stamps

A postage stamp is a small piece of adhesive paper issued by a postal authority to indicate prepayment of postage. It typically bears the issuing country's name, a monetary denomination, a design, and an indication that the stamp has been canceled after use. Stamps are affixed to mail to pay postage.

The modern system began in the United Kingdom with the 1840 Penny Black, which prepaid postage for letters. The idea soon spread worldwide and stamps have since reflected national identity and historical events.

Design and production: Stamps are produced in sheets or coils using engravings, lithography, or other printing methods. They may include watermarks, perforations, gum, and security features. In recent decades, self-adhesive formats and machine-printed labels have become common.

Types: Definitive stamps cover everyday use; commemoratives celebrate people or events; semi-postals raise funds for charity; special issues include airmail and official stamps.

Collecting: Stamp collecting, or philately, is a global hobby. Value depends on rarity, condition, centering, and errors. Notable examples include the Penny Black and the 1918 US Inverted Jenny.

Modern practice: Many countries issue themed stamps; digital postage and pre-paid labels supplement or replace traditional stamps in some contexts. Philatelists continue to study varieties and postal history.