In philately, a die is the engraved image of a stamp on metal which is subsequently multiplied by impression to create the printing plate (or printing base).Williams, L.N. & M. Fundamentals of Philately, The American Philatelic Society, State College, Penn., revised edition, 1990, pp. 158-159.
See also Die proof (philately)
References
External links The "Old Original" die for the Penny Black.