"F" Terms
Learn to talk like a stamp pro with over 200 philatelic terms at your fingertips!
Face Value
The value of a stamp based on its denomination or the figures and numbers in its design.
The value of a stamp based on its denomination or the figures and numbers in its design.
Facsimile
A close imitation of a real stamp that is openly acknowledged as fake. Usually made for souvenir purposes.
A close imitation of a real stamp that is openly acknowledged as fake. Usually made for souvenir purposes.
Fake
A genuine postage stamp that has been altered to wrongfully increase its value. Stamps are often altered by adding or removing perforations, cancellations, surcharges, or by changing the color.
A genuine postage stamp that has been altered to wrongfully increase its value. Stamps are often altered by adding or removing perforations, cancellations, surcharges, or by changing the color.
Fine Perforation
A perforation with small holes and teeth close together.
A perforation with small holes and teeth close together.
First Day Cover
An envelope bearing a first day of issue cancellation and stamp. First day covers are most often mailed from the postal station where the stamp was first issued.
An envelope bearing a first day of issue cancellation and stamp. First day covers are most often mailed from the postal station where the stamp was first issued.
First Flight Cover
An envelope or postal card carried over an inaugural new airmail route or an extension of one.
An envelope or postal card carried over an inaugural new airmail route or an extension of one.
Fiscal
Stamps placed on items such as tobacco, stocks, wines, and cards to show the required tax had been paid.
Stamps placed on items such as tobacco, stocks, wines, and cards to show the required tax had been paid.
Fiscal-Postals
Regular stamps used for revenue purposes.
Regular stamps used for revenue purposes.
Flat Plate
A stamp printed on a printing press with flat plates.
A stamp printed on a printing press with flat plates.
Flight Cover
An airmail cover.
An airmail cover.
Forgery
An imitation of a genuine stamp made to deceive collectors.
An imitation of a genuine stamp made to deceive collectors.
Format
The physical characteristics of a stamp. Stamp format includes the size, shape, dimensions, number of perforations, etc. of a postage stamp.
The physical characteristics of a stamp. Stamp format includes the size, shape, dimensions, number of perforations, etc. of a postage stamp.
Frame
The outer part of a stamp design.
The outer part of a stamp design.
Frank
An indication on postal matter that the postage has been paid or is free. Often found on government or military mail.
An indication on postal matter that the postage has been paid or is free. Often found on government or military mail.
Freak
A stamp with a production flaw that is not a consistent error. Freaks may have an ink smudge, a fold, a paper crease, or off-center perforations.
A stamp with a production flaw that is not a consistent error. Freaks may have an ink smudge, a fold, a paper crease, or off-center perforations.
Fugitive Inks
Aniline inks that run when wet and become damaged with rubbing. Fugitive inks are used to discourage stamp forgeries.
Aniline inks that run when wet and become damaged with rubbing. Fugitive inks are used to discourage stamp forgeries.