Even more info about collecting US stamps!
Offset lithography, also known as offset printing, operates on a simple yet ingenious principle. The process involves transferring an inked image from a plate to a rubber blanket, then onto the printing surface, which, in this case, is the postage stamp paper. This indirect transfer is what gives offset printing its name.
A grill is a pattern of tiny indentations or embossing on the surface of a postage stamp. These indentations break the fibers of the paper, allowing ink from a cancellation mark to penetrate more deeply. This made it much harder to wash off the cancellation and reuse the stamp.
The term “Back-of-the-Book” refers to stamps and postal items that are not considered part of the regular postage issues. These are typically found in the back section of stamp catalogs, hence the name.
A postal card is a type of stationery issued by postal authorities, distinct from postcards in that the postage is pre-printed on the card itself. This made them an economical and convenient option for sending quick messages, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when they were most popular.
In the United States, the tradition of commemorative stamps began with the Columbian Exposition Issue in 1893. This series of 16 stamps was released to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World. Known simply as “the Columbians,” these stamps featured a range of denominations and depicted various scenes from Columbus’s voyages.
Plate Number Coils are a type of stamp produced in rolls, or coils, for use in vending machines and large-scale mailing operations. What sets them apart from regular coil stamps is the tiny plate number printed on the stamp itself. This number indicates the printing plate used in their production, making each stamp a unique piece of postal history.
A First Day Cover is an envelope (or post card) with a postage stamp canceled on the stamp’s issue date (first day it was available to the public).
The United States issued its first stamp booklets in 1900, featuring panes of six 2-cent stamps. These booklets were initially intended for travelers and businesses, providing a portable and handy means to carry stamps. Over time, the format gained popularity, and various designs and denominations were introduced to cater to diverse postal requirements.
Among the myriad details that make stamps so intriguing are watermarks. These subtle, often hidden features can tell us a lot about a stamp’s origin and authenticity.