Philatelic Glossary
This glossary has been compiled from various different sources. Some of the terms have been reproduced with kind permission from the Stanley Gibbons Philatelic Terms Illustrated by James Mackay. If you think a term is missing please e-mail us.
Micron
A unit of measurement of the thickness of paper. One millionth part of a metre.
Microprocessor
Equipment capable of microscopic printing.
Mileage Marks
Postal markings which include the name of a place and a number indicating its distance from a central reference point, usually the capital of the country concerned.
Military Franchise Stamps
Stamps permitting military forces to send letters etc free of postage (q.v FM).
Millésime
(French) Numbers recording the year of printing on certain stamps of France.
Milt Adm
Abbreviation for "Military Administration".
Mimeograph
Similar to Cyclostyle (q.v).
Miniature Sheet
Sheet of stamps smaller than normal and often containing only one stamp or specimen of each denomination in a series within a decorative border.
Miniature Sheet
Sheet of stamps smaller than normal and often containing only one stamp or specimen of each denomination in a series within a decorative border.
Minor Varieties
Slight variations from the normal stamp, of interest to specialist collectors.
Mint Condition
Stamp in a perfect condition, uncancelled and having its original gum.
Mirror Print
An impression which is a mirror image of the intended stamp design.
Misplaced Colour
Shift of colour caused by the printing process.
Mission Mixture
Used stamps sold by weight from religious organisations.
Missionaries
Name for first stamps of Hawaii.
Mixed Franking
Term used by collectors to denote covers bearing the stamps of two or more countries.
Mixed Perforation
A sheet bearing misplaced perforations of one gauge and also correctly applied perforations of another gauge.
Mobile Post Office
Caravan, trailer or vehicle equipped for use as a travelling post office.
Moiré
A pattern of wavy lines simulating watered silk, printed on postage stamps as a security device.
Money Letter
Letter containing coin or banknotes.
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Our guide to conducting philatelic research at the Royal Mail Archive
Find out how to study our collection of unique registration sheets, metal dies and plates, and modern stamp artwork.
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Our volunteers have helped catalogue our collection, run our events, and more. Find out how to get involved.
