You can collect plate number singles, those U.S. stamps with the plate numbers in the margin(s). I collect those, and other "marginal markings". Those other markings include things like "Mail Early in the Day", Mr. ZIP, etc.
I collect all of these, used, on airmail stamps, the Americana Definitve Series (1975-1983), and all other stamps 1976-1995.
The number shows the printing plate from which the stamps on that sheet were produced.
In the good old days. Today the plate number is no longer linked to a printing plate. The USPS decided that different plate numbers were no longer necessary for accounting purposes and only plate number 1 would be used, with some exceptions.
If I'm not mistaken, the extra paper around the stamp (for stamps at the edge of the sheet of stamps)is called selvege. The selvege may contain the plate number or other marginal markings, or it may be blank. Some people collect stamps with selvege still attached.
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Posted 02/03/2009 12:39 pm
