10 Lesser-Known Facts About Stamps

Stamps are more than just tiny adhesive squares used to send letters. They hold a wealth of history, culture, and fascinating stories that make them a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. In this blog, we explore 10 lesser-known facts about stamps that will leave you intrigued and perhaps inspire you to start your own collection.

1. The First Stamp Design Contest

Did you know that the world’s first stamp design contest was held in 1839? Sir Rowland Hill and Henry Cole organized this competition to create a design for the Penny Black, the world’s first adhesive postage stamp. The competition received over 2,600 entries, but none were considered suitable. Hill chose a rough design featuring Queen Victoria’s profile, which became an iconic symbol of early philately.

2. The First Commemorative Stamp

While stamps were initially created for functional purposes, the first commemorative stamp appeared in 1870 in the Peru. The 5¢ scarlet Locomotive and Arms stamp was issued in Peru in 1870to mark the 20th anniversary of the first railway in South America

3. The “Inverted Jenny” Error

One of the most famous stamp errors in history is the “Inverted Jenny,” issued in 1918. This 24-cent US airmail stamp featured Curtiss JN-4 airplane printed upside down. Only 100 of these error stamps exist, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after collectibles in the world.

4. Glow-in-the-Dark Stamps

Stamps are not just limited to simple printed papers, but has become miniature works of art. Post offices in many countries issue luminescent stamps or Glow-in-the-dark stamps, which add a fun and innovative twist to traditional designs. These stamps often feature themes like celestial bodies and nocturnal wildlife.

5. Stamps Made from Unusual Materials

Did you know stamps have been on different materials apart from paper like- wood, glass, silk, plastic, etc. Several countries have issued stamps made from unusual materials. For example, Switzerland created a stamp made of lace in 2000, and Bhutan issued 3D stamps made of plastic. These innovative designs highlight how stamps can be more than just a piece of paper.

6. Microprinting for Security

To prevent counterfeiting, many modern stamps include microprinting—tiny text or patterns visible only under magnification. This technology ensures authenticity and adds another layer of complexity to stamp design.

7. Playable Vinyl Record Stamps

Bhutan issued a set of playable vinyl record stamp in 1973, which could actually be played on a turntable.

8. The Oldest Stamp Collector Club

The Royal Philatelic Society London, founded in 1869, holds the title of the oldest philatelic organization in the world. It remains a prestigious institution for stamp enthusiasts and historians alike. It was originally called The Philatelic Society, London.

9. The First Bi-colored Stamp

The 4 annas stamp issued in India in 1854 was one of the first bi-colored stamps in the world.

10. Stamps With No Country Name

United Kingdom is the only country that does not include country name in their stamps’ design. This is because the image of the reigning monarch on the stamp is considered enough to identify the issuing country.

How many facts did you know about? Let us know in comments.