Stamps and first day covers: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:09, 5 October 2026

PhantomWiki stamps and first day covers

This section records individual postage stamps, stamp issues and first day covers in the collection.

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Collection summary

Record type	Number of pages
First day covers	49
Owned first day covers	31
First day covers wanted	18

Individual stamps	129
Stamps with provisional catalogue numbers	40
Stamps with unverified catalogue numbers	3

Image notice: Images on these pages may depict copyrighted stamp designs, cover artwork, text or photographs. Unless otherwise stated, they are scans of physical items in the collection of PhantomSteve. Rights in the depicted material remain with their respective rightsholders. See Copyrights.

Browse by country

Select a country or postal authority to view its stamps and first day covers.

Gibraltar stamps and first day covers

Isle of Man stamps and first day covers

Liechtenstein stamps and first day covers

Malta stamps and first day covers

For Isle of Man covers still wanted for the collection, see the wanted list, arranged in ascending issue-date order.

Browse by year

Select a year to view the stamps and first day covers recorded for that year.

Browse by issue date

First day covers

Stamps

Naming conventions

Individual stamp pages

Use the following page-title format:

CC-Catalogue-CatalogueNumber

Examples:

IM-SG-9999 — standard Isle of Man stamp
IM-SG-9999a — stamp with a catalogue variant suffix
DE-Mi-385 — German stamp listed by Michel
IM-SG-FTM57 — Isle of Man Post & Go stamp
GG-SG-FTG12 — Guernsey Post & Go stamp
JE-SG-FTJ12 — Jersey Post & Go stamp
IM-SG-D1 — Isle of Man postage due stamp
IM-SG-MS58 — Isle of Man miniature sheet
IM-SG-SB12 — Isle of Man stamp booklet
GG-SG-A1 — Alderney stamp
GG-SG-AB1 — Alderney stamp booklet
IM-SG-P2725 — stamp using a provisional PhantomWiki catalogue number
MT-SG-U1838 — stamp using a catalogue number reported by a secondary source but not yet verified directly

The parts are:

CC — two-letter country or territory code
Catalogue — catalogue abbreviation, such as SG for Stanley Gibbons or Mi for Michel
CatalogueNumber — the complete catalogue identifier, including any prefix and variant suffix
P — PhantomWiki marker for a locally assigned provisional number
U — PhantomWiki marker for a reported catalogue number that has not yet been verified directly

Prefixes form part of the catalogue number. Stanley Gibbons prefixes used in this collection include:

FTM — Isle of Man Post & Go stamps
FTG — Guernsey Post & Go stamps
FTJ — Jersey Post & Go stamps
MS — miniature sheets
D — postage due stamps
SB — stamp booklets
A — Alderney stamps
AB — Alderney stamp booklets

The MS prefix forms part of the complete Stanley Gibbons catalogue number. For example, miniature sheet MS58 uses the page title IM-SG-MS58, with MS58 entered in the stamp template's catalogue-number field. This page records the whole miniature sheet; its constituent stamps may also have individual pages, such as IM-SG-54 to IM-SG-57.

The PhantomWiki status markers P and U are not official catalogue prefixes.

A lower-case suffix such as a, b or c may identify a catalogue-listed variant:

IM-SG-9999a
IM-SG-9999b

Provisional catalogue numbers

When a stamp has not yet been listed in the relevant published catalogue, PhantomWiki may use a provisional working number for collection organisation.

Place an upper-case P immediately before the anticipated catalogue number:

IM-SG-P2725
IM-SG-P2726
IM-SG-P2727
IM-SG-P2728

For example, the 2022 Isle of Man Chinese Year of the Tiger issue follows the last numbered issue in the latest available Stanley Gibbons catalogue. Its four stamps therefore use the provisional identifiers IM-SG-P2725 to IM-SG-P2728.

The P is a PhantomWiki marker meaning “provisional”. It is not part of an officially assigned Stanley Gibbons catalogue number.

Provisional numbers must be identified clearly on the individual stamp page by adding:

{{Provisional catalogue number
|catalogue=Stanley Gibbons
|number=2725
}}

The individual stamp page should also explain the basis of the number in its notes:

The catalogue number is provisional and has been assigned by PhantomWiki by continuing the sequence in the latest available Stanley Gibbons catalogue. It is not a confirmed Stanley Gibbons catalogue number.

Use the complete provisional identifier for the principal image filename:

IM-SG-P2725.jpg

If an official catalogue number is subsequently published:

Move the stamp page to the confirmed identifier.
Move the principal image and any additional images to filenames using the confirmed identifier.
Update the identifier and image filename in every associated FDC stamp row.
Replace the provisional catalogue number in the individual stamp template.
Remove the {{Provisional catalogue number}} notice.
Update any number ranges or explanatory text on associated issue and FDC pages.
Leave redirects where they may assist with overlooked incoming links.

The final official number may differ from the provisional number because the catalogue publisher may allocate numbers to variants, miniature sheets, booklets or other material not previously known to PhantomWiki.

Unverified catalogue numbers

When a catalogue number is reported by a secondary source but has not yet been checked directly against the named catalogue, prefix the reported number with an upper-case U in the PhantomWiki page identifier.

For example:

MT-SG-U1838

This identifies a Malta stamp reported by secondary sources as Stanley Gibbons 1838, but not yet verified directly against a Stanley Gibbons catalogue.

The U is a PhantomWiki marker meaning “unverified”. It is not part of the reported catalogue number or an official prefix assigned by the catalogue publisher.

An unverified number is different from a provisional number:

Marker	Meaning	Example
`P`	A working number assigned locally by PhantomWiki because no published catalogue number is currently available.	`IM-SG-P2725`
`U`	A catalogue number reported by a secondary source but not yet checked directly against the named catalogue.	`MT-SG-U1838`

Unverified numbers must be identified clearly on the individual stamp page by adding:

{{Unverified catalogue number
|catalogue=Stanley Gibbons
|number=1838
|source=Stanley Lisica Malta price list
|access-date=20 September 2026
}}

Where possible, provide a link or citation identifying the secondary source. If an external link causes a security or preview error, enter the source name as plain text and cite the source elsewhere in the article.

The individual stamp page should explain the status of the number in its notes:

The Stanley Gibbons number 1838 is reported by a secondary source but has not yet been checked directly against a Stanley Gibbons catalogue. The U prefix is a PhantomWiki status marker and does not form part of the reported catalogue number.

Use the complete unverified identifier for the principal image filename:

MT-SG-U1838.jpg

Once the number has been checked directly against the relevant catalogue:

Move the stamp page to the verified identifier without the U marker.
Move the principal image and any additional images to filenames using the verified identifier.
Update the identifier and image filename in every associated FDC stamp row.
Remove the U marker from the catalogue-number field in the individual stamp template.
Remove the {{Unverified catalogue number}} notice.
Update explanatory text and catalogue references on associated issue and FDC pages.
Leave redirects where they may assist with overlooked incoming links.

For example:

MT-SG-U1838 → MT-SG-1838
MT-SG-U1838.jpg → MT-SG-1838.jpg

Pages awaiting verification are listed in Category:Stamps with unverified catalogue numbers.

Stamp image filenames

Use the complete page identifier for the principal image filename:

IM-SG-9999a.jpg
IM-SG-FTM57.jpg
IM-SG-MS58.jpg
IM-SG-P2725.jpg
MT-SG-U1838.jpg
GG-SG-AB1.jpg

Additional images may use descriptive suffixes:

IM-SG-9999a-back.jpg
IM-SG-9999a-detail-1.jpg
IM-SG-FTM57-back.jpg
IM-SG-P2725-detail-1.jpg
MT-SG-U1838-detail-1.jpg

First day cover pages

Use:

Country – Issue title – Year

Where several different covers exist for the same issue, include the producer or cover type:

Country – Issue title – Producer – Year

Catalogue abbreviations

The countries shown are examples rather than complete coverage lists. Countries currently included in this collection's country-code table are shown in bold.

Catalogue	Identifier abbreviation	Example countries or postal areas covered
Stanley Gibbons	`SG`	United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Malta, Australia, Canada
Michel	`Mi`	Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Ukraine, Malta
Zumstein	`Zum`	Switzerland, Liechtenstein, United Nations Geneva
Scott	`Scott`	United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Malta, Japan
Yvert et Tellier	`YT`	France, Monaco, Switzerland, Malta, Belgium
J. B. Catalogue	`JB`	Malta
Sakura	`Sakura`	Japan, Ryukyu Islands and historical Japanese-administered territories
AFA	`AFA`	Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands
Facit	`Facit`	Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands
Minkus	`Minkus`	United States, Germany, France, Japan and worldwide issues
Sassone	`Sass`	Italy, San Marino and Vatican City
Edifil	`Edifil`	Spain, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea and former Spanish colonies
Unificato	`Unif`	Italy, San Marino, Vatican City and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
Philex	`Philex`	Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, France and Spain

Notes:

Sakura is principally a Japanese catalogue. Its additional coverage includes historical postal administrations rather than a second modern sovereign country.
The J. B. Catalogue is a specialised catalogue of Malta stamps and postal history. Its numbering is distinct from Stanley Gibbons numbering.
Minkus is retained for older collections and references, but its independent worldwide catalogue and numbering system are no longer actively published.
Philex country catalogues normally reproduce Michel numbering. Where that is the case, use Mi in the stamp identifier rather than Philex.
A P before a catalogue number identifies a number provisionally assigned by PhantomWiki. It does not indicate that the catalogue publisher has confirmed the number.
A U before a catalogue number identifies a number reported by a secondary source but not yet verified directly against the named catalogue. It is not part of the catalogue number itself.

Country codes

Stamp identifiers use the two-letter ISO country code of the issuing country or postal authority.

Country or postal authority	Code	Example identifier
Germany	`DE`	`DE-Mi-385`
Gibraltar	`GI`	`GI-SG-U2142`
Isle of Man	`IM`	`IM-SG-9999a`
Kyrgyzstan	`KG`	`KG-Mi-123`
Liechtenstein	`LI`	`LI-Mi-123`
Malta	`MT`	`MT-SG-U1838`
Switzerland	`CH`	`CH-Zum-123`
Ukraine	`UA`	`UA-Mi-123`
United Kingdom	`GB`	`GB-SG-1234`

For joint first day covers, record both participating postal authorities in the cover’s country fields. Each individual stamp identifier retains the country code of its own issuing authority.

First day cover types

Use the broad value in the cover-type field and record the specific organisation or company in cover-producer.

Cover type	Description	Example producers
Standard cover	Standard cover produced or commissioned by the postal authority.	Royal Mail, Isle of Man Post Office
Commercial cover	Privately produced cover created for sale to collectors.	Cotswold, Mercury, Philart, Stuart, Abbey
Official or sponsored cover	Cover officially produced or sponsored by an organisation connected with the issue.	Museum, charity, regiment, government department or event organiser
Joint cover	A cover produced by, or in association with, more than one postal authority or organisation and normally bearing stamps or postmarks from each participant.	Isle of Man Post Office and MaltaPost
Commemorative cover	A cover marking an event or anniversary that is not necessarily the official first day cover for a stamp issue.	Various
Other	A cover that does not fit one of the standard classifications.	Record the details in `cover-producer` and `collection-comment`

Postmark types

Postmark type	Description
Special handstamp	A special pictorial or commemorative handstamp produced for an issue, event or location.
First Day of Issue postmark	A postmark specifically identifying the first day of issue. This includes Royal Mail FDI postmarks used from 1964 to 1988.
Counter date stamp	An ordinary circular date stamp applied at a post-office counter.
Slogan postmark	A cancellation containing wording, advertising or a commemorative slogan.
Machine cancellation	A mechanically applied cancellation, normally containing a date stamp and cancelling lines.
Meter mark	A postal marking produced by a postage meter rather than an adhesive stamp.
Multiple or joint postmarks	Two or more postmarks used on the same cover, including postmarks applied by different postal authorities. Record each location and date in the appropriate fields and explain the arrangement in `postmark-notes`.
Other	Any postmark that does not fit the standard types. Add an explanation in `postmark-notes`.

Stamp classifications

Stamp type and subtype

Stamp type	Suggested subtypes or descriptions
Commemorative	General commemorative; anniversary; historical event; notable person; thematic issue
Definitive	Monarch or reign; regional definitive; country pictorial; long-running definitive series
Occasions and greetings	Christmas; wedding; birthday; greetings; festival; seasonal issue
Special-purpose	Airmail; postage due; official; charity or semi-postal; newspaper; express
Other	Explain the classification in the page notes

Stamp format

Format	Description
Stamp	An individual stamp issued in an ordinary sheet.
Se-tenant pair	Two attached stamps with different designs.
Se-tenant strip	Three or more attached stamps with different designs.
Se-tenant block	A block of attached stamps with different designs.
Miniature sheet	One or more stamps issued together within a specially designed sheet margin.
Sheetlet	A small sheet containing a limited number of stamps.
Booklet stamp	A stamp issued as part of a stamp booklet.

Record self-adhesive or conventional gum in the paper-gum field rather than using it as a stamp type or format.

Adding a new issue or cover

Establish whether each stamp has a confirmed catalogue number.
If no published catalogue number is available, assign a clearly marked provisional identifier using an upper-case P.
If a catalogue number is reported only by a secondary source, use an upper-case U until it has been checked directly against the named catalogue.
Scan the cover, its reverse and any accompanying materials, together with the individual stamps. Keep the original scans privately. If an item is not yet available to scan, leave its image fields blank.
- Import the scans into Lightroom Classic and complete the cropping, straightening and other necessary image adjustments.
- Check both sides of the cover and any accompanying materials for personal names and addresses. Conceal other recipients’ names and all residential address details, including postcodes, in the images intended for publication. The collector’s own name may remain visible if desired.
- Where redaction is needed, follow the steps below. If no redaction is needed, proceed directly to the export step.
  1. Right-click the image in Lightroom Classic and select Edit In → Adobe Photoshop. If prompted, choose Edit a Copy with Lightroom Adjustments.
  2. In Photoshop, select the Rectangle Tool in Shape mode. Use a solid grey fill of RGB 160, 160, 160 (#A0A0A0), no stroke, Normal blending mode, and Opacity and Fill both at 100%.
  3. Cover the complete name/address block or each complete line, extending slightly beyond the lettering. Use visible redaction boxes rather than blur, pixelation or cloning that makes the envelope appear unaddressed.
  4. Choose File → Save in Photoshop, then close the image. Continue with the edited copy that appears in Lightroom Classic.
  5. Export the publication copy from Lightroom Classic as a JPEG, applying the appropriate PhantomWiki watermark and the usual image-size settings. The watermark is applied after redaction. Under Metadata, select Copyright Only and ensure that the retained copyright text contains no private details.
- Open each exported JPEG separately and inspect it at 100%. Check that personal details are fully concealed, the watermark fits without clipping, and the stamps, postmarks and other relevant details remain clear.
Upload only the checked publication copies. Keep unredacted originals and editable layered files private.
Upload the main first day cover image and, if available, its reverse image, postmark images and accompanying information sheets or certificates. Use the established hyphenated filename conventions.
Upload each individual stamp image using its confirmed, provisional or unverified catalogue-based identifier as the filename.
Where an image has been redacted, state this on its File page. Do not reproduce the concealed details in descriptions, captions or filenames.
Select Create a new FDC page.
Complete the issue, cover, technical, postmark, signature and collection fields. Set fdc-owned to Yes or No according to whether the cover is in the collection.
Record the address status of the physical cover. Use addressed=Yes when it is addressed, even if the published image has been redacted. Use addressed=No only for a genuinely unaddressed cover.
If recipient details have been redacted, add a suitable explanation to collection-comment, preserving any existing notes. For example: “The recipient’s name and address are concealed in the published image for privacy. The original cover is addressed.” If only the address was concealed, adjust the wording accordingly.
Complete the first FDC stamp row in the preloaded stamp table.
Duplicate the complete FDC stamp row block for every additional stamp on the cover.
For provisional identifiers, state in each row’s notes that the number was assigned provisionally by PhantomWiki.
For unverified identifiers, state in each row’s notes that the reported number has not yet been checked directly against the named catalogue.
Preview the page and check the images, links and automatic stamp count.
Save the FDC page.
Follow each red stamp-identifier link and use the stamp creation form to create its individual page. Reuse existing stamp pages where they already exist.
Add the {{Provisional catalogue number}} notice to every stamp page using a provisional number.
Add the {{Unverified catalogue number}} notice to every stamp page using an unverified number.
On each individual stamp page, add a link back to the associated FDC page using the fdc-pages field, retaining links to any other associated covers.

@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 | [[:Category:First day covers wanted|First day covers wanted]]
 | {{PAGESINCATEGORY:First day covers wanted|pages}}
+|-
+| colspan="2" class="section-divider" |
 |-
 | [[:Category:Stamps|Individual stamps]]