Specimine Stamps- A Couple Of Questions Please

Hello, I have a couple questions abput specimine stamps. The first I think I can answer but will ask it anyway. Can they be used for postage? Are specimine stamps a separate category? In the case of this pair of stamps, I think this issue was listed as 396a-396e. I did not find 396a-396e in the catalog unless I just missed them. Would 396a-396e be the specimen stamps?

Your answers will be most appreciated.
david

Fincbob2451, Official Specimen sets that I've purchased from the Post Office, here in Australia, were sold at LESS than face value solely for collectors affordability.
They could not be used on postage otherwise the Post office would lose. Not quite sure what you mean by "Are they a special category".

Tuvalu issued specimen overprints on most stamp issues from 1976 to 2000, they were given to standing order customers at the philatelic bureau, the philatelic press and stamp dealers, especially those associated with the philatelic advisors at the time.

They were not valid for postage. Some of the specimen stamps, especially from the 1970's are worth more than mint stamps, but those inscribed "Leaders of the World" (like yours) have little value and usually sell below face value.

Go Canucks ! Luongo thats Italian !!

finches and beesee, Thank you both very much for the information. What I meant about a special category for specimen stamps was are they the same catalog number as the tegular issue stamp of the same design and face value.
thanks again.

Phil yes Go Canucks!!
David

David,

I think it depends on the catalog system. In Michel, they are typically cataloged with a "SP" suffix to the normal catalog number.

Thanks PostmasterGS, I figured there must be a way to separate them. Much appreciated.
David

Hello, I know that this is a U.S. stamp but it follows this thread. This is a Sample stamp. I am sure that this is also a Specimen stamp but I have to ask anyway to be sure. Would it also be considered a Specime stamp. It seems lik it would. Just a difference in terminology. I don't mean to belabor the point, I just want to understand this.
thanks
david