Stamp collecting, or philately, is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that has captivated collectors for centuries. Whether you’re just starting or have been collecting for years, understanding philatelic terms and jargon is crucial to navigating this world. The language of stamp collecting can seem overwhelming, with its specialized terminology and technical terms that can easily confuse newcomers.
However, once you grasp the basics, you’ll find that understanding philatelic terms and jargon opens up a whole new world of possibilities, helping you make informed decisions and enjoy the hobby more fully. In this article, we’ll break down some essential philatelic terms, explain their meanings, and give you the confidence to master the language of stamp collecting — so that confusing terms won’t hold you back!
Why Understanding Philatelic Terms and Jargon is Essential
The world of stamp collecting is rich in history, and part of that history is its unique vocabulary. Understanding philatelic terms and jargon is more than just memorizing a list of words — it’s about communicating effectively with other collectors, accurately describing stamps, and ensuring that you are knowledgeable when buying, selling, or appraising stamps.
- Better Communication: Being able to speak the language of stamp collecting helps you connect with other collectors, dealers, and philatelic experts. Whether you’re attending a stamp show or asking questions in online forums, understanding philatelic terms and jargon will help you understand discussions and participate confidently.
- Accurate Identification: Many stamps are valued based on their condition, rarity, and printing details. Understanding philatelic terms and jargon allows you to accurately describe the stamps in your collection, making it easier to research, buy, and sell stamps.
- Informed Decision-Making: When you understand the technical language of philately, you can make more informed decisions about which stamps to acquire, which ones to sell, and how to care for your collection.
Key Philatelic Terms You Should Know
To get you started on understanding philatelic terms and jargon, here are some common terms that every collector should know:
1. Mint vs. Used Stamps
- Mint stamps are those that have never been used for postage and are in pristine condition, often in the same state as they were when they were first issued.
- Used stamps, on the other hand, have been affixed to an envelope or package and have been canceled with a postmark.
Understanding the difference between mint and used stamps is essential, as the value of a stamp can vary greatly depending on its condition.
2. Cancellation (Cancel)
A cancellation refers to the mark or design that postal authorities place on a stamp to indicate it has been used for postage. Some collectors prefer stamps with clear, well-centered cancellations, while others may seek un-canceled (mint) stamps for their collections.
3. Perforation
Perforation refers to the holes between stamps that make it easier to separate them from a sheet. Perf numbers (e.g., 12 or 14) indicate the number of perforations per inch, with higher numbers usually meaning finer perforations.
4. Gum
The gum on a stamp is the adhesive that allows it to be affixed to an envelope or package. When collecting stamps, it’s important to check the condition of the gum, as some collectors prefer stamps with unused, original gum while others may find no gum (often from stamps that were not used) more desirable.
5. FDC (First Day Cover)
A First Day Cover (FDC) is an envelope that is postmarked on the first day a stamp is issued. Collecting FDCs is a popular sub-genre of philately, and understanding philatelic terms and jargon related to FDCs can help you collect these items more effectively.
6. Varieties and Errors
Philately is full of stamp varieties and printing errors that make certain stamps particularly valuable. For example, stamps with misprints, color variations, or printing defects (like inverted or missing images) can be very rare and highly sought after by collectors.
- Inverted Jenny: One of the most famous printing errors, where the airplane image was printed upside down.
7. Philatelic Album
A philatelic album is a book or binder used to store stamps in an organized manner. Understanding philatelic terms and jargon related to albums, such as hingeless pages (pages that allow stamps to be stored without adhesive), helps you preserve your stamps in optimal condition.
Advanced Philatelic Terms to Enhance Your Knowledge
Once you’ve become familiar with the basics, you can dive deeper into more advanced terminology that will enrich your philatelic experience. Understanding philatelic terms and jargon at this level will help you gain a better understanding of the nuances of the hobby and improve your ability to evaluate stamps.
1. Surcharge
A surcharge is an additional marking added to a stamp, typically to increase the postage rate after the stamp has been printed. Surcharges may be added to stamps in different denominations or for special postal needs, such as international shipping.
2. Souvenir Sheet
A souvenir sheet is a small sheet of stamps issued for a special occasion or event. These sheets are typically issued in limited quantities, making them collectible. Understanding philatelic terms and jargon related to souvenir sheets helps you identify valuable commemorative stamps that are often sought by serious collectors.
3. Philatelic Society
A philatelic society is an organization that brings together stamp collectors, philatelists, and enthusiasts for the purpose of sharing knowledge, resources, and trading stamps. Joining a philatelic society is a great way to deepen your understanding and grow your network within the philatelic community.
4. Plate Block
A plate block refers to a block of stamps that has an inscription indicating the plate number from which the stamps were printed. These are valuable because they show the printer’s original markings, making them of particular interest to advanced collectors.
Tips for Mastering Philatelic Terms and Jargon
Now that you have a solid understanding of some common and advanced philatelic terms, here are some tips to help you fully master understanding philatelic terms and jargon:
1. Use a Philatelic Glossary
There are many glossaries and dictionaries dedicated to stamp collecting that list the meanings of philatelic terms. Having one of these resources on hand can be incredibly helpful when you’re unsure about a particular term.
2. Join a Philatelic Community
Engaging with other collectors through online forums, stamp clubs, and social media groups is a great way to learn more about understanding philatelic terms and jargon. Experienced collectors are often happy to help newcomers navigate the complex language of philately.
3. Practice by Reading Stamp Catalogs
Stamp catalogs, which list stamps and their values, are an excellent resource for learning the proper terminology used in stamp descriptions. Reading through a catalog regularly will help you become familiar with the terms and their meanings.
4. Attend Stamp Shows and Auctions
Attending stamp shows and auctions can allow you to hear experts use philatelic terms in real-world settings. You’ll also see the stamps firsthand, which can help reinforce your understanding of the terminology.
Stamp collecting is one of the most rewarding and educational hobbies you can pursue. It connects you to the art and culture of different times and places and allows you to unlock the rich history and hidden gems of the past. Collecting stamps from different eras offers an incredible way to explore the evolution of countries, technologies, art styles, and historical events.
Conclusion
Understanding philatelic terms and jargon is a crucial part of becoming a knowledgeable and successful stamp collector. The world of philately is rich with specialized language, and mastering these terms will enhance your ability to communicate with other collectors, evaluate stamps, and make informed decisions. While the jargon might seem intimidating at first, with a little time and effort, you’ll find that understanding philatelic terms and jargon opens up a whole new world of opportunities within stamp collecting. Don’t let confusing terms hold you back — embrace the language of philately, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an expert collector.
