| Term |
Meaning |
| Dead country |
A former stamp-issuing
entity that has ceased issuing its own stamps.
Also, the old name of an active stamp-issuing
entity that has changed its name, so that the
old name will no longer be used on stamps. |
| Definitive |
Stamp issued in a large
indefinite quantity and for an indefinite
period, usually several years or more. The
United States Presidential issue of 1938 and
the 1995 32› Flag Over Porch stamps are
examples. Definitive stamp designs usually do
not honor a specific time-dated event. |
| Deltiology |
Picture postcard collecting. |
| Denomination |
The face value of a stamp,
usually indicated by numerals printed as part
of the design. Some modern U.S. stamps
produced for rate changes are denominated with
a letter. A numerical value is assigned when
the letter stamps are issued. An example of
this is the H-rate Hat stamp of 1998, which
represented the first-class rate of 33 cents. |
| Die |
The original engraving of a
stamp design, usually recess-engraved in
reverse on a small flat piece of soft steel.
In traditional intaglio printing, a transfer
roll is made from a die and printing plates
are made from impressions of the transfer
roll. When more than one die is used in the
production of an issue, distinctive varieties
are often identifiable. |
| Die cut |
A form of separation usually
employed on self-adhesive stamps. During
processing, an edged tool (die) completely
penetrates the stamp paper on all sides of the
printed stamp, making the removal of the
individual stamps from the liner possible. Die
cuts may be straight, shaped in wavy lines to
simulate perforation teeth, or take other
forms. |
| Die proof |
An impression pulled on
special paper or card from the die or, more
usually as a preliminary measure to check that
all the detail is correct. Proofs taken by the
engraver at various stages of the work are
termed progress proofs.
|
