Did you know that on May 1, 1840, the Penny Black, the first adhesive postage stamp ever created, was released in the United Kingdom? By enabling payments for letters, it transformed mail networks and gave rise to contemporary postal services. With Queen Victoria's profile on it, it signified a new era in communication and came to represent convenience, spawning a rich and varied stamp collecting culture across the globe.
100 FUNFACTS ABOUT POSTAL STAMPS
1. On May 1, 1840, the Penny Black, the first postage stamp, was released in the United Kingdom.
2. Sir Rowland Hill created it, and it included Queen Victoria's profile.
3. Since it was assumed that everyone would be familiar with Queen Victoria, the Penny Black did not bear the name of the nation.
4. In 1847, Mauritius released two of the world's rarest stamps: the "Post Office" and the "Two Pence Blue."
5. Known for its inverted aeroplane design, the "Inverted Jenny" stamp is among the most well-known in the United States. There were only ever 100 printed.
6. The most well-known stamp in Sweden, the Treskilling Yellow, was produced in the incorrect colour.
7. In 1973, Bhutan released the first 3D stamps in history.
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| 100 funfacts about postal stamps |
8. The United Arab Emirates released the 1.36 m² largest stamp in the world in 2013.
9. The United States released its first self-adhesive stamp in 1974.
10. The study and collecting of stamps is referred to as "philately".
11. People who collect stamps are known as "philatelists."
12. The earliest postmark in the world was created in London in 1661.
13. Brazil saw the introduction of perforated stamps in 1854.
14. The Indian state of Chamba released the tiniest stamp in history in 1863.
15. A variety of themes, including as animals, historical occurrences, well-known individuals, and innovations, have been portrayed on stamps.
16. One of the rarest and most sought-after stamps is Brazil's 1843 "Bull's Eye" stamp.
17. One of the most popular U.S. stamps is the "Elvis Presley" stamp, which was released in 1993.
18. Stamps have been released by the United Nations Postal Administration in three distinct currencies: euros, Swiss francs, and US dollars.
19. A variety of materials, such as paper, fabric, and even wood, can be used to manufacture stamps.
Twenty-nine. Every year, the USPS releases about 35,000 different stamp designs.
21. In 1962, the USPS released the first Christmas stamp.
22. In 1955, the "Blue Mauritius" stamps were taken, but they were subsequently found in England.
23. The largest collection is said to belong to a stamp collector who has more than a million stamps.
24. Of all the U.S. stamps, the "Z Grill" is one of the rarest; only two are known to exist.
25. In 1918, the United States released its first airmail stamp.
26. Several nations released stamps featuring anti-Nazi emblems or secret messages during World War II.
27. Customers can design or upload images to make personalised stamps from the U.S. Postal Service.
28. A German stamp with a 1 trillion mark value was issued in 1920 as a result of hyperinflation.
29. The original adhesive postage stamp in history was the "Penny Black."
30. The shape of stamps can be changed; they can be pentagons, triangles, circles, or even the classic rectangular design.
31. The design of a stamp may vary based on the king or other head of state in power.
32. Important athletic occasions like the Olympics have been honoured with stamps.
33. A Curtiss JN-4 aircraft was featured on the first official U.S. airmail stamp.
34. To make stamps more valuable to collectors, some have purposefully printed faults on them.
35. In honour of the early 20th-century airship flights, "Zeppelin" stamps were released.
36. In 2013, the U.S. Postal Service started enabling users to trace mail using barcodes on stamps.
37. To aid in identification, tiny holes are cut in "Perfin" stamps.
38. To commemorate the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, the United States published a stamp in 1869.
39. Among the most costly stamps is the "Black Honduras" stamp.
40. One of the rarest Australian stamps is the "Inverted Swan".
41. In 1945, a stamp depicting the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima was released by the United States.
42. Famous writers, scientists, and painters have all had their stamps printed in their honour.
43. One of the rarest stamps in the world is the British Guiana 1c Magenta.
44. Holograms are affixed to certain stamps to provide security against counterfeiting.
45. In 1943, the "Lady of the Flag" stamp was created to recognise women serving in the armed forces.
46. In 2007, the United States issued its first ever forever stamp, which is still good for letter-posting even if prices go up in the future.
47. Certain stamps have fragrances associated with them, such as fruits or flowers.
48. The 1842 "Blue Eagle" postage stamp was the country's first adhesive postage stamp.
49. Stamps can be classified as definitive, commemorative, or special issue depending on their intended use.
50. The 1845 Swiss stamp known as the "Basel Dove" is prized for its distinctive pattern.
51. There are stamps with hidden graphics that can only be seen in UV light.
52. In 1875, the United States released a stamp with a carrier pigeon on it.
53. One of the most valuable stamps to collectors is the "Cape of Good Hope" stamp, which shows an image of Hope.
54. Printing faults on several stamps include missing colours and misplaced pictures.
55. In 2013, the Priority Mail stamp was launched by the United States Postal Service.
56. The 1980 China "Dragon" stamp is a highly prized collectible.
57. Achievements in space exploration are commemorated with stamps.
58. In 1969, a stamp honouring the first lunar landing was released by the United States.
59. The elaborate design of the Bavarian "Gold Bull's Head" stamp is well-known.
60. A few stamps have been printed on unique materials, such as silk or aluminium foil.
61. One of the most costly and rarest stamps from Sweden is the "Swedish Skilling".
62. To promote environmental conservation, stamps have been printed.
63. The "British Guiana 4 Cent Magenta" is regarded as the most valuable stamp in the entire globe.
64. In 1977, the United States Postal Service debuted the Express Mail stamp.
65. Some stamps include thermochromic ink written on them, which changes colour in response to temperature changes.
66. With an upside-down centre, the "Pan-American Inverts" stamps are among the most valued in the United States.
67. Famous sites and architectural marvels have been portrayed on stamps.
68. In 1869, the United States released a stamp with George Washington on it.
69. Among the rarest stamps from Hawaii are the "Hawaiian Missionaries" stamps.
70. In order to alter their denomination or function, certain stamps are purposefully overprinted.
71. In 2013, the Global Forever stamp was launched by the United States Postal Service.
72. Stamps honouring philanthropic causes and humanitarian endeavours have been released.
73. Collectors regard Switzerland's "Red Mercury" stamp as a classic.
74. For the blind and visually challenged, many stamps have been released with braille inscriptions.
75. In 1975, a stamp honouring the Apollo-Soyuz space mission was released by the United States.
76. Historical battles and wars are commemorated with stamps.
77. One of the earliest postal stamps in history was the "Ceres" stamp, which was introduced in France in 1849.
78. In 1955, the Certified Mail stamp was established by the United States Postal Service.
79. QR codes are incorporated in some stamps to provide further details or opportunities for engagement.
80. To encourage harmony and diversity among cultures, stamps have been issued.
81. The "Napoleon" stamps that were printed in France during his rule are very valuable.
82. The Statue of Liberty appeared on a stamp that the United States published in 1926.
83. To commemorate the anniversaries of noteworthy occasions or organisations, stamps have been produced.
84. The elaborate designs of the "Swiss Strubel" stamps are well-known.
85. For increased security, some stamps are made using phosphorescent ink.
86. In 1855, the Registered Mail stamp was created by the United States Postal Service.
87. Stamps featuring threatened species have been issued to promote awareness of conservation initiatives.
88. Collectors highly value the Egyptian "Tutankhamun" stamps.
89. To commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Paris, the United States published a stamp in 1948.
90. Actors, musicians, and cultural luminaries have all been honoured with stamps.
91. The "Siamese Twins" stamps from Siam, which is now in Thailand, are prized and uncommon.
92. A few stamps include optical illusions that shift in appearance depending on how they are viewed.
93. In 1885, the Special Delivery stamp was created by the United States Postal Service.
94. Famous innovations and technological advances have been portrayed on stamps.
95. One of the most sought-after South African stamps is the "Cape Triangulars"
96. Lentikular printing is used on certain stamps to produce 3D effects.
97. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the United States released a stamp in 1963.
98. In recognition of Nobel laureates and their accomplishments, stamps have been created.
99. The Russian "Empire Collection" is renowned for its historical importance.
100. Stamps continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts around the world as a fascinating convergence of art, history, and culture.
