Glossary
Philately
The collection and study of postage stamps and mail.
Image: 8-cent Stamp Collecting single, 1972
Philatelist
A person who collects and studies stamps and covers.
Image: 50-cent Franklin D. Roosevelt Examining His Stamp Collection single, 1947
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
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
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
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
Cover
An envelope, card, or wrapper that has been sent through the mail.
Image: USS Nautilus handstamp event cover
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
Cancellation
A mark that obliterates a stamp so that it can’t be used again.
Image: Peru trial, 1847
