In this set-composite of 20th Century commemoratives there is a postage stamp that is extra special from all other Bureau of Engraving and Printing commemoratives issued before it; not just another ordinary/routine print job from the BEP.

The July 28, 1954 3¢ "Lewis and Clark Expedition Sesquicentennial" (1063) stands alone as the first BEP dry-print commemorative; 326 commemoratives after their first wet-print commemorative: the June 17, 1898 1¢ “Marquette on the Mississippi” Trans-Mississippi Issue.

In the most basic explanation, the dry-print process uses thick, stiff paper (with minimal water content) and fast-drying inks with the gum applied before the printing. The end result is a stamp that is crisp in appearance (both glossy and smooth) but less “3-dimensional” than

The wet-print process that uses thin, porous paper (with higher water content) and a slow-drying ink with the gum applied after the inking. The end result is a stamp that varies in size, due to shrinkage, and usually has subdued monochrome color; but retains an incredibly detailed and skillful engraver’s image that allows you to actually feel the ink ridges when lightly touched.

The differences are much easier to appreciate when you have the two stamps side-by-side – then you can see it and feel it. Use a template for your visual test. Use a gentle “flick” of your finger for the less-certain tactile test. For absolute authenticity – use a micrometer. Your collector friend, local dealer, and stamp club can be a huge help when comparing stamps.

All BEP stamp issues were dry printed from 1961-2005 when the BEP ended 111 years of printing stamps. "Hands-on" machines and engraved stamps had evolved to computers and offset lithography – giving security printing Companies further flexibility and lower costs during production.

So, when you admire your next stamp, consider how the stamp was printed. Not all stamps need to be expensive, glamorous, or rare to earn your attention.

05/2011