Stamps have been used for sending mail since the 1840s. Over the years, many different designs and security features have been added to stamps. One common feature on modern postage stamps is wavy lines. These wavy or wiggly lines serve an important purpose.
Why are there wavy lines on stamps?
Wavy lines on stamps are a security feature to prevent counterfeiting. The lines make it harder for criminals to photographically reproduce stamps illegally. The wavy lines distort the image when scanned or copied, making counterfeit stamps stand out.
The tiny wavy lines are called rosette patterns. They form a unique scattered dot formation when looked at under a microscope. This distinctive arrangement of dots and lines makes it very challenging to reproduce the stamps precisely. Even minor deviations stand out clearly compared to the original stamp design.
When did wavy lines start appearing on stamps?
The United States Postal Service first introduced wavy-line microprinting as a security feature on commemorative stamps issued in 1981. These rosette patterns started being incorporated into all definitive US stamps around 1990.
Other postal administrations also started adding wavy line security printing to their stamps around the 1980s. For example, Canada Post started using the feature in 1986. The Royal Mail in the UK introduced it in 1993. Many other countries now use this anti-counterfeiting technique in their stamp designs.
How are the wavy lines added to stamps?
The wavy lines are added through an advanced intaglio printing process. Tiny wavy lines and dots are etched into the printing plates. When the inked plates press against the paper, these intricate patterns print onto the stamps.
The process requires precision etching at a very fine scale. The resulting rosette patterns have a frequency of about 130 lines per centimeter. Their size and shape vary in different parts of the stamp design.
Where are the wavy lines located on a stamp?
The location of wavy lines varies on different stamp issues. But they are commonly found in the following locations:
- Within the colored background
- In the outer framelines of the stamp
- In the image or artwork area
- In the white space around the core design elements
Stamps can have wavy lines in one or more of these areas. The lines are very small and subtly blend into the overall design. You need to observe closely to notice them on many stamps.
Other anti-counterfeiting features on stamps
Wavy lines are one of many anti-counterfeiting features added to modern postage stamps. Other common security printing techniques include:
- Microprinting – tiny letters printed within design elements
- UV dull paper – paper that does not glow under UV light
- Watermarks – images only visible when viewed against light
- Taggants – compounds only visible under infrared light
- Intricate background patterns
Using multiple features in combination provides enhanced security. For example, the USPS inserts taggants into stamp paper that contains embedded red and blue fibers.
Do wavy lines affect stamp value and collectibility?
The presence of wavy lines does not significantly impact the value and collectibility of most stamps. Since it is now standard practice, collectors do not pay extra for this feature alone.
However, collectible varieties like missing or double impressions of the wavy lines are highly sought after. Dramatic shifts in the line patterns also attract interest from specialists.
Other factors like rarity, condition, errors, topics, and demand have a much bigger influence on stamp value. Wavy lines play a minor role for most collectible stamps.
Can wavy lines wear off with use?
The wavy line impressions are printed directly into the paper fibers. They are very durable and do not wear off with normal use and handling. You can easily identify them on used, postmarked and even damaged stamps.
In fact, the presence of visible wavy lines is a good indicator that used stamps are genuine. Missing or unclear lines suggest a counterfeit or altered stamp.
Conclusion
Wavy lines are an important anti-counterfeiting feature on modern postage stamps. They make it very difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce stamp designs accurately. Under a microscope, they form distinctive rosette patterns embedded in the paper.
These microscopic lines started appearing in the 1980s and are now standard in stamp printing worldwide. They can be found in different areas like backgrounds, frames, and images. Wavy lines do not affect the value of most collectible stamps.
Next time you use a stamp, take a close look at it. You may be able to spot the tiny wavy lines that protect stamps against counterfeiting. They are a testament to the intricate work and technology that goes into printing secure postage stamps.