parastamps

Parastamps are a unique category of postal collectibles that are closely related to postage stamps but are not issued by a postal authority for the prepayment of postage. They often mimic the design and appearance of official stamps, leading to their classification as "parastamps" or "pseudo-stamps."

The primary characteristic of parastamps is their lack of official postal validity. This means they cannot be legally affixed to mail and used to pay for postal services. Their purpose can vary widely, including decorative use, as components of philatelic displays, or sometimes as novelty items. Some parastamps are created by independent artists or organizations for aesthetic reasons, while others might be produced by entities that wish to evoke the look of postage without offering postal franking.

Collectors often distinguish parastamps from official stamps based on their origin and purpose. While they may share similar printing methods and paper types, their issuer and intended use are the key differentiators. The study of parastamps falls under the broader umbrella of philately, the collection and study of stamps and postal history. Collectors interested in parastamps may focus on specific themes, designs, or the historical context of their creation. Their often unofficial nature means that their production and distribution can be less regulated than official postage stamps, leading to a diverse and sometimes niche collecting field.