Head Types & Values

Both types, head Type A and head Type  B were used on pre decimal and decimal issues, the heads differ in the fact that the base is flat on head A and more rounded on head B, these are subdivided again as B1 & B2. The latter the value is set nearer to the bottom margin.

Various other heads types and settings are listed in specialist catalogues, but to avoid confusion they  have not been  listed  here.

 The 1st class Millennium machin Head is actually classed as head B although the base of the stamp cannot be seen.These olive brown stamps are set on a white background without margins. Because of these  new settings the portrait is of a larger scale, the design runs right up to the top and bottom edges of the perforations to varying degrees. The actual settings differ from printer to printer, we will try to explain these in more detail at a later stage.

Types of value are classified into different catagories, these are either thick value or or thin value, both value settings can be set normal ,or left , set to the right, or set up or down. When referring to value types we use the terms R, L,U, or D. Although this may seem a little complex many variations do exist. This is something the beginner can come to terms with at a later date.

We will try to improve on this chapter in the near future, but in the mean time as a reference guide it is suggested one reads a copy of The Connoisseur book of Machin Stamps or the Deegam Machin Handbook, here they are explained in detail along with illustrations galore.  Next:  Types of Paper