Postage stamp reprint

A reprint of a postage stamp occurs when the stamp-issuing authority makes additional printings of a stamp after its normal period of usage. A reprint may or may not be valid as postage.

While it is common for a postal service to add print runs as stocks are used up by the public, it is also the usual practice to only use a given design for a limited period of time, so as to discourage forgery, then to destroy the printing plates .

Sometimes the authorities keep the plates on hand, and reuse them later. The reasons have included:

• Problems with a new design, resulting in a sudden need for additional stamps
• Additional copies for stamp collectors
• Souvenirs for stamp shows , government meetings, etc (these are often printed on cards rather than stamp paper)

Since reprints are produced from the authentic original plates, it can be very difficult to distinguish them; frequently subtle details matter, such the type of paper, or color shades. Reprints often appear fresh and bright compared to the originals.

In a very few cases, authorities have produced official reproductions , copies of an existing design created on new plates, but not valid for postage.