Essay (philately)

An essay in philately referred unaccepted designs for stamp issues.

The post calls for different templates to find the best color, print or the most beautiful design of the subject for a new stamp issue on. Designs that are not accepted, often come on the market. Such essays, especially from the first stamp issues, are usually very valuable.

Essays should not be confused with proofs. When proofs are just about the last attempt prints before the stamp or stamp series is expended. Essays usually do not have much resemblance to the later expended Stamps, since these designs were rejected.

• Philately