Everything you should know about postage stamps

Postage stamps are an adhesive label stuck on the envelopes and other postal packages, as a proof of the deposit of the fee paid for the postal services. The first country to issue these stamps was the United Kingdom.

Postage stamps are traded through different outlets of the post office, and are issued by the Government. Postage stamps are available in different dimensions and forms. There are memorial postage stamps dedicated to several vital events. These stamps are also issued to provide respect to the national personalities, or other highly vital personalities. There are also different types of stamps available that reflect diverse geographical features and cultures. Many of these stamps also have animals and birds as their theme.

Just like a gift wrap, these stamps vary according to the way they are used. The main types of stamps in use are express mail stamps, special delivery stamps, postage due stamps and airmail stamps. The rates of postage stamps generally vary according to the weight of and nature of the mail.

Self-adhesive stamps and water based stamps are available. These stamps have details like the year, name of the country, and the value of the stamp. Nowadays, there are stamps that are sold across the holidays that are a sign of the season, like Hanukkah and Christmas. People may also decide to purchase stamps that have messages on them, like stamps that are sold to generate funds for the charities. Other than raising fund for the charities, there are various other stamps that assist health organizations and medical institutions raise sufficient funds.

Philately is the study and collection of postage stamps, and several philatelists would play a considerable amount to get a rare stamp just like an UPS. Stamps are collector’s items that can be bought online or at auctions.