STAMP HISTORY
The first postage stamp was the Penny Black issued in Great Britain in 1840. In the more than 170 years since, a fascinating history has taken shape.
Not only is the history of stamps and their evolution into the artful collectible they are today an interesting lesson to learn, but the stories that stamps and covers tell as snapshots of a given time and place can also be a true joy. |
The Very First Stamps | Legends of the Hobby | |
Every country that has ever issued stamps—from Great Britain, to the Brazil, to the United States—can point to a single stamp or set as its first. What are the stories behind them? | The world's first postage stamp from Great Britain. A truly unique stamp from a tiny South American country. A classic error stamp from the U.S. Meet a few the hobby's most famous rarities. | |
Postmark & Cancel History | Keep Up With Terms | |
Collectors often use the terms "postmark" and "cancellation" interchangeably, but they are not necessarily the same thing. Learn the history behind the two different types of philatelic collectibles. | As stamps have changed over the years, so have has the terminology used to describ and classify them. It's important to keep up and know your lingo. |
Read more posts about stamp history: |
|
Keep up with our latest Stamp Collecting Basics posts by signing up for our free email newsletter.
Have a question about stamp collecting for our expert staff? Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and ask us there! |
Headlines
-
World Stamps Dec 25, 2024, 8 AM
Demand for Soviet stamps from 1930s through the 1950s remains strong
-
US Stamps Dec 24, 2024, 2 PM
Support for first-day ceremonies at stamp shows
-
World Stamps Dec 24, 2024, 9 AM
New Zealand welcomes the Year of the Snake with four stamps in a Jan. 15 issue
-
World Stamps Dec 23, 2024, 12 PM
Belgium reveals its 2025 stamp program