Everything you need to know about stamps from around the world!
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.
The world’s first-ever adhesive postage stamp was issued in Great Britain on May 1, 1840. As the world’s first postage stamp, the Penny Black is one of the most famous, desired, and historically significant stamps of all time.
Sweden’s rich postal history dates back to the 17th century, when mail delivery was a critical service for both government and citizens. However, the story of Swedish postage stamps began in 1855, when Sweden issued its first stamps, joining the growing ranks of countries adopting stamps as a method for prepaying postage.
King George V’s fascination with stamps earned him the nickname the “Collector King,” and his legacy is still cherished in the world of philately today. By the time of his death in 1936, King George V had amassed a collection that spanned 328 red stamp albums.
The first UN stamps were issued on October 24, 1951, commemorating the organization’s sixth anniversary. These stamps were produced at the UN Headquarters in New York City, making them the first stamps issued by an international organization. The idea behind these stamps was to promote the UN’s mission and raise funds for its activities.
A postal card is a type of stationery issued by postal authorities, distinct from postcards in that the postage is pre-printed on the card itself. This made them an economical and convenient option for sending quick messages, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when they were most popular.
In the United States, the tradition of commemorative stamps began with the Columbian Exposition Issue in 1893. This series of 16 stamps was released to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World. Known simply as “the Columbians,” these stamps featured a range of denominations and depicted various scenes from Columbus’s voyages.
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