| Term |
Meaning |
| Earliest known use(EKU) |
The cover or piece that
documents the earliest date on which a stamp or postal
stationery item is known to be used. New discoveries
can change an established EKU. The EKU for a classic
issue may be after the official issue date. Because of
accidental early sales, the EKU for modern stamps is
often several days before the official first day. |
| EKU |
The cover or piece that
documents the earliest date on which a stamp or postal
stationery item is known to be used. New discoveries
can change an established EKU. The EKU for a classic
issue may be after the official issue date. Because of
accidental early sales, the EKU for modern stamps is
often several days before the official first day. |
| Embossing |
The process of giving relief
to paper by pressing it with a die. Embossed designs
are often found on the printed stamps of postal
stationery (usually envelopes and wrappers). Selected
stamps of certain countries have been embossed. |
| Encased postage stamp |
A stamp inserted into a
small coin-size case with a transparent front or back.
Such stamps were circulated as legal coins during
periods when coins were scarce. |
| Entire |
An intact piece of postal
stationery, in contrast to a cutout of the imprinted
stamp. This term is sometimes used in reference to an
intact cover or folded letter.
|
