Need A Descriptive Term, Please

I'm assembling my collection of non-denominational uses and am looking for a term that describes the use of higher than required postage on cover. I think that I remember that 'overfranked' has been used, but am not certain.

Many thanks to all for this great site.

Cheers,

MikeR

Over-franking is correct. I don't recall another term, but if there is one, someone will post it soon.

KirkS

Is it just me, or over franked covers frowned upon. It seems that they are not regarded as legitimate. I see in listings by dealers that a cover is over franked, as if that is important in the description. I know that in the Presidential series, when you are looking for a solo usage, it must pay a proper usage requiring precisely that amount.

I for one have over franked letters and thought nothing of it. If I have a doubt that one stamp is enough, then I slap a second on without a thought as to the legitimacy for a future collector.

I'm doing a study of how people dealt with the postal rate changes of 1978-1988 wherein the use of the 'alphabet' stamps was prevalent. It seems that confusion was rampant and there were many, many strange combinations of postage, often 'over-franked' which were used to pay the varying rates.

Thanks for the confirmation of the term.

Cheers,

MikeR

Yes Rohumpy, over franked covers are usually frowned upon and brings to the forefront Commercial use vs. philatelic use. The Philatelic use covers are said to be contrived and manufactured for profit whereas Commercial is what it is, legitimate postal use and Single use is preferred amongst some collectors.