Even more info about collecting US stamps!
Since 1923, Disney has been enchanting audiences with its timeless characters and heartwarming stories. And over the years, these beloved creations have made their way onto US postage stamps, capturing the magic of Disney in a format that brings nostalgia, art, and history to the palm of our hands.
Since its debut in 1978, the Black Heritage Series has become a powerful tribute to the achievements and contributions of African Americans. With each stamp, this collection tells a story of courage, talent, innovation, and resilience, celebrating influential figures who have shaped history and continue to inspire future generations.
Test stamps are non-postal stamps created by postal administrations for use in testing and calibrating stamp vending machines, canceling machines, and other postal equipment. Unlike regular postage stamps, test stamps are not intended for public use and have no face value. Their designs are often simple, featuring basic shapes, solid colors, or repeating patterns, and they are typically printed in large quantities.
Holography is a technique that uses light to create a three-dimensional image. Lenticular printing works by layering multiple images on a plastic lens. When the stamp is tilted, the layers interact, causing the image to shift or move.
Among the many definitive series issued by the United States, the Presidential Series of 1938 stands out as a particularly iconic and beloved set. Known colloquially as the “Prexies,” these stamps played a significant role in American postal history and have become a favorite among collectors.
Proofs are preliminary impressions of a stamp that are produced during the design and printing process. They are used to test colors, designs, and printing plates before the final production run begins. Because they were never meant to be used for postage, proofs are typically found in pristine condition, making them highly desirable to collectors.
In stamp production, a “gutter” refers to the blank or unprinted space that appears between panes of stamps on a printed sheet. When two stamps are connected by this gutter, they form what is known as a gutter pair. If a group of four or more stamps is connected by this space, it is called a gutter block. A cross gutter block occurs when four panes of stamps are connected by two intersecting gutters, creating a block of stamps with a cross of unprinted space or additional design elements at its center.
Definitive stamps are the workhorses of the postal system. Unlike commemorative stamps, which are issued in limited quantities and for a short period, definitive stamps are produced in large numbers and are intended for everyday use. They are available for longer periods, often several years, and are reprinted as needed to meet demand.
Hunting permit stamps, also known as “duck stamps,” were first introduced in the United States in 1934 as a means of generating revenue for waterfowl conservation. The initiative was born out of necessity, as the early 20th century witnessed a dramatic decline in waterfowl populations due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting. The federal government stepped in, mandating that all waterfowl hunters over the age of 16 purchase a stamp annually.