What Does Back-of-the-Book Mean?
In the world of stamp collecting, there’s a term that often sparks curiosity among both new and seasoned collectors—Back-of-the-Book (BOB). You may have seen it mentioned in catalogs or heard collectors refer to it during conversations, but what exactly does it mean?
The term “Back-of-the-Book” refers to stamps and postal items that are not considered part of the regular postage issues. These are typically found in the back section of stamp catalogs, hence the name. While standard postage stamps—those used to mail letters and packages—make up the bulk of a country’s stamp issues, Back-of-the-Book stamps serve more specialized or unique purposes.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the different types of Back-of-the-Book stamps and postal items:
1. Airmail Stamps
These stamps were issued for mail sent via airplane. Though no longer necessary in today’s world of standard airmail rates, these stamps represent a fascinating period in postal history when sending a letter by air was a premium service.
2. Special Delivery
Special delivery stamps allowed mail to be delivered more quickly than regular service. Although this service has been largely replaced by modern express mail services, these stamps were essential during their time, ensuring that letters arrived as fast as possible.
Click here for more Special Delivery stamps.
3. Postage Due Stamps
These stamps were used to indicate that additional postage was required on a piece of mail. They were affixed when the sender failed to apply enough postage, making them a reminder of an error that needed to be corrected.
Click here for more Postage Due stamps.
4. Official Stamps
Issued for use by government agencies, these stamps often feature inscriptions like “Official Mail” or “Service.” They ensured that correspondence between government bodies was paid for and tracked separately from standard public mail.
Click here for more Officials.
5. Revenue Stamps
Revenue stamps are used to indicate the payment of taxes or fees on documents, goods, and services. They serve a different purpose than postage stamps but are a vital part of postal and legal history. Some popular revenue stamps come from specific uses, such as tobacco or liquor tax stamps.
Click here for more Revenue stamps.
6. Postal Stationery
This category includes pre-printed postcards, envelopes, and aerogrammes with imprinted stamps. These items were sold by postal services to make mailing easier, saving the buyer from purchasing a separate stamp.
Click here for more Stamped Envelopes and Post Cards.
7. War Savings Stamps
These stamps were sold to raise funds for military efforts during times of war, particularly World War I and World War II. They often allowed citizens to accumulate savings and contribute to national causes at the same time.
Click here for more Savings stamps.
Why Collect Back-of-the-Book Stamps?
Many collectors love BOB stamps because of their unique historical significance. They often reveal stories of government operations, tax regulations, and the evolution of postal systems. Plus, many of these stamps are relatively scarce, making them exciting additions to collections.
If you’re looking to expand your collection beyond traditional postage stamps, delving into the world of Back-of-the-Book stamps can offer a whole new dimension to your hobby. These stamps, while not always flashy, add depth and richness to any collection, offering insights into different aspects of history, from aviation to government operations.
Adding Back-of-the-Book stamps to your collection can transform it, offering an intriguing mix of history, rarity, and specialized postal uses.