Every Stamp Tells a Story

The Language of Philately

Glossary

8c Stamp Collecting single

Philately

The collection and study of postage stamps and mail.

Image: 8-cent Stamp Collecting single, 1972

 

50c Franklin D. Roosevelt Examining His Stamp Collection single

Philatelist

A person who collects and studies stamps and covers.

Image: 50-cent Franklin D. Roosevelt Examining His Stamp Collection single, 1947

 

5c Navy artist's model

Essay

A trial design, or model, of a proposed postage stamp created for review by postal authorities.

Image: 5-cent Navy artist's model, 1937

 

5c Flag of Poland approved large die proof

Proof

A trial printing of a stamp used to inspect for defects, see which ink color looks best for that particular stamp, or present to dignitaries and government officials.

Image: 5-cent Flag of Poland approved large die proof, 1943

 

5c Navy Seal of the Naval Academy and cadets single

Stamp

Official evidence of payment for postal services, designed to be fixed to a piece of mail.

Image: 5-cent Navy Seal of the Naval Academy and cadets single, 1937

 

29c National Postal Museum pane

Pane

A unit of stamps cut from a larger press sheet to sell to the public or assemble into a booklet.

Image: 29-cent National Postal Museum pane, 1993

 

8 centStamp Collecting stamp

Cover

An envelope, card, or wrapper that has been sent through the mail.

Image: USS Nautilus handstamp event cover

 

Pearl Harbor cover postmark

Postmark

A mark placed on or near a stamp to show the place and date of mailing.

Image: Honolulu during Pearl Harbor attack postmark, 1941

 

Stamp cancellation

Cancellation

A mark that obliterates a stamp so that it can’t be used again.

Image: Peru trial, 1847