This glossary has three purposes.  First, is intended for use by the collector of United States stamps who wishes to better understand a term that is encountered while reading The United States Specialist or another philatelic publication.  Second, it is intended as a stand-alone educational tool that may be read in whole or in part to learn more about US philately.  Finally, it is intended to give collectors an idea of "what's out there" in the universe of United States collecting.  We hope it may introduce you to some new specialty in the collecting of US stamps and covers.

Catalogue numbers used in this glossary are from Scott Specialized Catalogue of U.S. Stamps and Covers.

It should be noted that definitions provided in this glossary are intended only for application to United States stamps and covers.  Applying some of them to foreign stamps could result in error or misunderstanding.

This glossary is cross-referenced.  Words printed in italics will appear (sometimes in a slightly different form) with their own entries in this glossary.

In an effort to maximize the usefulness of this glossary an asterisk (*) precedes basic terms with which every collector of US stamps will want to be acquainted.  Obviously, the placing of an asterisk represents a judgment call on the part of the editor.

The editor will appreciate being notified of any additions or corrections to this glossary for the benefit of future editions.  Please send e-mails to Glossary Editor.

The editor gratefully acknowledges the kind assistance received in the compilation of this glossary.  Specifically, "thank you" to: Douglas B. Quine, chairman, USSS Modern Postal History Committee; Michael O. Perry, chairman, USSS Booklets and Booklet Panes Committee; Ken Lawrence, chairman, USSS Official Mail Committee; Steven Belasco, chairman, USSS Vending and Affixing Machine Committee; Richard T. Hall, USSS Indexer; Gene Paquette, chairman, USSS Luminescent Committee; Joann Lenz, USSS Secretary; Ralph Sloat, chairman, USSS Farley Issues Committee; Roger O. Gilruth; Earl McAfee, chairman, USSS Dummy Booklets Committee; Jim Graue; James Patterson, chairman, USSS Essay-Proof Committee; Roland Austin, chairman, USSS Liberty Series Committee; William H. Waggoner, chairman, USSS Revenue Issues Committee; Mike Lampson, USSS Webmaster; Roger S. Brody, Chairman, USSS; Nicholas Lombardi, Governor, USSS; Larry S. Weiss, Chairman, USSS Washington-Franklin Head Issues Committee; John S. Meeks, chairman, USSS Marginal Markings Committee, and Barbara Mueller.

Rodney A. Juell, editor
Chairman, USSS Recruiting Committee

© 2003-2007 United States Stamp Society.  Permission is granted to reproduce any portion(s) of this glossary for non-commercial purposes, provided credit is given to the source, United States Stamp Society, P.O. Box 6634, Katy, TX 77491-6634

Next page