Liechtenstein-Spezial 2013/2014
Note: This is a translation of pages 5-17 of Michel Liechtenstein-
Spezial 2013/2014 catalog using translation software by the non-
German speaking owner of this website for my personal use.
Therefore, please be aware of the following:
The owner of this website assumes no responsibility for the
accuracy of the translation;
If you wish to collaborate to improve the accuracy of this translation,
please use the Contact tab to let me know. I will sincerely appreciate
your help as a fellow Liechtenstein collector.
Definitions
"Postage franking is the physical application and presence of postage stamps, or any
other markings recognized and accepted by the postal system providing service, which
indicate the payment of sufficient fees for the class of service which the item of mail is to
be or had been afforded.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franking
Se-tenant stamps or labels are printed from the same plate and sheet and adjoin one
another, unsevered in a strip or block. They differ from each other by design, color,
denomination or overprint. They may have a continuous design. The word "se-tenant"
translates from French as meaning "joined together" or "holding together".
There are differing ways of preparing a se-tenant sheet. One can have stamps of one
design on half of the sheet and the second design on the other half. In this case, the
only se-tenants would be in the center where the two halves meet. A more frequent set-
up is to have pairs of differing stamps throughout the sheet. Sometimes when two
different designs appear on a single pane, the stamps are arranged like a
checkerboard, with the different designs alternating in each row and column horizontally
and vertically. One can have a triptych, or a tête-bêche format (head to toe). Stamp
booklets often contain se-tenant stamps or labels.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Se-tenant_(philately)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overprinthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triptych_(philately)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%AAte-b%C3%AAchehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Se-tenant_(philately)
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Structure and Content
The MICHEL Liechtenstein-Spezial 2013/2014 catalogue includes all postage stamps
that have been approved, ordered and issued to the individual post offices in
Liechtenstein.
In addition, the catalog contains detailed sections on postal notes pre-dating the use of
stamps in Liechtenstein, stamps and postal stationery of Austria and Switzerland before
the issuance of Liechtenstein stamps (precursor or vorläufer) and then concurrently with
Liechtenstein stamps (transition or mitläufer). Other sections are dedicated to
Liechtenstein postal stationery, airmail, military post office, cancellations and postal
forms. A section on coins and emergency bank notes (currency) of Liechtenstein
completes the catalog.
At the beginning of individual sections are general comments pertaining to that section.
Therefore, it is advisable to pay attention also to these introductory notes
The index is inserted at the end of the catalogue provides a great help in the discovery
of various areas or stamps.
Organization of the Stamp Types
Within a country, regular postage stamps, including special delivery and airmail stamps
are listed without any special heading and numbered in chronological order. Then,
each of the following types (i.e. special postal use or function) of stamps are listed
under their own heading and (chronological) numbering:
Page Types
21 Austrian/Swiss Forerunner/Transition
82 Liechtenstein regular (including airmail, semi-postal)
288 Vending machine stamps (Automatenmarken),
289 Official stamps (Dientsmarken);
296 Postal Official stamps (Franco-Zettel);
297 Postage due stamps (Portomarken),
300 Special Messenger (Gemeinde Botenpost)
MICHEL Numbering
The stamps are numbered chronologically within their types. Late entries are added as
required within its year of issue. Where necessary, summary tables or notes in italics
(italic) are inserted for late additions. Main types may be inserted in exceptional cases,
and the numbers of the previous stamps will be amended by adding the letters A, B, C,
etc. before the number. The Michel numbers in this catalog are printed in blue and
boldface. Zumstein catalog numbers are printed in black as is customary in previous
Liechtenstein LBK catalogs.
Within a collection area, certain stamp types receive their own chronological numbering
preceded by the letters (-combinations) to distinguish them from the normal issues.
The most important are:
D = Official (Dienstmarken)
H-BI. = Sheet booklets
Hz = Centerpiece printed
K = Tête-bêche (from Booklets [-sheet])
KZ = Tête-bêche with gutter (from Booklets [-sheet])
MH = Stamp booklets
MHB = Stamp booklet panes
P = Postage due
S = Vertically se-tenant printing (from Stamp booklets [-sheet])
SZ = Vertically se-tenant printing with gutter (from Booklets [-sheet])
SZd = Vertically se-tenant printing (from Counter sheet)
W = Horizontally -tenant printing (from Stamp booklets [-sheet])
WZ = Horizontally se-tenant printing with gutter (from Booklets [-sheet])
WZd = Horizontally se-tenant printing (from Counter sheet)
General Varieties
A, B, C, D, E ... First letters of the Alphabet in upper case after the Michel catalog
number indicate perforation varieties.
a, b, c, d, e … First letters of the Alphabet in lower case after the Michel catalog
number indicate important color varieties.
... V, W, X, Y, Z Last letters of the Alphabet in upper case after the Michel catalog
number indicate watermark varieties.
... v, w, x, y, z Last letters of the Alphabet in lower case after the Michel catalog
number indicate paper and gum varieties.
I, II, III, IV, V ... Roman numerals after the Michel catalog number indicate printing
styles and type varieties.
L = Blank field in stamp size (e.g blank “stamps” at the end of roll of coil
stamps, see MI 290 or 486)
P = Pressure plate or smooth Probed
R = Roll stamps (for machine dispensing) or pressure of rollers
W = Rotary printing
Zf = Label in stamp size (i.e. stamp or label not-for-postage in sheet)
ZS = Vertical gutter pair
ZW = Horizontal gutter pair
Special Varieties
DD = Double (picture) print or double overprint
DK = Double overprint, one inverted
F = Incorrect color
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G = Printed on the gum side
K = Tête-bêche or inverted overprint
Pa = Repaired (web) paper
U = Imperforate (e.g. Uo, etc., see list of abbreviations)
I, II, III, IV, V, ... Roman numerals at the end of MICHEL number indicate plate error
varieties.
A stamp that is printed but not released for any reason is identified only by Roman
numerals, including:
I 1917 15H Prince Johann II, not issued
II 1921 3Fr Landscape, not issued
III – V 1980 Olympic Set, recalled
The variety designations appended to the Michel number will vary from issue to issue,
since the distributions are chosen in the cataloging as it can be shown most clearly.
Variety names are always mentioned last. For example, Michel 58XAaDD where:
58 = main number;
X = watermark variation;
A = perforation variation;
a = color variation;
DD = double print variation.
Denominations
The denominations of the stamps are indicated numerically. The denomination names
are abbreviated uniformly throughout the area regardless of how it is indicated on the
stamps in question. Denominations not explicitly shown on the stamps are noted in
parenthesis. Overprinted values are shown in boldface type. For Liechtenstein
postage, the abbreviations are
Austrian Administration (1850 - 1898)
Kr = Kreuzer
G = Gulden
Austrian Administration (1899 - 1921)
H = Heller
K = Kronen
Swiss Administration (1921 - Present)
Rp = Rappen
Fr = Franc
Stamp Images
Stamps are, unless stated otherwise, depicted in ½ size. Overprints are sometimes in
original size, while blocks are depicted in various reductions. The scaling (reduction) of
blocks varies as the sizes of the blocks are not uniform. For varieties (particularly plate
errors), the magnification is chosen such that the special features can be readily
identified.
Catalog pictures should not be used as reference material for study.
Stamp Image Descriptions
The image descriptions are as informative as possible, however, they can and will not
replace a dictionary.
In philately, a reference to the "right" or "left" of image is always with respect to the
viewer of the stamp. This applies even when it is contrary to the actual facts. For
example, an error on the “left” eye is respect to you, the viewer, even though the error is
on the “right” eye of the image.
Stamp Image Reference
Each stamp image is explicitly referenced to its description by a (1 to 3) letter identifier
adjacent to the image which is repeated in the column adjacent to the price column.
Price Columns
In this catalogue, the prices are provided in both euros (blue) as well as in Swiss francs
(black). Prices have been converted at the rate of about 1.25 Swiss francs = 1 Euro.
Deviation from the exact exchange rate result from rounding. (It is not clear which
currency reflects the market price and which is derived via the exchange rate.)
The prices quoted in the MICHEL-special catalogs are, from the left column to the right
column: unused (not cancelled) and hinged indicated by the symbol *; unused without
gum indicated by (*) if applicable, mint (postfrisch) indicated by **; used (cancelled)
indicated by and finally cover (envelop) indicated by .. In special cases,
additional price columns are inserted such as for units. They are identified by the
characters that are elaborated on in the list of abbreviations. In addition, the valuation
bases for unused stamps are specified in the preliminary text of each country.
A listing in italics means that the supporting documents are not sufficient for an
unambiguous pricing.
The following “ -, - " in the price column indicates market price is not available for this
stamp because evaluation documents are not available (e.g. 1960 Olympic set). This
does not necessarily mean the stamp is very expensive.
If neither, “ -, - " nor a price assigned, there is no such stamp or it has not been
submitted.
Price Quotations
All prices are based on retail selling prices and, unless otherwise noted, for stamps in
perfect quality. Please remember for catalog prices up to 5- € contain a very high
percentage for the service of commerce. In the case of a sale, this percentage is not
redeemed. Prices for sets of stamps are, unless otherwise noted, calculated according
to the lowest prices of the individual stamps. Individual stamps of sets can be more
expensive than the listing in the catalog, and set prices can be lower than the sum of
the individual prices. Price movements up and down are a function of supply and
demand. Since the MICHEL catalog can only consider the market situation at the time
of printing, serious price changes after the editorial deadline will be displayed in the
monthly MICHEL-Rundschau.
The basis for the determination of price quotations includes documents of the Stamp
coarse and retail trade, working drafts of collectors as well as study groups at home and
abroad.
Cover Prices
The prices for covers ( ) are valid only for letters affixed with the correct postage as
per the current postal rates, or with additional postage due if the postage affixed is
insufficient, and transported by the postal system,
Multiple franking resulting in excess postage may realize a small discount on the cover
price up to a maximum of 10% of a correctly franked cover. Higher denomination (value)
stamps resulting in excess postage may realize a premium but not more than 15% over
the most expensive cancelled stamp (except very rare stamps). Set covers. are valued.
I. Before 1875 through Joining the UPU (1 July 1875)
Prices are generally valid for single franking, exceptions are specified.
A cover with multiple, multicolored -, mixed and/or international franking (the countries
of the German-Austrian postal Association are not considered international) tend to be
much more expensive.
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A cover with excess postage may result in a small price discount.
II. From Joining the UPU until about 1900
Generally, prices are for single franking, unless otherwise specified. For multiple and
multi-color franking, premiums may be justified for rare franking. For mixed franking,
premiums may be justified (depending on the rarity and/or time period). For excess
franking, premiums up to a maximum of 10% are justifiable.
III. From 1900 until about 1920
The prices for single, multiple, multi-colored and mixed frankings are generally the
determined according to general cover rules.
IV. From 1920 until 1995, “Unlimited” Validity
Unless otherwise specified, the prices for single, multi-colored and mixed franking, are
more expensive than the most common values. More specialized franking are more
expensive, especially for unusual levels of postal rates (services).
V. Stamps after 1995, Limited Validity
No cover prices are provided for stamps issued in 1996 to present. The following rules
may be applied to determine cover prices: at least 0.40 euros or about 20% premiums
over -price, but no more than **-price, if **-price is more than €0.40.
First Day Cover (FDC)
The FDC price valuations apply to any type of mail bearing the first date of issue
cancellation, without regard to the amount of postage necessary. (interpretation: a
complete set of stamps would be affixed to an envelope to receive the first day of issue
cancellation as a set even though the total face value of the set would exceed the
postage required.)
Starting about 1959, mail was rarely sent on the first day of issue with the sole purpose
of receiving the FDC. (Interpretation: about this time, special envelopes with the
stamp(s) affixed and bearing the first day of issue cancellation were sold by the post
offices to collectors for revenue, i.e. “collector covers”.)
The FDC price is lower than the cover price and applies only to non-mailed, collector
covers.
Preservation of the Stamps
To evaluate the overall quality of a stamp, the insightful philatelist will always consider
the condition of the stamp by evaluating all aspects of its raw materials (paper, ink,
gum) vis-à-vis the time it was produced as well as the impact of exterior influences
including its treatment in the Post Office (perforation, cancellation etc). You may
require, for example, no full punctures or perforations such as sliced brands that
produced virtually no margins or with very small spaces no full-edge pieces, for
breaking bad paper types.
Unless otherwise stated for each issue, the perforation must be universally complete for
perforated stamps, and may not touch the stamp image. Mint quality requires
completely untouched or pristine gum. Mint hinged stamps must have only one clean
small hinge, and cancelled stamps must have a clean and as readable as possible,
cancellation. However, it is necessary to consider time, and place, related differences
in the quality of the stamp color.
All stamps lacking the aforementioned quality characteristics, depending on the degree
of preservation may require discounts in price. Above average, rarely seen examples,
command higher prices.
Repairs have the purpose of stopping further deterioration of a damaged, yet
collectable stamp. Repaired stamps are worthy of collection if the conservation is
performed according to the philatelic guidelines, and if the purpose of the repair is not a
fraudulent change the catalogue number (e.g. incorrectly inserted centerpieces).
Because the loss of the value varies according to the degree of embellishment or
improvement, recognized Auditors should be consulted in doubt arises.
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Stamp Technical and Important Philatelic Terms from A to Z
Varieties
Printing errors, misprints, plate errors, etc. are, of course, unavoidable even when
printing stamps. Refer to the MICHEL-Variety Guide for detailed descriptions and
illustrations. Varieties are cataloged according to the principles laid down therein.
Overprint Errors
Application of overprints can produce a huge number of varieties: incorrect overprint for
a particular stamp, or incorrect color; incomplete prints (pair with and without print);
setup or plate errors in printing; inverted print and lateral, multiple images and printing
on the back, and much more.
Double Prints
The real double print is caused by passing the sheet of paper through the printing press
twice, the thus the stamp image is seen twice.
In modern rotary printing presses that print up to ten colors at once, the paper is fed
from rolls and not (individual) sheets and therefore does not pass through the machine
(over print rollers) twice. As a result, double printing is impossible. Double prints are
excluded for all stamps of this generation, for earlier stamps in the cylinder printing as
well as all raster, intaglio and combined stamps.
Only in sheet fed printing does the so-called double or multiple image occur. This
provides the genuine dual or multiple pressure similar to rotary printing, but for a
completely different cause. The seemingly existing second print image in rotary printing
occurs when the blankets stretch, and no longer secured tightly, form a bulge which
flutters and transfers a ghost image. It is a very similar appearance to the Schmitz
pressure. Only stamps printed before 1991 with a significantly offset second image are
recognized as a double prints. Since 1992, they are no longer recognized as double
prints and no longer re-recorded in the MICHEL catalog, since it is simply a pressure
variation.
Color Misprint
If a stamp or parts thereof are printed in the wrong color or wrong colored paper, is
called color misprint.
Glued Web
This variety is created by bonding together of the end of one paper roll with the
beginning of the next, or by bonding a torn paper web during the printing process.
Inverted Image
This variety occurs if a stamp picture is printed from several (two or more) plates and
one was installed upside down.
Printed on Gum Side
This variety occurs when the already gummed sheet or web of paper is loaded
incorrectly in the printing press (i.e. paper upside down).
Plate Errors
These are damages that occur on printing plate already during the replication of the die
image, or due to wear during printing. These errors may occur over all editions or larger
partial editions invariably. These are listed as plate errors only if after official
confirmation that it is really is a plate error and not just a printing mistake (e,g, mis-
handling of the plate, contamination, etc.). As part of the confirmation, the error must be
clearly visible to a normally sighted person without a magnifying glass or similar aid.
Watermark Variations
If a stamp is printed on watermarked paper not intended for this stamp, this is a
watermark variation. Also, accidentally incorrect positions of the watermark are
recognized as watermark varieties.
Perforation Variations
If the perforation machine fails completely or partially to perforate an entire sheet row,
this is a perforation variety. Due to the risk of counterfeiting, such items should only be
collected in pairs or as border pieces.
Overprints
Stamps are overprinted for different reasons:
Change the stamp’s function or purpose (e.g. use a postage stamp for official service or
postage due), change its value (surcharge) or currency system, change the occasion or
assignment a new area of use.
The bracketed (---) number before the price column is the catalog number of the original
stamp, and the lowercase letters before the original stamp’s price column refer to the
appropriate illustration. The capital letters following the bracketed (---) number are the
abbreviation of overprint’s color. If no capital letter is present, then the overprint color
is black.
Whitener
Chemicals may be added to the pulp to make the paper white and thus make the colors
bright. These stamps appear bluish under the UV lamp. A catalogue entry must be
avoided.
Sheet Position (Field)
Under normal conditions employing sheet-fed printing, a printed sheet consists of
several (usually four) retail (i.e. to be sold at the postal counter) sheets.
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The header description for each stamp (or stamp set) in the MICHEL-
Switzerland/Liechtenstein special catalog includes the following information (from left to
right):
First day of issue
The “subject”
The stamp designer or designers (name)
The printing process or processes
The printer
The sheet dimensions (n x m)
Plate numbers if applicable
Perforation
Concerning the sheet dimensions, the first number (n) indicates the number of stamps
horizontally, and the second number (m) indicates the number of stamps vertically.
The basis for the philatelic numeration is independent of margin labels, the normal
stamp image. The philatelist counts in horizontal direction from left to right, deviating
from the postal counting method (from top to bottom).
Printer Indication
Letters, numbers, or other characters are located on the edge of the sheet which
indicate the responsible printer (individual) or the printer company.
Test Print
To ensure the printing machine (system) is functioning properly, test prints are made
prior to and possibly during production.
Printing Methods
The basic printing processes include: high pressure (printing, flexographic printing,
embossing), indirect pressure (letter set), flat-bed printing (lithographic printing, offset
printing, printing), Gravure printing (intaglio, photogravure) and screen printing.
Quite often you can find combinations of two different printing methods.
(Figure)
Typographic Printing
Typography or Book Printing (Abbreviated Bdr.)
The typography form has raised (printing) and deeper (non-printing) surfaces. The
raised printingsurfaces are uniformly inked, then pressed with relatively large pressure
against the paper. This has the following distinguishing result:
Pinch edges on fonts and lines;
Color areas appear rough under the magnifying glass;
Embossing slightly visible from rear (gum side).
Embossment (Abbreviated Prägedr.)
In embossment, the paper is pressed between two mating plates: one on which the
stamp image is raised and those surfaces are uniformly inked, and the other on which
the stamp image is in relief (indented). During printing, the paper is pressed between
the two plates under high pressure and thus the image is transferred to the paper.
The embossment nearly always employed in combination with other printing processes.
Distinguishing feature:
Front-page positive, back negative relief.
Indirect high-pressure
Letterset (Abbreviated Ldr.)
Letterset printing process, also known as Dry Offset or Indirect Relief requires 3
principle plates (or cylinders):
1. the image plate (or cylinder) has the positive image which receives the ink;
2. The offset or blanket plate (or cylinder) which is covered with (usually) a rubber
blanket which receives an inked negative image from the image plate;
3. Impression plate (or cylinder) which presses the sheet (or web) paper against the
offset plate to produce the final positive image.
Distinguishing features are the same as offset printing.
Planographic Printing
With planographic printing, printing and non-printing surfaces are nearly flat. The
printing surfaces are prepared so that they repel water and thereby accept the oily ink,
while the non-printing surfaces are water-friendly and repel the ink. This contrast
between oil and water is based the essence of the flat printing process. The more it is
possible to increase this contrast, the easier and better the design of the later printing.
Light pressure (Abbreviated in the catalog Lichtdr.)
This printing form for the light pressure (also Phototypie) consists of a glass plate
coated with a chromium layer of gelatin, which is illuminated under a half-tone negative.
The gelatin hardens proportionately the intensity of the illumination. The coated plate is
then dampened, and a relief on the plate is formed. The unexposed areas repel ink, the
exposed areas accept the ink.
Characteristic of the light pressure is absorbing visible under the microscope. Wrinkled
grain, which replaced the grid, in the enlargement is a blurred image.
(Figure)
Lithographic printing (Abbreviated in the catalog Stdr.)
The lithographic printing process, or simply lithography, is the oldest flat printing
process It is no longer used for the printing of postage stamps. Limestone or slate, on
which the drawings manually or photo lithography, reversed, transmitted in both cases
serve as a print medium. The printing is made directly from the stone on the paper, as
is so in contrast to offset a direct printing process. For lithographic printing, following
distinguishing features arise:
fuzzy, in the Lines often interrupted
Page 10
images matte, soft contours clearly colors (paint thinner)
Offset printing (Abbreviated in the catalog ODR.)
Flexible metal plates are used as substrate, which are clamped to the pressure cylinder. The pressure via blanket cylinder onto the paper. Offset printing is an indirect printing process, drawing on the plate must be the right way. Half-tones must be raster zed. The grid simulated by different sized dots in front of various hues. Bright image areas (bright tones) are formed of small dots, dark large. Because the offset makes no great demands on the quality of the paper and allows a very fast operation, it displaced in mass circulation, especially in the multi-color printing, book printing. Distinguishing features: Color evenly dyed clean, not squashed, not frayed edges back no embossing visible through tonal gradation up rasterization grid points vary greatly but with equal color intensity.
(Figure) Gravure
In gravure printing, the ink is transferred over inking in the low-lying parts of the image,
wherein the adhesive on the surface of the cylinder color is removed by a wiper
(squeegee). The paper web takes the ink from the depressions of the printing cylinder.
(Figure)
Intaglio (Abbreviated in the catalog StTdr.)
In the engraving - the oldest technique of gravure printing - the drawing with a stylus in
a copper plate is engraved in the engraving in a steel plate.
After hardening the plate that was transmitted deepened this brand image on a piece of
steel (Molette). While the brand image is marked relief. From the hardened Molette is
transmitted on the printing cylinder (soft) coated with a layer of copper which is
hardened by chrome plating. The image appears engrossed on the pressure cylinder
and flip-flopped.
During the printing process, the viscous paint is absorbed by the damp absorbent paper
pressed on and dries easily raised up. By the contraction of the drying paper often
measurable size of brand image differences.
The scraping technique - called mezzotint - uses the Gravierstahles and brings
additional small depressions in the plate; This was the first technique with halftone
reproduction.
The intaglio printing process is preferred for brand images that requires careful
preparation of each image detail; because of its expensiveness it is usually for the
higher denominations in question, but also provides the best possible protection against
counterfeiting for mailing. The recognition features are: color relief order as noticeable;
Drawing consists of fine lines and dots; Color surfaces are closely adjacent
and / or intersecting lines made clear, detail-rich brand image.
Photogravure (Abbreviated in the catalog RaTdr.)
The photogravure is called also etching gravure or squeegee gravure. In contrast to the
StTdr., the drawing is transferred to photographic ways on a copper plate. The oldest
form of etching gravure printing is the photogravure or gravure photo.
Before applying the negative drawing using pigment paper an asphalt or resin dust layer
as grain pattern is melted the copper plate. Etched through the pigment paper through
the plate in several steps, as a result, Wells formed.
The Commonly used today photogravure is an evolution of the photogravure. Here is
Transferred in two stages of the grid and the drawing by exposure to the pigment paper.
This is being developed on the printing cylinder. During the subsequent offer etching
Caused the wells.
The actual printing process is same for photo gravure and photogravure: the wells are
filled with fluid color, superfluous paint is stripped off using squeegee. The color is
absorbed by the paper pressed on and dries up in contrast to the StTdr level.
Because the paper is not as humid as in the StTdr., Size differences of the brand image
are barely detectable.
Detection Characteristics of grid gravure printing: saw-tooth effect in lines, fonts, and
image edges. Grid points in about equal with common color weakening to the middle of
the grid point; Brand image large tonal range is the magnification blur high color
intensity Possible, pearly expression in many places (colors flow structure).
Halftone gravure process (shortened in the catalog RaTdr.)
The halftone gravure process is called also photogravure process or gravure. In
contrast to the StTdr., the drawing is transferred to photographic ways on a copper
plate. The oldest form of the photogravure process is the Heliogravüre or
Photogravure.
Before bringing up the negative design by means of pigment paper the copper plate an
asphalt or a resin deaf layer is melted as grain screen. By the pigment paper through
the plate in several steps is corroded, thus recesses form.
The today common halftone gravure process is an advancement of the Heliogravure.
Here the design becomes by exposure on the pigment paper transferring in two
processing steps of the rasters and. This is developed on the pneumatic cylinder. With
the follow-corroded the recesses develop.
The actual printing process is the same for photogravure and rotogravure (halftone-, or
helio-): the wells are filled with fluid color, superfluous paint is stripped off using
squeegee. The color is absorbed by the paper pressed on and dries up in contrast to
the StTdr level.
Because the paper is not as humid as in the StTdr., size differences of the brand image
are barely detectable.
Detection characteristics of grid gravure printing: saw-tooth effect in lines, fonts, and
image edges. Grid points in about equal with common color weakening to the middle of
the grid point; Brand image large tonal range is the magnification blur high color
intensity possible, pearly expression in many places (colors flow structure).
Page 11
Cancellation
The cancellation is usually performed via inked stamps, pen or colored pencil, or more
rarely via print, punching, paper cutting, service seal or similar measures. Postal use is
indicated with postmark cancellation (contrary to the fiscal, fiscal use).
Rare cancellations. Rare cancellations deviate in form and/or color or for other
reasons and often command very high price premiums depending upon rarity,
particularly with older issues.
Philatelic cancellations. Cancellations for philatelic purposes are made by Postal
authorities with unchanged or special, specially designated stamps. Partly printed,
special stamps were also used during or after the course time. Both types are indicated
in the MICHEL catalog with the symbol .
Counterfeit cancellations. Counterfeit cancellations are those made fraudulently by
unauthorized third parties in order to increase the value of an otherwise unused cheaper
stamp. The occurrence of false stamps is noted in the catalog with the character.
Falsified cancellations. Falsified cancellations are those made after later in time by
private or unauthorized personnel with otherwise real, but backdated (modified) stamp.
The phrase "without recourse" means the seller cannot attest to the authenticity of the
stamp and/or cancellation and thus shall not be liable (i.e. caveat emptor).
First Day Sheet (ETB)
A First Day Sheet (ETB) is issued and distributed by the Post Office with the new
stamp(s) affixed and including scene description(s) and technical information. Private
ETBs are not catalogued.
Essay
The Post Office (authority) may solicit conceptual ideas for stamps from various sources
to confirm aspects including the design, printing, color, etc. If these submissions are not
released to the marketplace, they are called essays.
Counterfeits/Counterfeiting
There are various types of counterfeits:
1. Forgeries to the detriment of collectors and dealers.
It may be total or partial forgery, for example, false regulating, altered or deleted
perforation, false cancellation, false overprint, chemical modification of the paper or ink,
false or falsified gum, (mechanical) alteration using incorrect pieces , etc. Additionally,
chemically or mechanically removed overprints, cancellations, etc.
2. Counterfeit to the detriment of the post.
Counterfeits used for mailing purposes.
3. Counterfeits as war measures.
Counterfeits manufactured by warring States to injure the opponent(s) are war measure
counterfeits. A distinction is made as follows: war postal forgeries, which are copies
(duplicates) of the originals, and propaganda forgeries which are redrawn copies of the
original.
Facsimile (aka Cinderella)
Imitation of rare stamps produced by private enterprise, which deviate in color, paper
and/or printing process from the original.
Field Determination
The determination of the field may be important for finding catalogued types or plate
errors. (Locations is important.) Field 27 means, by way of example, for a sheet layout
of 10 x 5 stamps, the stamp you are looking for is the 7th from the left in the third row
from the top.
Fluorescence, phosphorescence
To facilitate postal automation, stamp paper is mixed with chemical compounds, rarely
printed later. These fluorescent materials glow under the test light to yellowish to
greenish, phosphorescent glow after switching off the lamp breaks soon after.
Differences of fluorescent or phosphorescent are noted in the MICHEL catalogs only in
exceptional cases
Postal Stationary
Postal Stationary including envelopes, letter cards, postcards are printed with stamps or
revenue stamps , for pre-paid postal use. All complete things are postage stamps such
as stamps. If there are official complete things with (in-printed) picture-same revenue
stamp, the indication (?) is inserted according to the color information of the appropriate
brand.
Gum
As a rule, sheets of paper and webs are gummed prior to printing for technical reasons,
sometimes by hand with a brush. Some classic cut stamps were gummed after printing,
Page 12
and, occasionally, issued without gum.
The main constituents were initially animal glues, then for quite some time herbal
substances such. as dextrin or gum Arabic, (such. as PVA) are finally synthetic (plastic)
such as polyvinyl acetate (PVA). Structure and appearance can be very different:
(Sucked dry gum) smooth, cracked, granular, striated, broking, matt or glossy, white,
yellowish, brownish, reddish, bluish or almost invisible (clear). When also occurring so-
called savings gum circular sites were to save raw materials, not rubberized.
(Figure)
There are stamps made with gum containing sulfuric acid, which threatens to damage
the stamps quickly. It is best to remove the gum from these stamps immediately. Even
with older stamps, the condition makes it necessary to replace the gum (dangerous
chemicals or fracture).
Gum ribbing is the breaking of gum after drying by rolling. Breaking is done in different
directions (horizontal or vertical Fluting) and counteracts the curling of paper as the gum
dries.
Today, original gum plays an important role in the assessment of the stamp’s quality It
is discussed elsewhere ("unused").
House Order Number (HAN)
When produced by plate printing, sheets were previously numbered at the bottom. All
orders issued to the printer were numbered consecutively using these numbers.
Kehrdruck (tete-beche)
Under Kehrdrucken the philatelist understands horizontal or vertical pairs related as
seen from the brand image of isolated standing on the head, directly or through
intermediate webs. In MICHEL catalog of labeling K and KZ is applied for. Most
Kehrdrucke come from Bookletpane sheets.
Sheetlet
Small sheets, i.e. sheetlets, are defined in MICHEL as those that have, at most, ten
stamps.
Literature
The ability to expose the virtually inexhaustible, constantly complementary sources of
information of the philatelic literature collectors and dealers, is limited only on a few
central specialist libraries. The Philatelic Library, Rosenheimer Street 5, 81667 Munich,
and the Philatelic Library Hamburg e. V., Castle Street 12, 22041 Hamburg make their
extensive book and journal holdings in its reading rooms, but also in the remote rental
available. From the Philatelic Library of Munich, BdPh Club members can borrow
directly. All other persons within the framework of national and international lending
books or photocopies received through a public library.
Punched Holes
Officially punched holes usually change the character of the stamp or restrict their
use. A “cross” punched in selected 1935/37 Swiss postage stamps designated them for
official use.
Only those stamps with official punched holes are cataloged in the MICHEL catalogs.
Unofficial punched holes in the form of letters or symbols are designed to protect
against theft and unauthorized use by third parties usually applied by private bodies that
hold a large stamp inventory. Official digits identify isolated on the stamps kept by a
post forms also Einlochung as protection against theft.
Waste
Waste refers to stamps that are unusable and marked for destruction before issued to
the post counters. They are intended for the destruction for many reasons including
incomplete printing, material or perforation errors or other reasons. Such pieces are
sometimes found illegally in trade, but philatelic worthless.
Stamp Position in Sheets
Usually the plates are spaced with uniform gaps in between. The width of the gaps
generally leave sufficient space for implementing the method of separation (roulette or
perforation). However, if the width of the gap Is insufficient such that the perforation
encroaches into the stamp image, and one speaks of bad centering. With cut stamps
located to close together in the sheet, easily affected edges represent the perfect
average quality on average.
Stamps on letter
All pieces of mail franked with postage stamps, which were handled in the normal way
through the post, will receive the catalog symbol ( ) if it is to properly, according to
the applicable postage rates prepaid need post is contrary to collectors letters, passed
the post to the carriage for collecting purposes.
Page 13
Especially with older issues, airmail letters properly carried are often worth many times
that of the stamps alone. The price for a letter varies between the price of the cancelled
stamp(s) and the catalog price, depending on the size and significance of the letter
piece. Letters, which do not contain information other than the complete stamp will be
only slightly more expensive than the cancelled stamp. Whereas, for example, a letter
front page completely preserved, the catalog price can come pretty close. A review of
letter pieces must therefore always be made individually.
Affixed (first day), often on special envelopes produced for this purpose specially by
the postal authorities or by private parties or cards, use some postal administrations on
the first day of use new postage stamps issues.
"First Day Covers" (FDC) in the MICHEL catalog refers to all documents that are
postmarked on the first day of issue for the stamps affixed to the document, but not to
lose stamps. It does not matter whether the documents have a special FDC postmark or
the “normal” cancellation of any post office.
From about 1959, FDC bearing “normal” post office cancellation with the first day of
issue are rare (this marks the beginning of special cachet FDCs primarily of interest to
collectors but used for postal purposes). The FDC price is lower than the - price
and applies only to cachet or collector FDC’s. Letters for postal conveyance bearing the
cancelled with first day of issue date are at least as much as the . - price.
Special cancellations which have a relationship to the postage stamps, on which they
are installed, are only valued if the cancellation is one of the ordinary Postmark has
significantly different value.
Stamp colors
The different hues are a technically function of the stamp printing. In particular, different
hues are observed if the printing takes place in several editions. Such differences in
color are considered only if they can be assigned different editions and/or with them to
price discrepancies are connected.
Color names. The color designations are mainly determined by the Ostwald's color
theory. invented names, such as chamois, cream colors or composite names such as
brick red, cornflower blue, light blue, water blue, spring green, sea green, etc., were
used in earlier times to extend the color name palette. To avoid false associations,
such inaccurate data will be omitted.
The MICHEL-Guides have been Indispensable as a guide to determine the stamp
colors since the beginning of the 1980s.
Most of the color information in this catalog refers to the MICHEL-Color Guide from 37th
edition.
With multi-colored stamps, the color of the frame is listed first followed by the color of
the centerpiece. If a stamp has more than two colors, it is listed as "multicolor" in the
MICHEL catalog.
Maximum Card
For Maximum Cards, the subject, cancellation (design) and the illustration should (not
manufactured specifically for this purpose) map as possible, "maximum" Upper tuning.
Only official maximum cards are included in MICHEL catalogs, even if they do not meet
the criteria and definitions of relevant collector associations.
Reprints
Reprints are commissioned by the State using modified or reconditioned plates, but only
after the term-of-use of the original issue has expired. Counterfeits are reprints that
were not produced with the permission of the State.
New Edition
New issues of postage stamps for postal use, which differ from the original first editions
by any feature(s), are called new editions. They are cataloged and numbered according
to these differences as subspecies.
New Print
"New prints" are postage stamps produced for the government postal administration
using unaltered (original) printing blocks or plates, after the term-of-use of the original
issue has expired. New prints are indicated by the symbol ND. Because they are
difficult to distinguish from the original, is in MICHEL catalog intentionally mostly apart
from the slightly misleading indication of the distinguishing features. New Prints are
often collected for study purposes, to specialists they are indispensable. New Prints
that are not produced (or on behalf of) the relevant national postal administration are
designated "Private Reprint".
The designation “new print” is for falsifications, fantasy printings, not to use reproduction
or such a thing.
Page 14
Postage Stamp Paper
Paper for printing stamps are selected to meet specific quality and technical
requirements, and often special safeguards against counterfeiting (e.g. silk thread,
watermark). Of course, paper of lesser quality may used in times of economic distress.
Paper used include glossy and art paper, machine-smooth, satin-finish (smooth),
painted (chalk) papers with and without fibers. Other characteristics might include thin,
thick, cardboard-like, translucent, rough, striped or ribbed/ corrugated paper.
With colored paper, the paper pulp contains the coloring material (dye). With tinted
paper, the dye only on the surface.
Today, paper used for postage stamps may include fluorescent (the emitted light has a
longer wavelength, and therefore lower energy, than the absorbed radiation) or
phosphorescent (the emitted light has the same wavelength as the absorbed radiation,
and is emitted at a lower intensity, typically, after the light source is removed)
chemicals mixed with or applied to the paper. The treated paper will glow when
exposed with an ultraviolet (UV) light (fluorescence), or shortly after exposure to UV
light (Phosphorescence). A UV lamp is indispensable here. The collector should be
able to recognize paper treated with optical brighteners which appear bluish under a
white lamp. This is not identified in the Michel catalog.
The reference to paper variety is made in the catalog if it is associated with a specific
issue or edition.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavelengthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavelength
Proof
Proofs are printed for review and acceptance of the design and/or colors prior to
production. Typically it refers to the final printing for review and acceptance prior to
production.
Tests and Examination
The best protection against acquiring false or inferior stamps is to purchase the
stamp(s) in the specialty store. In cases of doubt, consultation with one expert should
be performed.
Examination. Experts are recognized by the top collectors and dealers to examine
stamps and cancellations in accordance with uniform guidelines that Philatelist should
know. Test procedures and test directory are available in the catalog appendix.
Retouching
Subsequent engravings or repairs to a whole plate or individual images are often made
by an engraver to achieve a better effect, eliminate errors in the original engraving, or
repair damage due to wear and tear resulting from production use.
Fonts
The number of fonts employed on stamps is so great that will only the most important
groups will be discussed here. The most frequently used font is Antigua, which
emerged from the Roman capital font, and its various subspecies, e.g. Mediaeval
(linear Antiqua), Egyptienne (serif Antigua), and Sans Serif or block letters (without
serifs, i.e. without the final strokes on the head and/or foot of the letter = writing this
introduction). A secondary form is Italics (italics), which imitates an ancient Roman,
handwritten cursive document. Other frequently occurring fonts are Script fonts (e.g.
English cursive), and especially in older stamps the Blackletter fonts such as Fraktur
Gothic and Schwabacher. In addition, one occasionally finds non-Latin fonts such as
Cyrillic. All these fonts appear in a variety of sizes (pitch or degrees) and varities (lean
to fat, narrow to wide, etc.).
Specimen
The imprint or stamp SPECIMEN (MUSTER) on original stamps indicates that these
stamps serve as official introduction of the stamp design to the postal staff, most often
used for revision of the relevant issue. The SPECIMEN stamp is intended to prevent
any use of these stamps for mailing purposes. Specimen stamps are not always
cheaper than the same stamps without overprint Specialty collectors pay special
attention to SPECIMENs as their quantity is usually low.
Separation types
The three most frequently occurring postage stamp separation types are cut, pierced
and perforated. In the MICHEL catalog, the abbreviations are: for the cut ; for pierced
; and for the perforated is gez.
Cut
Initially, the stamp sheets were produced often without separation assistance, so that
the stamps had to be cut out with the scissors. Later this was done mostly in times of
need or for collector’s purposes.
In philately, only such marks are known as cut, issued officially and regularly without
puncture or perforation.
Accidentally not toothed brands are known as imperforate (U) and cataloged as a
variety.
Pierced
Soon, efforts were made to find support for the cutting out of the stamps of the sheet
using fine knife the paper between the rows brand was partially cut, so that paper bonds
stood still between each pass. The most common piercing types are line, point, zigzag,
saw-tooth and sheet punctures, isolated colored background.
(Figure)
Page 15 Accidentally not pierced tags are called unpierced (U) and cataloged as a variety.
Due to the method of production brings the tearing process with that of the boundary
condition at the pierced stamps the same claims can not be made as to serrated. The
separation will always be messy and inaccurate.
In times of need, especially after the Second World War, individual punctures were
made in large numbers, which are not cataloged in contrast to the postmaster
separations incurred at lower departments.
Perforated
The most common separation method today is the perforation. The three (3) production
perforation methods are line, comb or harrow (sheet).
With line perforation, perforation is done in one, then the other direction. The
perforation holes at the corners of each stamp are often not concentric. Different stamp
sizes arise with line perforation because the perforated guides are not always set at the
same spacing.
(Figure)
With comb perforation, width and height of the sheet row perforations are set, and the
whole sheet is perforated in a single pass through the perforation machine. The
perforations at the corners of each stamp are concentric.
In simple comb perforation, all stamps of a horizontal row on three sides (up or down
and left and right) are perforated. At the cross comb perforation, the crest is H-shaped,
so that in a single operation a horizontal row and half the stamp’s left and right vertical
rows are perforated.
(Figure)
With double ridge and double cross comb perforation, 2 horizontal rows are perforated
at the same time.
(Figure)
Number of perforations. The numeric designation for perforations is the number of
holes per 2 cm, e.g. perforated 12 means 12 perforation holes over 2 cm. For mixed
perforations orthogonal (2) sides, the first number is the width (horizontal) and the
second is the height (vertical). For example, for a stamp perforated “14½:15”, the
horizontal side of the stamp is perforated 14½ (holes per 2cm), and the vertical side is
perforated 15 (holes per 2 cm).
With mixed perforations, i.e. different perforations on at least three sides, the
perforations are listed as follows: the first is the top, then the right side, then the bottom
and finally the left side. The use of a hyphen, e.g. 9-11, indicates the stamps can be
found with perforations varying from 9 to 11 (per stamp).
Accurate determine of the perforation is possible only with the help of a reliable
perforation gauge which should be owned by every collector.
When using a perforation gauge, the tips of the perforations must match the vertical
division lines from left to right. The perforation specifications used in this catalogue
were determined using the MICHEL perforation gauge. Of course, even the most
expensive perforation gauge, variations are possible and cannot replace checking.
The MICHEL Perfoscope is relatively new on the market. This computer software
recommended by the Federation of philatelic Examiner (BPP) allows an exact
perforation measurement of sheet parts, blocks or stamps on letter and others.
Perforation goodness. If the spacing (dimenstions) from the stamp image to the
perforation is the same on all four sides, then the stamp is well centered. Poor
centering may result from inaccurate insertion of sheet during perforation, or incorrect
spacing of the perforation teeth.
Imperfect perforation may be a result the paper’s texture or other variations, e.g. too
soft, woolly or thick) making one perforation impossible.
lf the centering is so poor that the perforation encroaches on the stamp image on one or
more sides, it is considered “badly centered”.
Fullly or partially unperforated stamps are listed as varieties.
Unused
The designations for uncanceled stamps are:
** indicates a gummed postage stamps in the condition in which it was issued at the
post office.
For some, especially older ones, the stamp gum had to be removed because it would
destroy the stamps due to its composition. Beware of imitations of the gums
(regummed)!
* indicates a postage stamp that has a hinge affixed, or had a hinge affixed which has
been removed. These are preferable in any case to "mint-made" stamps. Caution,
words such as "unused without hinge with gum" are often euphemisms for regummed
stamps!
Page 16
(*) indicates unused postage stamps issued without gum are have had their gum
removed are indicated by (*).
Watermark
Watermarks are created by pressing forms into the paper pulp before it is completely
dry. Watermarks may be single or multiple images, standing or lying (optionally, facing
left or right), rising and falling, standing on the head (inverted) and laterally reversed
(mirror). The watermark image may be repeated on each stamp or across several
stamps. Sheet watermarks may be located the edge or border of the sheet, or cover
the entire stamp sheet.
The watermarks are abbreviated in the MICHEL catalogs Wz. The watermarks listed
are reproduced as viewed from the rear of the stamp. Absence of Wz indicates the
stamps are printed on paper without a watermark.
The watermark may be seen when one views the stamp from the rear when obliquely
illuminated by a light source. If this method fails, there are two possibilities. The
conventional approach uses Benzene and the watermark detector available in any
specialty store. Here is the stamp to be examined is placed with the image side on the
black plate and a few drops of chemically pure (very important!) Benzene sprinkled on
the stamp. For a stamp printed on coated paper, it may be required to leave the
stamps for several minutes in benzene until the watermark is visible. Benzene sensitive
stamps may, however, not be so examined. The gum is not harmed generally by
Benzene. The second approach, a very good way, is to use a device that operates on
optical-electrical base under pressure and without any chemical additives. For a stamp
on an envelope, the watermark can be seen on the stamp incident light and lateral
approach sometimes at an angle.
Contingencies
The following anomalies should be not confused with the cataloged varieties:
Reverse image on the rear or gum side (“Setoff” error);
Detached color (StTdr.);
Print mutilation;
Incomplete stamp image;
Printing anomalies due to foreign material on plate or printing heads (Butzenauflage)
and other printing defects;
Double or multiple image printing;
Color bubbles, streaks and Verklecksungen;
Paper folds or creases;
Mis-registration;
Ghost images due to web flutter (Schmitz prints)
Poorly centered stamps
Page 17
Abbreviations and Symbols
Abbreviations of the printing process: BDR = letterpress Hfdr. = Heiltfoliendruck ODR. = Offset PDR = embossing RaTdr. = Photogravure Stdr. = lithographic printing StTdr = intaglio (steel or copper engraving
Abbreviations of color names:
bl. = blue
Bräunl ' = brownish
dkl ' = dark-
gelbl ' = yellow
grünl ' = green
lebh’ = lebhaft-
or. = orange
rötl ' = reddish black
Schw. = Black
schwärzl ' = blackish
ultram. = Ultramarine
vio. = violet
mfg. = Multicolored
Other acronyms and abbreviation sign:
Plates, types, and types of separation:
PI = plate
T = type
signed = toothed
K = comb perforation
KS = box perforation
L = line perforation
(?) Perforation = richtungsvertauscht
(?) = pierced
(?) = cut
U = imperforate
UI = left imperforate
Ur = right imperforate
Uo = top imperforate
Uu = bottom imperforate
Us = Vertical imperforate
Uw = horizontal imperforate
Udr = three-sided imperforate
Uzw = double-sided imperforate.
UMs = horizontal pair, mid = imperforate
UMw = vertical pair, mid = imperforate
Watermark:
owz = no watermark (name only in special cases)
Wz = watermark
Gum
(*) = unused without Gum or Gum part
* = unused with original Gum (hinged)
* = unused with original Gum (never hinged)
o.G. = without Gum
Cancellations:
(?) = rendered valueless with postmarks
= Spring-type devaluation (handschriftl. Entw.)
0 = fiscal depreciation
= Cancellations for philatelic purposes
= Hole devaluation
= other special cancellation (E.g. DDR)
= output-related cancellation
0 = date stamp
Counterfeiting:
= Fakes (counterfeits of part of) occurring to the detriment of the
Collector)
= Forging stamps occurring, stamp verification required
= Forgeries harming the post
Letters et. al.
= Brand on demand letter, post card, package card or printed
matter, in flight post brand on airmail letter or card
= Mark on letter piece
FDC = FDC
Miscellaneous:
AK = announcement Board
BG = loops
BI. = Block
BR I/u = arc margin left/down
DD = double print double printing
DPra = double stamping
DDD = triple print, triple print
DK = double printing of one upside
DKV = pressure indication
DV = printing note
DZ = Drucker(EI)Zeichen
EB = memory sheet
ETB = first day sheet
ERG. = Complement
F = misprint, wrong color, or misuse
F-BI. = Foil sheet
F BG foil bow =
FStr = strips
FZ = flight post approval
G = printed on the rubber side
GB = full size sheets
HAN = order number
H-BI. = Booklet sheet
Hz = Hertz
K = sweeping pressure, standing head print
kb = none known
klb. = sheetlet
KZ = sweeping pressure pair with intermediate webbing
L = empty or adhering signed field with ARC edge printing
M = preferred pressure (Ministers block)
MH = booklets
MHB brand booklet arch =
MiNr. = MICHEL numbers
MK = maximum card
NA = new edition
ND = official reprint
Nachdr. (N) = reprint
Neudr. (N) = private reprint
OR = upper edge
P = plate printing (sheetfed) or proof
PA = on glued paper Web
Paper fl. = fluorescent paper
Ph paper. = phosphorescent paper
PF = disk error
PH = phase pressure
PL.-No. = plate number
POL = pole-hole punch
R = roller or roller brand
RWZ = number of rows value
S = special print or black print
s = see
SD = black
SP = specimen
SZ = vertical pressure together with intermediate webbing
T = Edition of part of
V template or test pressure =
W = rolling pressure (printing) or waagr. Compressed
WZ = horizontal pressure together with intermediate webbing
ZD = compressed
ZF = decorative box
ZS = (perpendicular) intermediate bridge pair
ZNr. = Zumstein number
FV = (horizontal) intermediate bridge pair
= Design
= There are postal stationery with image-same value stamp
= Keyword
= Mark appears under the UV lamp.
= Block of four
= no price approach possible
= Flight post brand
Other abbreviations are in the cataloging line declared.
.
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