What are the Different Types of Stamps: Learn the Basic Types of Stamps

For many years, stamps had always been a significant part of man’s history. In fact, it has been known as the single most effective motivating force for people to infuse history into the modern world of information technology. This goes to show that in spite of the various gadgets and mechanisms that man was able to invent, stamps will continuously thrive in the society as history persists to evolve.

Stamp, or “postage stamp” as it is commonly known, is proof of prepaid payments of “postal services.” Placed at the right –hand corner of the envelope, stamps indicate that the person forwarding the letter or document has shelled out for its delivery.

Hence, stamps must contain the essential data about the country where the letter will come from. These things will facilitate the sorting process in the “electronic mail sorting” device.

Stamps had been used as an alternative to postage envelopes as early as 1830s. In 1837, the “first adhesive postage stamp” was created by Rowland Hill, an English schoolmaster.  It was on May 6, 1840 that the first “British Penny Black” stamp was discharged.

From then on, stamps continued to proliferate in the different parts of the world and have always been the primary form of postage payment throughout the globe.

Along with the growing popularity of stamps was the development of stamp collecting. Many people had been mesmerized with the creativity, uniqueness, and classiness that stamps bring. And since they carry a significant monetary value considering they indicate prepaid postal services, stamps had been viewed by collectors as valuable items.

Stamp collecting continues to thrive in the history as man persists to create various types of stamps. These will exhibit a unique array of stamps, each has its own unique beauty and elegance.

Before they start collecting, stamp collectors try to identify the types of stamps. These will help them segregate and sort stamps according to their classification.

On its basic concept, there are three main classifications of stamps — special, commemorative, and definitive. Here is a brief description of each type:

1. Special

From the word itself, special stamps are used on special occasions only. In the United States, special stamps are those that are used when sending out Christmas cards or in any kind of special celebration.

Special stamps are physically larger in dimension just like the other type of stamps — commemorative. These kinds of stamps are sold at the regular rate. On the other hand, it can also be bought on sale if ever the stocks go low.

Letters, packages, or documents sent out with special stamps indicate they are first-rate posts in the United States.

2. Commemorative

To commemorate is to honor or remember the historical events that bear significant and notable values. For this reason, commemorative stamps were created. They were initially made to signify the commemoration of a particular time in history.

It was on 1983 when the first commemorative stamp was issued. These stamps were used to commemorate the unearthing of the “New World” by Christopher Columbus.

In most cases, commemorative stamps are not used to dominate the stamp industry. In fact, they were made in smaller measures. In the U.S., commemorative stamps were produced by the hundreds, usually 200 at the most. This goes to show that no reprints are being made available.

Physically, commemorative stamps are bigger than the other types of stamps. Just like the special stamps, commemorative stamps disburse the first-class rates.

3. Definitive

Definitive stamps are given out usually to pay everyday postage charges. Since they are very common, they are less attractive than the other types of stamps.  In fact, there are instances wherein a single design in definitive stamps is utilized for many years.

Definitive stamps may not be as big as commemorative and special stamps but they are usually made in similar fundamental sizes.

However, in spite of their lack of creative designs, definitive  stamps are far more appealing to philatelists than the other types of stamps. This is because definitive stamp’s single design used through the years tends to lead to a lot of accidental varieties.

Other types of stamps are airmail, certified mail stamp, customized stamp, late fee stamp, express mail, etc. Whatever type of stamp you choose, these items denote one thing — man’s value of his history.