Philatelic Glossary
This glossary has been compiled from various different sources. Some of the terms have been reproduced with kind permission from the Stanley Gibbons Philatelic Terms Illustrated by James Mackay. If you think a term is missing please e-mail us.
Double Paper
Term used to describe paper which is made up of two different layers for example New Zealand Chalon Head (1858-62). (q.v Coil Join, Joined Paper).
Double Perforation
A stamp that has passed through the perforation machine twice.
Double Plate Printed
Term to describe the method by which a stamp with a design comprising two parts each printed from a separate plate was produced.
Double Separation
Sheet or part of a sheet which has been perforated twice.
Double Strike
An extra fortuitous impression of the die on the mould used in relief printing for repetition of the design in the building of the printing base.
Double Transfer
An extra and fortuitous transfer of the design to the stone in the Lithographic process. (q.v. Re-Entry).
Downey Head
British halfpenny and penny stamps of 1911/13 reproducing a three quarter profile photograph by W and D Downey of King George V.
Downstream Access
Non-Royal Mail delivery company's mail which is fed into Royal Mail for delivery.
Drop Letter
A postal packet delivered to an address in the same postal delivery area as the office where it was posted.
Dropped Letter
Term for a type character plucked from its setting by the inking roller because the type was not held firmly in place on the formé.
Dry Print
A stamp having a weak appearance due to paper being too dry for the intaglio process.
Dual Currency
Stamps with values expressed in two currencies.
Dues
Philatelic term for postage due labels (q.v. To Pay Labels).
Dumb Cancels
Absence of identifying inscription found in various forms on cancellations and in stamp design. (q.v. Mute Cancel).
Duplex Cancellation
Double or dual postmarks so called because they comprise a date stamp showing the name of the post office as well as a numeral.
Duplicates
Copies identical to those already in one's collection.
Duty
Term given to the function of a stamp as defined by the inscription.
Duty Plate
The printing plate used to print the value or name and value on stamps.(q.v. Frame, Vignette, Head Plate, Key Plate).
Dyed Paper
Paper coloured throughout because a dye was added to the pulp during manufacture.
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