An abnormal, usually non repetitive occurrence in the production of stamps that results in a variation from the normal stamp, but falls short of producing an error. Most paper folds, over inking and perforation shifts are freaks. Those abnormalities occurring repetitively are called varieties and may result in major errors.
a mistake in production caused by an unusual circumstance not likely to be identically repeated, such as a color shift, perforation shift, inking irregularity or paper fold. A freak is a less severe and less valuable mistake than an error.
a person or animal that is markedly unusual or deformed
a person who has been born with an extra leg or an unusually supple body or some other unusual characteristic
An abnormal variety of stamps occurring because of paper fold, over-inking, perforation shift, etc., as opposed to a continually appearing variety or a major error.
An abnormal variety created by an unusual circumstance and not repeated with regularity. For example, a FDC may bear only a portion of a postmark because the cover was misfed into the cancelling machine. Used in contrast to "error."
A freak is a mistake in the production of a stamp, such as color or perforation shifts, or over- or under-inking. Freaks are usually more common, less pronounced, and somewhat less collectible than "errors"."
A stamp showing a production flaw which is not consistent – includes ink smudge and off-center perforations.
An error or variety of a non-recurring type, usually caused accidentally during production.