Royal mail cancel a collection
A fascinating topic!
Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, has a long history of collecting and canceling stamps. Canceling a collection refers to the process of marking a stamp with a cancellation mark, which indicates that it has been used to mail a letter or package. Here's what you need to know:
Why cancel a collection?
Canceling a collection serves several purposes:
- Authentication: Canceling a stamp helps to verify its authenticity and prevent counterfeiting.
- Tracking: Canceling a stamp allows Royal Mail to track the movement of mail and ensure that it reaches its intended destination.
- Revenue: Canceling a stamp generates revenue for Royal Mail, as it requires a small fee to be paid by the sender.
How is a collection canceled?
When a stamp is canceled, it is typically done using a specialized machine called a canceller. The canceller applies a unique cancellation mark to the stamp, which includes the date, time, and location of cancellation. The cancellation mark is usually a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that identify the post office where the stamp was canceled.
Types of cancellations
There are several types of cancellations, including:
- Machine cancellation: This is the most common type of cancellation, where a machine applies a cancellation mark to the stamp.
- Hand cancellation: This type of cancellation is done by a postal worker, usually for special occasions or events.
- Special cancellation: This type of cancellation is done for specific events or occasions, such as commemorative stamps or special editions.
Collecting canceled stamps
Many philatelists (stamp collectors) enjoy collecting canceled stamps, as they can provide valuable information about the stamp's history and usage. Canceled stamps can also be more rare and valuable than their uncanceled counterparts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, canceling a collection is an important process for Royal Mail, as it helps to authenticate and track stamps, generate revenue, and provide valuable information for philatelists. Whether you're a stamp collector or simply interested in the world of philately, understanding the process of canceling a collection can be fascinating and rewarding.