Surface Printed Stamps

Surface Printed Issues

Surface printed stamps refer to a specific method of printing postage stamps, which became prominent in the mid-19th century. The term "surface printed" is used to distinguish this technique from earlier methods like line engraving or embossing as more efficient printing methods emerged.

Surface-printed stamps offered more flexibility in terms of color and design complexity in stamp production and marked a significant evolution in philatelic technology.

Stamp Product Grading

Please refer to the following grading abbreviations:

• UM = Unmounted mint.
• FMM = Fine Mounted Mint.
• AMM = Average Mounted Mint, will have some defect.
• VFU = Very Fine Used, with a very light postmark.
• FU = Fine Used, with moderate postmark.
• GU = Good Used, with heavier postmark.
• AU = Average Used, slight defect such as poor cancel, pulled perf or small snagged corner.
• SF = Stamp with faults, such as trimmed perfs, thinned, small tear.