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| [[:Category:Stamps with provisional catalogue numbers|Stamps with provisional catalogue numbers]]
| [[:Category:Stamps with provisional catalogue numbers|Stamps with provisional catalogue numbers]]
| {{PAGESINCATEGORY:Stamps with provisional catalogue numbers|pages}}
| {{PAGESINCATEGORY:Stamps with provisional catalogue numbers|pages}}
|-
| [[:Category:Stamps with unverified catalogue numbers|Stamps with unverified catalogue numbers]]
| {{PAGESINCATEGORY:Stamps with unverified catalogue numbers|pages}}
|}
|}


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* <code>GG-SG-AB1</code> — Alderney stamp booklet
* <code>GG-SG-AB1</code> — Alderney stamp booklet
* <code>IM-SG-P2725</code> — stamp using a provisional PhantomWiki catalogue number
* <code>IM-SG-P2725</code> — stamp using a provisional PhantomWiki catalogue number
* <code>MT-SG-U1838</code> — stamp using a catalogue number reported by a secondary source but not yet verified directly


The parts are:
The parts are:
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* <code>Catalogue</code> — catalogue abbreviation, such as <code>SG</code> for Stanley Gibbons or <code>Mi</code> for Michel
* <code>Catalogue</code> — catalogue abbreviation, such as <code>SG</code> for Stanley Gibbons or <code>Mi</code> for Michel
* <code>CatalogueNumber</code> — the complete catalogue identifier, including any prefix and variant suffix
* <code>CatalogueNumber</code> — the complete catalogue identifier, including any prefix and variant suffix
* <code>P</code> — PhantomWiki marker for a locally assigned provisional number
* <code>U</code> — 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:
Prefixes form part of the catalogue number. Stanley Gibbons prefixes used in this collection include:
Line 79: Line 85:
* <code>A</code> — Alderney stamps
* <code>A</code> — Alderney stamps
* <code>AB</code> — Alderney stamp booklets
* <code>AB</code> — Alderney stamp booklets
The PhantomWiki status markers <code>P</code> and <code>U</code> are not official catalogue prefixes.


A lower-case suffix such as <code>a</code>, <code>b</code> or <code>c</code> may identify a catalogue-listed variant:
A lower-case suffix such as <code>a</code>, <code>b</code> or <code>c</code> may identify a catalogue-listed variant:
Line 136: Line 144:


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.
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 <code>U</code> in the PhantomWiki page identifier.
For example:
<pre>
MT-SG-U1838
</pre>
This identifies a Malta stamp reported by secondary sources as Stanley Gibbons 1838, but not yet verified directly against a Stanley Gibbons catalogue.
The <code>U</code> 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:
{| class="wikitable"
! Marker
! Meaning
! Example
|-
| <code>P</code>
| A working number assigned locally by PhantomWiki because no published catalogue number is currently available.
| <code>IM-SG-P2725</code>
|-
| <code>U</code>
| A catalogue number reported by a secondary source but not yet checked directly against the named catalogue.
| <code>MT-SG-U1838</code>
|}
Unverified numbers must be identified clearly on the individual stamp page by adding:
<pre>
{{Unverified catalogue number
|catalogue=Stanley Gibbons
|number=1838
|source=Stanley Lisica Malta price list
|access-date=20 September 2026
}}
</pre>
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:
<pre>
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.
</pre>
Use the complete unverified identifier for the principal image filename:
<pre>
MT-SG-U1838.jpg
</pre>
Once the number has been checked directly against the relevant catalogue:
# Move the stamp page to the verified identifier without the <code>U</code> marker.
# Move the principal image and any additional images to filenames using the verified identifier.
# Update the identifier and image filename in every associated <code>FDC stamp row</code>.
# Remove the <code>U</code> marker from the <code>catalogue-number</code> field in the individual stamp template.
# Remove the {{Tl|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:
<pre>
MT-SG-U1838 → MT-SG-1838
MT-SG-U1838.jpg → MT-SG-1838.jpg
</pre>
Pages awaiting verification are listed in [[:Category:Stamps with unverified catalogue numbers]].


==== Stamp image filenames ====
==== Stamp image filenames ====
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IM-SG-FTM57.jpg
IM-SG-FTM57.jpg
IM-SG-P2725.jpg
IM-SG-P2725.jpg
MT-SG-U1838.jpg
GG-SG-AB1.jpg
GG-SG-AB1.jpg
</pre>
</pre>
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IM-SG-FTM57-back.jpg
IM-SG-FTM57-back.jpg
IM-SG-P2725-detail-1.jpg
IM-SG-P2725-detail-1.jpg
MT-SG-U1838-detail-1.jpg
</pre>
</pre>


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| Stanley Gibbons
| Stanley Gibbons
| <code>SG</code>
| <code>SG</code>
| '''United Kingdom''', '''Isle of Man''', Australia, Canada
| '''United Kingdom''', '''Isle of Man''', '''Malta''', Australia, Canada
|-
|-
| Michel
| Michel
| <code>Mi</code>
| <code>Mi</code>
| '''Germany''', '''Kyrgyzstan''', '''Liechtenstein''', '''Switzerland''', '''Ukraine'''
| '''Germany''', '''Kyrgyzstan''', '''Liechtenstein''', '''Switzerland''', '''Ukraine''', '''Malta'''
|-
|-
| Zumstein
| Zumstein
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| Scott
| Scott
| <code>Scott</code>
| <code>Scott</code>
| United States, '''Germany''', '''United Kingdom''', Japan
| United States, '''Germany''', '''United Kingdom''', '''Malta''', Japan
|-
|-
| Yvert et Tellier
| Yvert et Tellier
| <code>YT</code>
| <code>YT</code>
| France, Monaco, '''Switzerland''', Belgium
| France, Monaco, '''Switzerland''', '''Malta''', Belgium
|-
| J. B. Catalogue
| <code>JB</code>
| '''Malta'''
|-
|-
| Sakura
| Sakura
Line 232: Line 320:


* Sakura is principally a Japanese catalogue. Its additional coverage includes historical postal administrations rather than a second modern sovereign country.
* 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.
* 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 <code>Mi</code> in the stamp identifier rather than <code>Philex</code>.
* Philex country catalogues normally reproduce Michel numbering. Where that is the case, use <code>Mi</code> in the stamp identifier rather than <code>Philex</code>.
* A <code>P</code> before a catalogue number identifies a number provisionally assigned by PhantomWiki. It does not indicate that the catalogue publisher has confirmed the number.
* A <code>P</code> before a catalogue number identifies a number provisionally assigned by PhantomWiki. It does not indicate that the catalogue publisher has confirmed the number.
* A <code>U</code> 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 ==
== Country codes ==
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| <code>LI</code>
| <code>LI</code>
| <code>LI-Mi-123</code>
| <code>LI-Mi-123</code>
|-
| Malta
| <code>MT</code>
| <code>MT-SG-U1838</code>
|-
|-
| Switzerland
| Switzerland
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| Cover officially produced or sponsored by an organisation connected with the issue.
| Cover officially produced or sponsored by an organisation connected with the issue.
| Museum, charity, regiment, government department or event organiser
| 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
| Commemorative cover
Line 327: Line 425:
| Meter mark
| Meter mark
| A postal marking produced by a postage meter rather than an adhesive stamp.
| 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 <code>postmark-notes</code>.
|-
|-
| Other
| Other
Line 388: Line 489:
== Adding a new issue or cover ==
== Adding a new issue or cover ==


# Establish whether the stamps have confirmed catalogue numbers.
# Establish whether each stamp has a confirmed catalogue number.
# If confirmed numbers are unavailable, assign clearly marked provisional identifiers using an upper-case <code>P</code>.
# If no published catalogue number is available, assign a clearly marked provisional identifier using an upper-case <code>P</code>.
# If a catalogue number is reported only by a secondary source, use an upper-case <code>U</code> until it has been checked directly against the named catalogue.
# Upload the main first day cover image and, if available, its reverse image.
# Upload the main first day cover image and, if available, its reverse image.
# Upload each individual stamp image using its confirmed or provisional catalogue-based identifier as the filename.
# Upload each individual stamp image using its confirmed, provisional or unverified catalogue-based identifier as the filename.
# Select [[PhantomWiki:Create an FDC page|Create a new FDC page]].
# Select [[PhantomWiki:Create an FDC page|Create a new FDC page]].
# Complete the issue, cover, technical, postmark, signature and collection fields.
# Complete the issue, cover, technical, postmark, signature and collection fields.
Line 397: Line 499:
# Duplicate the complete <code>FDC stamp row</code> block for every additional stamp in the issue.
# Duplicate the complete <code>FDC stamp row</code> block for every additional stamp in the issue.
# For provisional identifiers, state in each row’s notes that the number was assigned provisionally by PhantomWiki.
# 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 that the automatic stamp count is correct.
# Preview the page and check that the automatic stamp count is correct.
# Save the FDC page.
# Save the FDC page.
# Follow each red stamp-identifier link and use [[PhantomWiki:Create a stamp page|the stamp creation form]] to create its individual page.
# Follow each red stamp-identifier link and use [[PhantomWiki:Create a stamp page|the stamp creation form]] to create its individual page.
# Add the {{Tl|Provisional catalogue number}} notice to every stamp page using a provisional number.
# Add the {{Tl|Provisional catalogue number}} notice to every stamp page using a provisional number.
# Add the {{Tl|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 <code>fdc-pages</code> field.
# On each individual stamp page, add a link back to the associated FDC page using the <code>fdc-pages</code> field.


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| Stamp with a provisional catalogue number
| Stamp with a provisional catalogue number
| <code>IM-SG-P2725.jpg</code>
| <code>IM-SG-P2725.jpg</code>
|-
| Stamp with an unverified catalogue number
| <code>MT-SG-U1838.jpg</code>
|-
|-
| Stamp variant
| Stamp variant
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| Additional stamp detail
| Additional stamp detail
| <code>IM-SG-9999a-detail-1.jpg</code>
| <code>IM-SG-9999a-detail-1.jpg</code>
|-
| Additional detail of a provisional stamp
| <code>IM-SG-P2725-detail-1.jpg</code>
|-
| Additional detail of an unverified stamp
| <code>MT-SG-U1838-detail-1.jpg</code>
|-
|-
| Reverse of a stamp
| Reverse of a stamp
Line 469: Line 582:
|}
|}


When a provisional catalogue number is replaced by a confirmed number, move the corresponding image files so that their filenames continue to match the stamp-page identifier.
When a provisional or unverified catalogue number is replaced by a confirmed number, move the corresponding image files so that their filenames continue to match the stamp-page identifier.


[[Category:Stamps and first day covers| ]]
[[Category:Stamps and first day covers| ]]

Revision as of 15:05, 20 September 2026

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

Add a new page

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

Browse by year

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

1958 stamps and first day covers
1963 stamps and first day covers
1964 stamps and first day covers
1966 stamps and first day covers
1967 stamps and first day covers
1968 stamps and first day covers
1969 stamps and first day covers
1971 stamps and first day covers
1973 stamps and first day covers
1974 stamps and first day covers
1975 stamps and first day covers
2013 stamps and first day covers
2021 stamps and first day covers
2022 stamps and first day covers
2025 stamps and first day covers
First day covers by year
Stamps by year

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-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
  • D — postage due stamps
  • SB — stamp booklets
  • A — Alderney stamps
  • AB — Alderney stamp booklets

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:

  1. Move the stamp page to the confirmed identifier.
  2. Move the principal image and any additional images to filenames using the confirmed identifier.
  3. Update the identifier and image filename in every associated FDC stamp row.
  4. Replace the provisional catalogue number in the individual stamp template.
  5. Remove the {{Provisional catalogue number}} notice.
  6. Update any number ranges or explanatory text on associated issue and FDC pages.
  7. 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:

  1. Move the stamp page to the verified identifier without the U marker.
  2. Move the principal image and any additional images to filenames using the verified identifier.
  3. Update the identifier and image filename in every associated FDC stamp row.
  4. Remove the U marker from the catalogue-number field in the individual stamp template.
  5. Remove the {{Unverified catalogue number}} notice.
  6. Update explanatory text and catalogue references on associated issue and FDC pages.
  7. 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-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
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

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

  1. Establish whether each stamp has a confirmed catalogue number.
  2. If no published catalogue number is available, assign a clearly marked provisional identifier using an upper-case P.
  3. 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.
  4. Upload the main first day cover image and, if available, its reverse image.
  5. Upload each individual stamp image using its confirmed, provisional or unverified catalogue-based identifier as the filename.
  6. Select Create a new FDC page.
  7. Complete the issue, cover, technical, postmark, signature and collection fields.
  8. Complete the first FDC stamp row in the preloaded stamp table.
  9. Duplicate the complete FDC stamp row block for every additional stamp in the issue.
  10. For provisional identifiers, state in each row’s notes that the number was assigned provisionally by PhantomWiki.
  11. For unverified identifiers, state in each row’s notes that the reported number has not yet been checked directly against the named catalogue.
  12. Preview the page and check that the automatic stamp count is correct.
  13. Save the FDC page.
  14. Follow each red stamp-identifier link and use the stamp creation form to create its individual page.
  15. Add the {{Provisional catalogue number}} notice to every stamp page using a provisional number.
  16. Add the {{Unverified catalogue number}} notice to every stamp page using an unverified number.
  17. On each individual stamp page, add a link back to the associated FDC page using the fdc-pages field.

Suggested image names

Use hyphens between parts of filenames. For first day covers, include the product code when an issue has more than one cover version.

Item Example filename
Front of first day cover IM-Example-Issue-2026-FDC.jpg
Front of a specific FDC version IM-Example-Issue-2026-ABC91-FDC.jpg
Reverse of first day cover IM-Example-Issue-2026-FDC-back.jpg
Reverse of a specific FDC version IM-Example-Issue-2026-ABC91-FDC-back.jpg
Information sheet IM-Example-Issue-2026-information-sheet.jpg
Reverse of information sheet IM-Example-Issue-2026-information-sheet-back.jpg
Individual stamp IM-SG-9999.jpg
Stamp with a provisional catalogue number IM-SG-P2725.jpg
Stamp with an unverified catalogue number MT-SG-U1838.jpg
Stamp variant IM-SG-9999a.jpg
Post & Go stamp IM-SG-FTM57.jpg
Postage due stamp IM-SG-D1.jpg
Stamp booklet IM-SG-SB12.jpg
Alderney stamp GG-SG-A1.jpg
Alderney stamp booklet GG-SG-AB1.jpg
Additional stamp detail IM-SG-9999a-detail-1.jpg
Additional detail of a provisional stamp IM-SG-P2725-detail-1.jpg
Additional detail of an unverified stamp MT-SG-U1838-detail-1.jpg
Reverse of a stamp IM-SG-9999a-back.jpg
Main postmark IM-Example-Issue-2026-postmark.jpg
First additional postmark IM-Example-Issue-2026-postmark-2.jpg
Second additional postmark IM-Example-Issue-2026-postmark-3.jpg

When a provisional or unverified catalogue number is replaced by a confirmed number, move the corresponding image files so that their filenames continue to match the stamp-page identifier.

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