Holography vs. Lenticular Printing in US Postage Stamps: What’s the Difference?

Collectors of US postage stamps have long appreciated the creativity and innovation that goes into designing stamps. In recent years, two advanced printing techniques—holography and lenticular printing—have been used to give stamps a dynamic and interactive flair. While both methods create visually striking effects, they do so in different ways. Let’s explore the differences between these two techniques and how they’ve been featured in US stamps.

US #3409-13 – The Landing on the Moon and Escaping the Gravity of Earth stamps, as well as the souvenir sheet picturing Earth, were all printed using holography.

Holography: Creating Depth and Dimension

Holography is a technique that uses light to create a three-dimensional image, even though it’s printed on a flat surface. Holographic images change appearance depending on the angle of light, giving the illusion of depth. The first time holography was used on a US stamp was in 2000 with the Space Achievement and Exploration Series, which celebrated NASA’s achievements. The stamps were released during the World Stamp Expo 2000. Three of the sheets featured holographic images, including one of an astronaut floating in space, giving the effect of viewing a scene in three dimensions.

What sets holography apart is its ability to display depth without the need for specialized glasses or lenses. The images seem to move or shift subtly depending on how the stamp is held, making it a popular choice for designs that benefit from an immersive, life-like appearance.

US #5306 – The 2018 Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet makes use of lenticular printing. As the stamp is shifted, the rabbit appears to pop out of the hat.

Lenticular Printing: Capturing Motion with Layers

Lenticular printing works by layering multiple images on a plastic lens. When the stamp is tilted, the layers interact, causing the image to shift or move. This technique doesn’t create a true 3D image like holography but instead gives the appearance of motion or a flipbook-like effect.

The first lenticular printing used on a US stamp was in 2018 with the Art of Magic Souvenir Sheet. The stamp featured a rabbit appearing to come out of a magician’s hat when viewed from different angles. This playful design was perfect for lenticular printing, as it created the illusion of magic through a dynamic, shifting image.

US #5410-13 – The 2019 Tyrannosaurus rex stamps were produced with a lenticular lens.

Key Differences

  • Holography creates a three-dimensional illusion, making it ideal for designs that emphasize depth and realism, such as space exploration or subjects where depth adds to the visual impact.
  • Lenticular printing focuses on movement, allowing images to flip between two or more scenes or create the illusion of animation, making it perfect for action-oriented or magical themes.
US #4019 – The 2006 Express and Priority Mail stamps were printed with holograms.

Both holography and lenticular printing represent exciting advancements in stamp design. Holography offers collectors a three-dimensional illusion that seems to bring the stamp to life, while lenticular printing creates motion and interaction, making stamps more dynamic and engaging. Whether you prefer the depth of a hologram or the playful shift of a lenticular print, these techniques show how postage stamps continue to evolve as works of art and technology.

For collectors, these innovations add a new layer of interest and excitement, turning even the smallest piece of postage into something extraordinary.

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