What is a watermark on a postage stamp?
A watermark on a postage stamp is an image that is pressed into the paper during the manufacturing process. It is created by using a special dye on the paper which makes the image appear lighter or darker than the surrounding paper fibers. This creates a pattern which is visible when held up to the light. Watermarks are important for collectors, as they can help determine the authenticity and value of a stamp.
History of watermarks on postage stamps
Watermarks have been used on paper since the 13th century, and their use on postage stamps dates back to the mid-19th century. The first stamps to have watermarks were issued by Great Britain in 1840, with the famous “Penny Black” stamp featuring a small “VR” watermark.
Types of watermarks
There are two main types of watermarks on postage stamps: simple and compound. A simple watermark consists of a single image, while a compound watermark consists of two or more images. Compound watermarks are more difficult to detect and are therefore less common.
How to identify a watermark
To identify a watermark on a postage stamp, hold the stamp up to a bright light source. The watermark should appear as a faint shadow or impression on the paper. Some collectors also use watermark detectors, which use a special light and magnification to make it easier to see the watermark.
Watermarks and stamp collecting
Watermarks are an important factor for stamp collectors when determining the authenticity and value of a stamp. Some rare stamps with unique watermarks can be worth millions of dollars. Collectors will often seek out stamps with specific watermarks to complete their collections or to add to their investment portfolios.
