Machin

Machins are definitive stamps of Great Britain, the design created by Arnold Machin. The design continues to be used today ever since the first issue introduced in 1967 in £sd (pre-decimal) currency.

Since the issue has been so long-lasting, aside from the many different values, there have been changes in format, tagging, fluorescence/phosphorescence and papers. Thus it has become a popular area for specialists.

Some (visible) highlights
 File:Great Britain 3d LSD.jpg|3d pre-decimal value. File:Great Britain 9p decimal.jpg|9d decimal value. Note how the phosphor bars show clearly here. 
 * Pre-decimal stamps were released beginning in 1967. They are recognizable by "D" used for the denomination. 10/- values and above were engraved and larger size, issued beginning in 1970.
 * Decimal Machins arrived with the currency change in 1970. They are recognizable by "P" used for the lower denominations.
 * Machin regional issues began appearing in 1971. Photogravure values £1 and above in larger size were first issued in 1977.
 * Beginning in 1995, the first non-denominated stamp ("1st") in the series was released in a new horizontal format.
 * Also in 1995, an iridescent coating was added to the £1 to prevent counterfeits.

 File:Great Britain Machin comparison.jpg|Original design vs. redrawn version. Not lips and chin outline. File:Great Britain 1st notched.jpg|1p redrawn with syncopated perfs. File:Great Britain 1.63p.jpg|2020 £1.63 value. File:Great Britain 2nd barcode.jpg|2022 2nd class Datamatrix barcode stamp. 
 * Beginning in 1996, a subtly different redrawn portrait design was issued.
 * In 1999-2000, a dual Victoria/Elizabeth II design was released.
 * Beginning in 2003, airmail and special delivery stamps were issued using the Machin design.
 * In 2009, multiple security features were introduced.
 * An iridescent coating in wavy lines was used on all stamps reading ROYAL MAIL. This text has changed over time.
 * Syncopated perfs were introduced.
 * Slits were cut into stamps to prevent re-use. This is a problem for collectors since soaking can cause them to fall apart.
 * Also in 2009, 1st class recorded delivery stamps were issued.
 * In February 2022, stamps with Datamatrix barcodes were issued. Old stamps will be invalid by January 2023, with a redemption program in place.

See

 * Machin Collectors Club site, with extracts from their catalogue.

[[Category:M]]