Even more info about collecting 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.
Among the myriad details that make stamps so intriguing are watermarks. These subtle, often hidden features can tell us a lot about a stamp’s origin and authenticity.
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…
In the mid-19th century, the United States Postal Service introduced its first postage stamps, revolutionizing the way mail was sent and received. These early stamps not only represented a new…
You might wonder: how do I learn about postage stamps from experts? There are lots of publications out there, but one of the most fun and FREE ways is by…
In the vast history of communication, few innovations have had as profound an impact as the postage stamp. This small piece of paper revolutionized the way we send and receive…
When we think about postage stamps, we often imagine the familiar government-issued stamps that facilitate mail delivery across the country and around the world. However, private postal companies once played a significant role in the mail delivery landscape.