Philatelic Terms: Imperforate, Specimen and Die-cut stamps

Earlier in this blog, I had tried to discuss Miniature sheets, Souvenir Sheets, Maxim cards etc. Recently I had questions from beginners regarding a few Philatelic terms which I have decided to answer today.

Imperforate - simply speaking, stamps without any perforations. Stamps in the beginning did not have any perforations and had to be separated using a blade or scissors from a sheet, which sometimes was cut through the design and keeping it straight was an art not specialised by many. Also one had to keep a cutting instrument at hand. Late on an easy way that was devised, was to use perforations to separate stamps from a sheet which is in use even today. A few countries still print imperforate stamps occasionally as collectors fancy. But Imperforate stamps that were intended to be perforated are treated as errors.

A classic example of imperforate is the world’s first stamp the Penny Black.

Specimen Stamps – Generally sample stamps overprinted using the words “SPECIMEN” and are not valid for postage. They are samples of new stamps, distributed to the various countries through the UPU for purposes of identification and record or to the philatelic press and trade for publicity purposes.

A recent specimen Stamp of Philippine - 2006  

Die-Cut stamps – Die-cut is also a form of separation of stamps like perforation which is used recently and are mostly common in case of self-adhesive stamps. In countries like U.S., die-cut stamps are usually separated by serpentine (wavy) cuts. Other countries often use straight cuts. They also use various shapes or patterned edges and also have been die cut into the shapes of country maps, flowers, fruits and many other shapes. In few of the recent Miniature sheets we come across both die-cuts and perforations. Die-cut stamps are not used in India.

 A die-cut stamp from Australia (serpentine)

A die-cut Miniature sheet  from South Africa (straight-cut) 

A die-cut stamp from Japan in odd shape and two types of cut are used.

A die-cut Miniature sheet  from Pitcairn Islands where the outer shape of the MS is odd shaped  (dragon fly) and stamps with perforation. 

There may be other types of combination too.

Your COMMENTS are most welcome.

(I request all Readers, Senior Philatelist to comment on the above terms and to add a few points which may further enlighten and help all of us)