Stamps: The Engravers' Grave Acts

The Engravers' Grave Acts

The first discovery was of a Star of David etched into the beard of Bernard Revel, a Jewish educator portrayed on a 1986 $1 commemorative stamp. Last week the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing acknowledged a second instance of tiny graffiti: an engraver had hidden a signature on a 1986 issue honoring the hobby of stamp collecting. Still another name was discovered on a 1985 stamp saluting World War I veterans.

The U.S. forbids engravers to sign their work, but since the unauthorized markings are printed on all the stamps in question, the discoveries are not expected to enhance their...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!