| SPAIN.
The ATMs ... with date. |
WHEN IS AN ATM NOT AN ATM ?
... One of the main characteristics that determines an ATM is that
it can be used like a franking at any date and/or place different
from that of original purchase, such as a traditional stamp, but what
about when the date is printed ?
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| (Fig. 1) ATM without date |
(Fig. 2) ATM with date |
(Fig. 3) Stamp with date
and weight |
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The "reality" is that to include the
date
when the ATM is printed could be considered a cancellation, because
normally these stamps are for immediate use.
But this is not always the case,
and the "practice" in Spain is very different.
When the postal employees prints
the ATMs with the franking balances, they have the option to issue
them with a date (Fig. 2) or without a date (Fig. 1).
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But when
the ATMs are to take away, they print the ATMs without a date.
But there are exceptions due generally to the equipment not being correctly
‘informed’, or simply carelessness. Thus, it is not unusual to see circulated
covers with a postmark later than the date shown on the
ATM. |
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On the other hand, when somebody takes
a letter or package to the post office for franking, the postal employee
places it on the balance and issues a sticky stamp based on the weight,
type of shipment and destination ; The stamps thus issued always include
the date, and in many cases the weight in the centre of the
sticky paper (Fig. 3). Despite the use of an ATM look-a-like, these
could not be considered to be ATMs, but mechanical franking, and
usually they are not cancelled.
ATM
Web - Spain and Latin American Postal Services: http://www.ateeme.net
©
J. Jove - M. Sans.
ATEEME. Variable value stamps study group.
All rights reserved
This
page was created : October 2002. Last updated : 21.04.04.
English edition rewritted by S. Goodman (21.04.04)
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