Die proof

A die proof is a print taken from a master printing die. It is used to test the print quality of a design. In other cases, posthumous proofs are made from dies in storage, either for archival purposes or for collectors. They are often printed in black but can also be tested in various ink colors.

They are by definition printed singly except in the case of several dies from the same set or series being printed on the same paper, known as collective proofs. They are also carefully printed on special papers.

There are two types for US stamps. The first is the large die proof, printed on a light card faced with India paper and die sunk. The second is the small die proof, still on India paper on light card but with smaller margins. 



See

 * Epreuve deluxe

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