Abstract: A die protection device that prevents the taking of fraudulent non-metered impressions from the value printing die surface of a printing member in a postage meter machine. A slug is reciprocally received within the print head of the postage meter machine such that the slug will extend beyond the diameter of the print head when the postage meter machine is inoperative, but the slug will be retracted during operation for the purpose of allowing the printing postage on an envelope. The device is particularly useful in a postage meter having a reciprocating platen.