Overprint
An overprint is text or a design printed on top of an existing stamp, usually to change its country, purpose, or validity.
Glossary Term
Specimen
A specimen stamp is overprinted or perforated with the word SPECIMEN (or an equivalent) to show it is a sample, invalid for postage, distributed to postal administrations, officials or the press.
Also known as: specimen overprint, SPECIMEN stamp, muestra, annulé, cancelled specimen
A specimen is a stamp marked to indicate that it is a sample and not valid for postage. The marking is usually an overprint or handstamp reading SPECIMEN, but it can also be a perforated word punched through the stamp, or an equivalent in another language.
Why Specimens Exist
When a country issues new stamps, other postal administrations need examples so their staff can recognise them. The Universal Postal Union (UPU), founded in 1874, established a system under which member administrations exchanged examples of new issues; distribution through the UPU began in 1879. Many countries marked these stamps as specimens to prevent their use for postage.
Specimens were also supplied to:
- Colonial offices and government departments.
- Stamp printers’ archives and sales representatives.
- The press, for publicity.
- Exhibitions and philatelic bodies.
Types of Specimen Marking
- Overprints — “SPECIMEN” printed in black, red or another colour across the stamp.
- Handstamps — applied individually with a rubber or metal stamp.
- Perforated specimens — the word punched through the paper in small holes.
- Other languages — MUESTRA (Spanish), ANNULÉ (French), SAGGIO (Italian), MUSTER (German) and others.
Specialists classify specimen overprints by type — font, size and colour — and some types are much rarer than others.
Specimens and Value
Specimens of low values may be modestly priced, but for scarce or high-value stamps — especially classic high denominations — a specimen may be the most affordable way to own an example. Conversely, rare specimen types can command substantial premiums.
Specimens Versus Proofs
A specimen is an issued stamp (or a stamp from a normal printing) marked as a sample. A proof is a trial impression made before or during production. Both are non-postal items collected for their place in a stamp’s story.
Frequently Asked Questions About Specimen
Why were specimen stamps made?
Postal authorities needed to show new stamps to other administrations so foreign post offices could recognise them. From 1879, members of the Universal Postal Union distributed specimens to one another, and many were overprinted to prevent postal use.
Are specimen stamps valuable?
Values vary widely. Some specimens of common stamps are inexpensive, while specimens of rare high values, or with unusual specimen types, can be worth more than the ordinary stamp. Catalogues list many specimens separately.
What other words mean specimen on stamps?
Depending on the country, specimen overprints may read MUESTRA (Spanish), ANNULÉ (French for cancelled), SAGGIO (Italian) or CANCELLED, among others. Some are perforated with the word through the paper rather than overprinted.
Related Terms
Proof
Also: die proof, plate proof, colour trial, trial colour proof, stamp proof
A proof is a trial impression of a stamp design taken from the die or printing plate before or during production, to check the engraving, colour or plate before stamps are issued.
Reprint
Also: official reprint, private reprint, reissue
A reprint is a stamp printed from the original plates or dies after the stamp was no longer current or valid, usually for collectors or official reference rather than postage.