circular <#postmark=postmarking>  <#die>, used to impress a postmark on an envelope, generally containing the following information: city and state of mailing, as well as the date and time the postmark was applied.

1.) the piece of steel on which a <#design> is engraved.  A die has the stamp image engraved in reverse (mirror-image).  The creation of the die is the first step in the production of engraved stamps.  2.) the printing surface, found in a <#canmach=cancelling machine>, from which a <#cancel=cancellation> and <#postmark> are printed on an envelope.  3.) the metal form used for the <#emboss=embossing> process.

a modern method of separating <#selfadh=self-adhesive stamps>.  A cut completely penetrates the paper all around the stamp, making it possible to remove individual stamps from the <#liner> that is underneath.  Die cuts can have a variety of shapes, including straight lines and wavy lines that simulate traditional <#perf=perforations>.

1.) a number that equals the total quantity of serpentine peaks (or valleys) within the space of 20 mm on die cut stamps.  2.) a tool that measures the total quantity of serpentine peaks (or valleys) within the space of 20 mm on die cut stamps.  Compare: <#perfgauge=Perforation Gauge>.

an imperfection that existed on the surface of a blank <#die> before the die was engraved.  This imperfection can appear on the printed <#stamp=stamps>.