![Image](https://www.stampboards.com/images/norphil/2009/images/090100_security_machins.jpg)
From 17 February 2009 Royal Mail will issue definitive stamps with security features designed to prevent reuse.
The stamps will have 4 semi-circular slits similar to some used on retail price tickets, and will also have an irridescent print on the dark area around the Queen's head.
![Image](https://www.stampboards.com/images/norphil/2009/images/090100_security_machins.jpg)
Latest reports added the 50p & £1 values to the basic rate stamps, which will all be printed in counter sheets of 50 instead of 200, and be self-adhesive.
So there are 6 basic stamps, but many variations
1st class gold
2nd class blue
1st class gold Large letter
2nd class blue Large letter
50p light grey
£1 ruby.
The latest information release only refers to self-adhesive but earlier the stamp rolls were stated to be conventionally gummed.
The full list is as follows:
Sheet stamps by De La Rue
1st & 2nd (letter) in counter sheets of 50
1st & 2nd (Large letter) in counter sheets of 50?
50p & £1 in counter sheets of 50
Business Sheet stamps by De La Rue[? the trial B/S I saw were Walsall printed]
100 x 1st
100 x 2nd
50 x 1st Large
50 x 2nd Large
Retail books by Walsall Security Printers (probably conventional gum, not SA
6 x 1st
12 x 1st
12 x 2nd
4 x 1st Large
4 x 2nd Large
Stamp rolls (printer not stated)
500 x 2nd
500 x 1st
1000 x 2nd
1000 x 1st
Standard First Day Envelopes and a Presentation Pack will also be available.
When questioned whether the stamps could be soaked as usual by collectors Royal Mail stated that
"Fraudulent use of used stamps costs Royal Mail a considerable amount every year. .... The features are designed to prevent any stamps from removal."
So that's a NO then! Initial reports on the newly issued Christmas stamps (which were also self-adhesive by De La Rue) suggests that these may also be difficult to soak. As Christmas stamps are a close second to Machins in eBay lists of 'unfranked no gum' stamps offered (for re-use), this would be a logical move.