Glossary of Philatelic Terms

REPRINTS
Copies of obsolete stamps, newly printed from the original stamps and sometimes hard to distinguish.
SE-TENANT`
An attached strip, pair or block of stamps that are different in design or value.
A pre-gummed postage stamp  which requires no moisture for affixing.
SOUVENIR SHEET
A sheet of one or more commemorative stamps with some artwork.
SPECIALIZATION
Concentrating on the stamps of a particular country or subject.
SPECIMEN
Members of the Universal Postal Union are required to send samples of new stamps they place in service to member nations. These are  overprinted, hand stamped or perforated with "Specimen," "Canceled".
SURCHARGE
An overprint which changes the postal denomination value of a stamp.
TETE-BECHE
Stamps in pairs, in which, one of the stamps is upside down.  If separated  their collector value decreases.
THEMATIC COLLECTING
Specializing by subjects instead of by countries.
UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION
The international authority who makes and maintains postal regulations.
VARIETY
A stamp differing by color, or error in production, from the normal issue.
WATERMARK
A design in the paper, visible when held up to the light, or against a black surface.