Mystic Stamp Learning Hub

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Top Stories and Guides

Want to start collecting stamps? Want tips on maintaining your collection? Start here.

  • U.S. Postal Service Provides Sneak Peek at 2026 Stamps

    The US Postal Service announced Wedensday, October 29, many of the stamps it will release in 2026. “This early preview of our 2026 stamp program underscores the Postal Service’s commitment to celebrating the artistry and storytelling that make stamps so special,” said Lisa Bobb-Semple, the organization’s Stamp Services director.

    Read More
  • The Bold—and Controversial—Birth of Australia’s First Stamp

    On January 2, 1913, the first Kangaroo and Map stamp appeared at post offices across the country. The reaction was immediate—and fierce. Supporters saw it as a proud national symbol, a break from colonial convention. But Loyalists complained it was unpatriotic to omit the king’s portrait.

    Read More
  • The Minting of Indian Head Pennies

    Minted from 1859 through 1909, the Indian Head penny bridged the years of westward conquest, the Civil War, and the dawn of modern America—capturing the nation’s spirit in copper.

    Read More
  • Stamps to Haunt You This Halloween

    As Halloween approaches, some stamps capture the spirit of the season with eerie imagery and spooky themes. From designs that echo old legends to monsters that have appeared on the silver screen, these stamps can give any collection a haunting twist.

    Read More
  • Postal History of the Confederacy

    When the Civil War began in 1861, the Confederate States of America needed to build its own postal system from scratch. With Union stamps declared invalid in the South, the Confederacy rushed to design and issue its own postage.

    Read More
  • Mystic Stamp Company’s Approval Service Makes Collecting Easy!

    At Mystic Stamp Company, stamp collecting is meant to be easy, enjoyable, and risk-free. That’s why we offer our famous Approval Service – a simple way for collectors to explore new stamps from the comfort of home, with no obligation to buy.

    Read More
  • The Story of America’s Duck Stamps

    Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation stamps, more commonly known as “Duck” stamps, have been a cornerstone of American conservation since their debut in 1934. The program was born out of…

    Read More
  • Discover Civil War U.S. Revenue Stamped Paper

    Congress passed the Revenue Act of 1862 to raise money for the Civil War. This new act put a 2¢ tax on bank checks. While most paid the tax by affixing a 2¢ stamp to the check, Congress also authorized Revenue Stamped Paper where the stamp is printed right on the check, like this…

    Read More
  • The Roosevelt Small Die Proofs

    Roosevelt small die proofs are impression proofs of US postage stamps, painstakingly prepared by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing in the early 20th century. These proofs were bound into deluxe presentation albums, unofficially called “Roosevelt Albums” due to their distribution during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency.

    Read More

This Day in History

Learn about the history of US stamps with a daily snapshot of this day in US stamp history.

  • October 29, 2025

    Birth of Bill Mauldin

    On October 29, 1921, William “Bill” Mauldin was born in Mountain Park, New Mexico. Before he turned 40, his sharp, honest cartoons of weary GIs had earned him two Pulitzer Prizes — and the lasting respect of those who served.
    Read More