Why are there cut circles on these stamps?

[crazyquilter]

I have a question: why does the Great Britain post office put 2 little cuts on the stamps? There is one around the numbers.

[guyana1230]

it is supposed to prevent someone peeling the stamp off and re-using it if there is no post mark on it, the oval shape will detach itself from the rest of stamp

[darkormex]

crazyquilter, there is a detailed description of all Machin security features including the oval slits at this website...www.adminware.ca/machin/m_tech.htm#Security. They are meant to prohibit the removal of the stamp from paper for re-use. I have successfully removed these stamps, however, using Pure Citrus and careful use of a straight-edge on the back of the stamp to remove the adhesive.

[kacyds]

Those are called Die Cut Slits. As darkormex stated, I have also removed them successfully from paper using Pure Citrus.

[crazyquilter]

You Guys are the best....thank you

[FairyFoot]

Only noticed them on the self-adhesive ones. Have to be careful peeling them off the sheet for affixing to the envelope...

[ChickasawStampMan]

Thanks for the info. I am learning about those machins...