding the margins), typically measured in millimeters (e.g., 25 x 40 mm). The forma provides important information about the stamp’s physical size and helps philatelists categorize and organize stamps in their collections.
Pane: Pane, commonly known as a pane, is a small sheet of stamps with or without selvage, often containing a few stamps of the same denomination. These sheets may include perforated or imperforate stamps and sometimes carry inscriptions or text in the margins. Collectors value føyees for their unique compositions and occasional limited printing.
First Day Cover: Meaning first day cover (FDC), is an envelope affixed with a special postage stamp or a continuous series stamp, cancelled with a first day cancellation mark. FDCs usually feature relevant illustrations or motifs related to the stamp’s subject, along with additional information about the issue. Philatelists find FDCs desirable as they commemorate the first day of stamp release and offer insights into the historical context of the stamps.
Lejand (Inscription): Lejand refers to the inscriptions and text found on postage stamps. These inscriptions may include the stamp’s denomination, country name, date of issue, or commemorative event. Lejands are an essential part of philatelic research, helping collectors identify and classify stamps based on the information provided.
Maximum Card: Maximum card is a special philatelic card that features an enlarged image of a postage stamp on the front, matched with a relevant postmark on the picture side. The image on the stamp, postmark, and card’s picture side all relate to a common theme, creating a visually appealing and historically significant collectible item.
Marj (Margin): Marj, or margin, refers to the unprinted areas around stamp sheets and souvenir blocks, excluding the frame or design. Margins offer philatelists valuable information about the stamp’s printing format and can be considered an essential element of stamp presentation and design.
Special Event Cover: Special event cover is an envelope affixed with a specially issued philatelic stamp or a stamp imprinted with a special postmark related to a particular event. These envelopes often carry thematic illustrations or text, making them sought-after items for collectors who wish to commemorate significant events or anniversaries.
Special Date Cancellation Cover: Special date cancellation cover is an envelope cancelled with a unique postmark related to a specific philatelic issue. Unlike the first day covers, special date cancellation covers do not feature additional illustrations or motifs, focusing solely on the stamp and the postmark.
Perforaj (Perforation): Perforaj, or perforation, is the process of creating small holes or teeth along the edges of postage stamps. Perforations allow for easy separation of stamps from sheets and facilitate tearing stamps without damaging them. The size and number of perforations can vary depending on the stamp’s design and printing method.
Portfolio: Portfolio refers to a philatelic folder or album prepared for a commemorative stamp, containing the stamp itself, along with related FDCs, cards, or other publications. Portfolios provide a complete collection of philatelic items related to a specific stamp issue, making them valuable and sought-after among collectors.
Postcard: Postcard is a card produced by the postal administration, often featuring the inscription “Posta Kartı.” These cards may be either illustrated or blank and serve as a means of communication or as collectibles for philatelists. Postcards with unique stamp imprints and postmarks are highly desirable among stamp collectors.
Centering: Santre or centering, refers to the equal margins around a stamp, meaning the stamp’s design is perfectly centered within its frame or forma. Centering is essential for the visual appeal and value of a stamp. Philatelists pay great attention to centering when grading and valuing stamps in their collections.
Series: Series denotes a set of stamps issued under the same theme or subject. A series typically includes different denominations of stamps featuring the same design or related motifs. Collecting complete series is a popular practice among philatelists, allowing them to explore a comprehensive set of stamps with a unified theme.
Surcharge: Meaning surcharge involves altering the value of a stamp without changing its design. This alteration may be to commemorate an event or to change the stamp’s original purpose. Surcharged stamps are considered unique and significant for philatelists, offering a glimpse into the historical and administrative changes in postal services.
Hinge: Commonly known as a hinge, is a small paper or plastic piece used to mount stamps onto an album page. Hinges allow for easy attachment and removal of stamps without damaging them. Philatelists use hinges as a traditional method to organize stamps within their albums and collections.
Revenue Stamp: Revenue stamps are used to indicate the payment of fees on mailings that were either not paid or underpaid. These stamps were affixed by the recipients or, when necessary, by the senders to cover the additional fees. Revenue stamps are not used for regular postal services and are often considered intriguing collectibles for philatelists.
Thematic Stamps: Thematic stamps depict specific subjects or themes such as birds, flowers, sports, famous personalities, or artworks. These stamps revolve around a particular theme or interest, making them visually appealing and informative for collectors who focus on specific topics within philately.
Tête-bêche: Tête-bêche refers to two stamps printed in an inverted position relative to each other on a single sheet. These tête-bêche stamps can be found in various arrangements, such as top to top, side to side, or bottom to bottom. Tet beş stamps can be used separately to pay postal fees and are intriguing philatelic items due to their unique printing arrangement.
Print Run: Print run signifies the number of stamps or valuable papers printed during a specific production. The tiraj provides philatelists with valuable information about the rarity and availability of stamps. Lower print runs often result in rarer stamps and higher demand among collectors.
Airmail Stamp: Airmail stamps are specifically issued for airmail services, indicating the postal fees for airmail deliveries. These stamps often feature aviation-related designs, celebrating advancements in the field of aviation. Airmail stamps are cherished by collectors for their historical significance and association with airborne communication.
Varieties: Varieties refers to the different ways a stamp can be printed. Unlike errors, varieties are intentional and occur in significant quantities under the postal administration’s control. Varieties provide collectors with an opportunity to explore various printings and minor differences in design, making them essential aspects of philatelic research and classification.
Finally these diverse terms form the backbone of philatelic knowledge, enriching the experience of stamp collection and exploration. Whether you’re an experienced philatelist or just starting your stamp-collecting journey, the philately dictionary provides valuable insights into the fascinating world of rare and valuable stamps. PostageStampWay.com serves as a valuable resource and guide, opening doors to the mysteries and wonders that await within the realm of philately. Happy collecting!