frimärke

A frimärke, commonly known as a postage stamp, is a small piece of paper or similar material, usually rectangular, sold by a postal service to be affixed to an item being sent by mail. Its purpose is to indicate that postage has been paid. Frimärken come in various denominations, representing different amounts of postage. They are typically printed with an image, a denomination, and the name of the issuing country.

The history of the frimärke dates back to the mid-19th century, with the first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black, being issued in Great Britain in 1840. This innovation revolutionized mail delivery by standardizing postage costs and making them affordable for the general public. Before stamps, postage was often paid by the recipient, and rates could be complex and inconsistent.

Today, frimärken are collected by philatelists worldwide. Stamp collecting is a popular hobby, with collectors valuing stamps for their historical significance, artistic designs, and rarity. Modern frimärken often feature diverse themes, including notable figures, historical events, flora and fauna, and cultural landmarks. While the advent of digital communication has altered postal volumes, frimärken continue to be a symbol of mail and a tangible piece of postal history.