stamp

A stamp is a small piece of adhesive paper or other material issued by a country to indicate that a certain fee has been paid for postal services or other fiscal duties. It bears a denomination, a country or issuer, an image or inscription, and is typically affixed to mail. After use, stamps are usually canceled to prevent reuse.

Historically, stamps were introduced in the 19th century to prepay postage. Britain’s Penny Black of 1840 is commonly cited as the first postage stamp. The concept spread worldwide, giving rise to vast national issues and the hobby of philately. Stamps can be definitive (regular, long-running issues) or commemorative (issued to celebrate events or themes).

Design and production: Stamps are produced by government printers or authorized contractors. Printing methods include engraving, lithography, typography, and photogravure. Perforations separate stamps from sheets, and many issues incorporate watermarks, security features, or self-adhesive backs. Collectors often seek variety in color, perforation, plate numbers, and printing errors or varieties.

Types and uses: In addition to postage stamps, many jurisdictions issue revenue stamps for taxes, licenses, and duties, as well as official stamps for government use. Modern stamps may be semi-postal (with a portion of the sale going to a cause), airmail issues, or have special formats and shapes.

Philately and culture: Stamp collecting began in the 19th century and encompasses a wide range of material, from postal histories to first-day covers and cancellation types. Stamps serve as artifacts of national symbolism, art, and historical events, and remain a persistent form of documentary evidence and creative design.