Learn More about US Stamps

The United States issued its first stamp booklets in 1900, featuring panes of six 2-cent stamps. These booklets were initially intended for travelers and businesses, providing a portable and handy means to carry stamps. Over time, the format gained popularity, and various designs and denominations were introduced to cater to diverse postal requirements.

Paste-up pairs emerged from the practical necessities of stamp production. In the early 20th century, coil stamps—stamps issued in a continuous strip, often used in vending machines and by businesses—became increasingly popular. These coils were created by pasting together strips of stamps cut from sheets. To ensure a continuous roll, the ends of the strips were manually joined with a small piece of paper known as the “paste-up” tab.

Plate numbers on US sheet stamps are unique identifiers used during the printing process. These numbers are printed in the margins of the stamp sheets and correspond to the printing plate used to produce that particular sheet of stamps.

As a stamp collector, you’ve likely encountered stamps with various types of perforations. Among the less common yet highly intriguing varieties are rouletted perforations. These unique markings tell a fascinating…