Seals have always been more popular than embossers (note: seals are round; embossers are rectangular). The historical popularity of the seal format compared to the embosser format is the state’s requirement for round notary seals. This drove the seal market for many years.
However, seals have transitioned away from primarily notary public usage because the image does not copy or scan well – whereas an ink impression does not have that issue. Users of designer or monogram stamps are the artistic type that like the visual appeal of a raised image in the paper along with feeling the texture.
-Tom Jackson, Jackson Marking Products
