Hello to all,
while looking at the stamps of the last cards I received, I noticed that they were all printed in offset (very smooth to the touch).
I have the impression that Western countries like Germany, UK (maybe because of the QR code on the stamp), USA and Canada only print in offset, while Asian countries seem to have stuck to the more traditional technique (and prettier for my taste :)).
So I was wondering if, in your countries, it is still possible to buy engraved stamps, with a slight relief to the touch and a great finesse of the design.
In France, it’s almost impossible to find them in normal post-offices… but that type of stamps are still prroduced.
Here is a reminder of the difference between engraved stamps (slight relief to the touch), like these
Finland has only sticker style offset printed stamps. I would prefer not sticker stamps.
In history, there were beautiful stamps just like that, that when you run your finger over it, you feel the ink parts. I think the historical stamps were much more interesting. But I don’t even know when this has changed. I also like the idea that the stamp image is carved and then printed with the plate I suppose.
Felt more like money and would feel more valuable
These are two I use very frequently, currently for sale at the USPS and they’re engraved. Every once in a while USPS does put out new engraved stamps. The 2019 Woodstock stamp comes to mind. I wish they were more common too
It’s been many many years since the US produced such stamps. With some notable exceptions, the USPS now prefers to issue humorous labels and stickers that masquerade as stamps. Sad.
I keep a sheet of the Statue of Freedom Stamps in my inventory to use on occasion. And I do find myself spending an extra few moments ‘making sure the stamp is secure’ !
Now this thread will be my favourite:)
Cause i love engraved stamp,
Sadly India is not making any engraved stamps, but i have received many, and captured their beauty through my mobile:)
Greta Garbo Stamp from USA
Amazing! Feel free to share pictures of other stamps!
I don’t know Greta Garbo (I just know she’s a famous actress), but coincidentally, I saw this beautiful Swedish bill yesterday.
Engraved and beautiful too
Sadly no. I think this the last relief stamp minisheet issued in Finland (2008). A source says it was printed offset, but you can see that the portraits are reliefs.
Here the image is carved to a plate, the grooves filled with ink, and then pressed to postage paper.
I really like this technique and am sad it’s not used in stamps anymore.
You clearly feel the raised ink parts, that transferred to the paper.
!
