Stamp Collecting Abbreviations Explained

If you're new to stamp collecting you may well be confused by what some cryptic-looking abbreviations that you run into really mean. Here's a guide to help you decipher at least some of this code:

Centering

F: Fine condition
VF: Very Fine condition
XF: Extra Fine condition

Gum Condition

NG: No Gum
OG: Original Gum
HH: Heavily Hinged
LH: Lightly Hinged
VLH: Very Lightly Hinged
NH: Never Hinged

Certain Types of Covers (stamped envelopes)

FDC: First Day Cover
FFC: First Flight Cover

Certain Multiples

PB: Plate Block
LP: Line Pair
JLP: Joint Line Pair

Miscellaneous Abbreviations

SS or
S/S: Souvenir Sheet

SE: Straight Edge

CTO: Canceled to Order

Ovpt: Overprint

APO: Army Post Office

FPO: Fleet Post Office

HPO: Highway Post Office

RPO: Railway Post Office

BEP: Bureau of Engraving and Printing

UPU: Universal Postal Union

CDS: Circular Datestamp (cancellation)

EFOs: Errors, Freaks and Oddities