Catalogue
Postage Stamps
Definitive, commemorative, airmail and official issues.
Scope
Postage, revenue and official stamps described from postal-museum records, with the depicted subject, printer, printing method, issue date and standard catalogue number where recorded.
Colour shades, re-issues and plate varieties of the same design are consolidated rather than listed separately, so that no single country dominates the section.
What to record when identifying
- Denomination and country or postal authority
- Design subject and frame
- Printing method, paper and perforation
- Standard catalogue number
Published entries
403
Individual types and documented families
With photographs
100%
403 with a credited real-object photo
Dated span
1755 – 2014
393 entries with their own date
Verified or well documented
10
Highest two confidence levels
Catalogue entries (403)
Filter by era, country, maker or material1–48 of 403 entries
Numérisation : User:Yuu UKIBASHI, via Wikimedia Commons
stamps
"Return of Peace" issue, Algeria, 1963
1963
The "Return of Peace" issue comprises 8 postage stamps released by Algeria on 6 January 1963. The StampWorld catalogue lists 8 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 395–402), printed in 8 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issue: 0.05Fr multicoloured; 0.10Fr multicoloured; 0.25Fr multicoloured; 0.9…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$2 Alexander Hamilton Beer revenue stamp single
1871
$2 Alexander Hamilton Beer revenue stamp single — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1999.2018.468), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA REA29. Dated by the museum: 1871. Medium: paper; ink (red brown / black). Scott's REA numbers cover United States beer stamps, used to sh…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$2 Columbus in Chains single
1893
$2 Columbus in Chains single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.1639), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 242. Dated by the museum: 1893. Depicts: Christopher Columbus, Italian, 1451 - 1506. Medium: paper; ink (brown red) / engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$2.60 Graf Zeppelin Passing Globe forgery single
c. 1930-1938
$2.60 Graf Zeppelin Passing Globe forgery single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 0.197716.4), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA C15. Dated by the museum: c. 1930-1938. Medium: paper; ink (blue). Scott's C numbers cover United States airmail stamps. This entry docume…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$20 Documentary Conveyance revenue stamp single
1862
$20 Documentary Conveyance revenue stamp single — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1998.2013.3254.1), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA R98a. Dated by the museum: 1862. Medium: paper; ink (orange). Scott's R numbers cover the general (documentary) revenue stamps of the…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$200 Documentary Internal Revenue revenue stamp single
1862
$200 Documentary Internal Revenue revenue stamp single — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1998.2013.3258.1), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA R102c. Dated by the museum: 1862. Medium: paper; ink (green, red). Scott's R numbers cover the general (documentary) revenue st…
Partial type record
Post of Hungary, via Wikimedia Commons
stamps
100th Anniversary of the Birth of Sandor Petofi, 1823-1849 issue, Hungary, 1923
1923
The 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Sandor Petofi, 1823-1849 issue comprises 5 postage stamps released by Hungary on 13 January 1923. The StampWorld catalogue lists 5 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 398, 399, 400, 401, 402), printed in 5 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issue: 10+10 Kr sl…
Partial type record
Processed by A. Sdobnikov, via Wikimedia Commons
stamps
100th Anniversary of the declaration of independence of Norway issue, Kingdom of Norway, 1914
1914
The 100th Anniversary of the declaration of independence of Norway issue comprises 3 postage stamps released by the Kingdom of Norway on 10 May 1914. The StampWorld catalogue lists 3 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 90, 91, 92), printed in 3 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issue: 5øre green…
Partial type record
Post of Gibraltar, via Wikimedia Commons
stamps
100th Anniversary of the International Red Cross issue, Gibraltar, 1963
1963
The 100th Anniversary of the International Red Cross issue comprises 2 postage stamps released by Gibraltar on 2 September 1963. The StampWorld catalogue lists 2 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 162, 163), printed in 2 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issue: 1P black/red; 9P blue/red. Desig…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10c Honolulu Harbor envelope
1884
The 10c Honolulu Harbor envelope is a postal item associated with the Kingdom of Hawaii and categorized under the topic of The Gilded Age (1877–1920). It is referenced as Hawaii U5 in the Scott catalogue. The museum record does not describe specific pictorial design elements, inscriptions, or legends beyond the titl…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10c Pennsylvania First Federal Issue embossed revenue stamped paper on document
April, 1800
10c Pennsylvania First Federal Issue embossed revenue stamped paper on document — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 0.260305.201.32.1), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA RM176. Dated by the museum: April, 1800. Medium: paper; ink (black). Scott's RM numbers cover embosse…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10c Springfield Soldiers' Fair single
1864
10c Springfield Soldiers' Fair single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2010.2004.129), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA WV14. Dated by the museum: 1864. Medium: paper; ink. Scott's WV numbers cover the Sanitary Fair stamps of 1864, sold at charity fairs that raised m…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10c St. Louis Bear type I postmaster provisional single
1845
10c St. Louis Bear type I postmaster provisional single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 0.058133.1), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 11X2. Dated by the museum: 1845. Medium: paper (greenish wove); ink (black). Postmaster provisionals were stamps or handstamps produ…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10c Stars and Palms specimen sheet pane of 100
1894
10-cent yellow green Mint sheet of 200, separated into two panes of 100 with gutter Perforation 12 specimen [SPECIMEN] overprint Stars and Palms. Museum record — Date: 1894. Materials: paper; ink (yellow green) / engraved; gum adhesive. Dimensions: Height x Width: 13 x 10 1/4 in. (33 x 26 cm). Printer: American Ban…
Partial type record
Post of Finland, via Wikimedia Commons
stamps
10th anniversary of the Republic - Letterpress printing issue, Grand Duchy and Republic of Finland, 1927
1927
The 10th anniversary of the Republic - Letterpress printing issue comprises 2 postage stamps released by the Grand Duchy and Republic of Finland on 6 December 1927. The StampWorld catalogue lists 2 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 125, 126), printed in 2 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issu…
Partial type record
Stamps.ru, via Wikimedia Commons
stamps
115th Birth Anniversary of M.Fokin issue, Russian Federation, 1995
1995
The 115th Birth Anniversary of M.Fokin issue comprises 3 postage stamps released by the Russian Federation on 18 January 1995. The StampWorld catalogue lists 3 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 403, 404, 405), printed in 3 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issue: 250R multicoloured; 250R multi…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
14c Shanghai China surcharge on 7c Washington single
1919
14c Shanghai China surcharge on 7c Washington single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1998.2012.311), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA K7. Dated by the museum: 1919. Medium: paper, ink (black, red), engraving, typography. Scott's K numbers cover the stamps of the Uni…
Partial type record
Hungarian Post. Ádám Cziglényi, via Wikimedia Commons
stamps
150th Anniversary of the Birth of A.s.Puschkins, 1799-1837 issue, Hungary, 1949
1949
The 150th Anniversary of the Birth of A.s.Puschkins, 1799-1837 issue comprises 2 postage stamps released by Hungary on 6 June 1949. The StampWorld catalogue lists 2 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 1066, 1066). Values and colours recorded for the issue: 1Ft dark purple/red. Catalogue notes on individual val…
Partial type record
Post of Armenia, via Wikimedia Commons
stamps
1550th Anniversary of the Battle of Avarayr issue, Armenia, 2001
2001
The 1550th Anniversary of the Battle of Avarayr issue comprises 2 postage stamps released by Armenia on 7 June 2001. The StampWorld catalogue lists 2 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 455, 456), printed in 2 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issue: 170(D) multicoloured; 270(D) multicoloured.…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
15c Henry Clay single
1894
The object is a postage stamp catalogued under the title "15c Henry Clay single" and referenced in the Scott catalogue as Scott USA 259. In the museum classification, it is categorized under postage stamps. The record notes that identification involves comparing the design, value, colour, perforation or imperforate…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
16 2/3c Beer revenue stamp single
1866
16 2/3c Beer revenue stamp single — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1999.2018.578), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA REA8P4. Dated by the museum: 1866. Medium: card; ink (green); engraved. Scott's REA numbers cover United States beer stamps, used to show that the fede…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
1c Alexander's Matches revenue stamp single
1864
1c Alexander's Matches revenue stamp single — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1998.2013.5079.1), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA RO2a. Dated by the museum: 1864. Medium: paper; ink (orange). Scott's RO numbers cover private die match stamps. Under the Civil War reven…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
1c J.C. Ayer and Company revenue stamp single
1863
1c J.C. Ayer and Company revenue stamp single — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1998.2013.5178.1), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA RS4e. Dated by the museum: 1863. Medium: paper; ink (black). Scott's RS numbers cover private die medicine (proprietary) stamps, printed…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
1c Princess Miriam Kapili Kekauluohi Likelike specimen sheet pane of 50
1882
1-cent blue specimen pane of 50, perforation 12 specimen overprint. Museum record — Date: 1882. Materials: paper (wove); ink (blue) / engraved; gum adhesive. Dimensions: Height x Width: 12 1/4 x 5 11/16 in. (31.12 x 14.5 cm). Printer: National Bank Note Company. Depicts: Princess Miriam Kapili Kekauluohi Likelike,…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
1c Queen Liliuokalani unsevered postal reply card
1883
A reply postal card consists of two cards joined together--one for the original message, and the other for the recipient's reply. Museum record — Date: 1883. Materials: paper (buff-colored card); ink (purple) / lithography. Dimensions: Height x Width: 6 7/16 x 5 9/16 in. (16.4 x 14.2 cm). Printer: American Bank Not…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
1c Washington single line watermark single
1912
The object is a postage stamp titled "1c Washington single line watermark single," catalogued under the reference Scott USA 405 and classified within the museum's collection as a postage stamp. The documentation notes that identification involves comparing the design, value, colour, perforation or imperforate margin…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
1d “America” Stamp Act newspaper revenue stamp proof
1765
Great Britain's victory in the Seven Years War (1756-1763) led to the complete defeat of France and Spain as colonial powers in North America. The peace treaty negotiated at Paris in 1763 resulted in France's loss of all her possessions in continental North America; Spain traded Florida for Havana, which had been co…
Partial type record
User:Dartster57, via Wikimedia Commons
stamps
1st Anniversary of Independence issue, Republic of Latvia, 1919
1919
The 1st Anniversary of Independence issue comprises 2 postage stamps released by the Republic of Latvia on 18 November 1919. The StampWorld catalogue lists 2 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 20, 20A), printed in 2 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issue: 10K brown/red; 10K brown/red. Catalog…
Partial type record
StampWorld catalogue
stamps
1st Commercial Flight of Concorde issue, Bahrain, 1976
1976
The 1st Commercial Flight of Concorde issue comprises 4 postage stamps released by Bahrain on 22 January 1976. The StampWorld catalogue lists 4 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 249, 250, 251, 252), printed in 4 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issue: 80F multicoloured; 80F multicoloured; 80F…
Partial type record
Почта России / Russian Post. Original uploader was Vizu at ru.wikipedia, via Wikimedia Commons
stamps
2000th Anniversary of Christianity issue, Russian Federation, 2000
2000
The 2000th Anniversary of Christianity issue comprises 4 postage stamps released by the Russian Federation on 1 January 2000. The StampWorld catalogue lists 4 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 771, 772, 773, 774), printed in 4 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issue: 3.00(R) multicoloured; 3.0…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
20c Washington CSA single
1863
20c Washington CSA single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2004.1521), catalogued by the museum as Scott CSA 13b. Dated by the museum: 1863. Medium: paper (white wove paper of strong texture and varied thickness); ink (wide range of shades from milky green, bluish gre…
Partial type record
StampWorld catalogue
stamps
20th Anniversary of Independence issue, Tanzania, 1982
1982
The 20th Anniversary of Independence issue comprises 4 postage stamps released by Tanzania on 13 January 1982. The StampWorld catalogue lists 4 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 189, 190, 191, 192), printed in 4 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issue: 50C multicoloured; 1Sh multicoloured; 3Sh…
Partial type record
StampWorld catalogue
stamps
20th Anniversary of Vietnam Airlines issue, Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), 1972
1972
The 20th Anniversary of Vietnam Airlines issue comprises 4 postage stamps released by the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) on 18 April 1972. The StampWorld catalogue lists 4 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 398, 399, 400, 401), printed in 4 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issue: 10D mult…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
24c Curtiss Jenny invert single
May 14, 1918
24c Curtiss Jenny invert single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 0.217665.1), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA C3a. Dated by the museum: May 14, 1918. Medium: paper; ink (carmine rose and blue) / engraving; adhesive. Scott's C numbers cover United States airmail stamps.
Partial type record
StampWorld catalogue
stamps
250th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington, 1732-1799 issue, Samoa, 1982
1982
The 250th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington, 1732-1799 issue comprises 2 postage stamps released by Samoa on 26 February 1982. The StampWorld catalogue lists 2 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 485, 485). Values and colours recorded for the issue: 1$ multicoloured. Catalogue notes on individual v…
Partial type record
Post of Hungary, via Wikimedia Commons
stamps
250th Anniversary of the Recapture of Budapest from the Turks issue, Hungary, 1936
1936
The 250th Anniversary of the Recapture of Budapest from the Turks issue comprises 5 postage stamps released by Hungary on 2 September 1936. The StampWorld catalogue lists 5 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 564, 565, 566, 567, 568), printed in 5 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issue: 10f dar…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
25c President Sanford Ballard Dole specimen sheet pane of 100
1894
Mint sheet of 200 25-cent stamps Specimen overprint The sheet was split through the vertical gutter leaving two horizontal panes of 100 stamps per side. Museum record — Date: 1894. Materials: paper; ink (deep blue) / engraved; overprinted. Dimensions: Height x Width: 12 15/16 x 9 13/16 in. (32.9 x 25 cm). Printer:…
Partial type record
Post of Gibraltar, via Wikimedia Commons
stamps
25th Anniversary of King George V Regency issue, Gibraltar, 1935
1935
The 25th Anniversary of King George V Regency issue comprises 4 postage stamps released by Gibraltar on 6 May 1935. The StampWorld catalogue lists 4 stamps in the issue (StampWorld numbers 98, 99, 100, 101), printed in 4 design types. Values and colours recorded for the issue: 2P black/blue; 3P blue/brown; 6P grey/…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
2c carmine Washington Type IV single
1894
2c carmine Washington Type IV single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.1675), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA unlisted. Dated by the museum: 1894. Depicts: George Washington, American, 1732 - 1799. Medium: paper; ink (carmine); adhesive / engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
2c D.O. Blood & Co. City Despatch Post forgery single
1843
2c D.O. Blood & Co. City Despatch Post forgery single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2004.2019.26), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 15L5. Dated by the museum: 1843. Medium: paper; ink (black). Local posts and private letter carriers operated in American cities in…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
2c Diamond Head specimen severed postal reply card
1889
Severed, sample or specimen 2-cent sapphire blue "View of Diamond Head" reply card presumably from the files of the Record & Specimen Dept. of the American Bank Note Company. See the handstamped notation: "Return to E.5. / To be held for Reference." 1984.0372.40.1 &.2 were originally attached but have been torn apar…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
2c Eagle revenue stamped bank check
June 14, 1869
2c Eagle revenue stamped bank check — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2011.2005.711), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA RN-B1. Dated by the museum: June 14, 1869. Medium: paper; ink (orange / black). Scott's RN numbers cover revenue stamped paper: cheques, receipts and…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
2c R. &. G.A. Wright revenue stamp single
1866
2c R. &. G.A. Wright revenue stamp single — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1998.2013.5399.1), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA RT23b. Dated by the museum: 1866. Medium: paper; ink (black). Scott's RT numbers cover private die perfumery and cosmetic stamps, printed fr…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
2gr Imperial Eagle imperforate pair
1872
The object is a used, imperforate stamp pair featuring an Imperial Eagle design and a denomination of 2 gr. The pair is colored ultramarine. The entry associates the piece with the entity German Empire, categorizes it under the topic U.S. Stamps, and cross-references it to Scott catalogue number Germany 5a. The docu…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
2p Battle of Manila Bay vignette plate proof
November 19, 1934
Certified plate proofs are the last printed proof of the plate before printing the stamps at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. These plate proofs are each unique, with the approval signatures and date. For postal scholars these plates provide important production information in the plate margin inscriptions, inc…
Partial type record
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
stamps
3 Jahre Wermachtbetreuung
1943-01-10
German postage stamp, affixed with special postmarks to specially printed pieces of paper; postage stamp with stagecoach, yellow, brown, and blue. Note: See NG-700-F. Inscription; at top: 'Die Deutsche Arbeitsfront / N-S Gemeinschaft / Kraft durch Freude'. Dated; on postmark: 10.1.43. Marked; on postage stamp and pa…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
30c Eagle Great Central Sanitary Fair single
1864
30c Eagle Great Central Sanitary Fair single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1984.0173.10524), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA WV13. Dated by the museum: 1864. Medium: paper; ink. Scott's WV numbers cover the Sanitary Fair stamps of 1864, sold at charity fairs that…
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
30c Hamilton single
October 14, 1874
30c Hamilton single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.792), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 165. Dated by the museum: October 14, 1874. Depicts: Alexander Hamilton, American, 1757 - 1804. Medium: white wove paper; ink (gray black); adhesive / engraving.
Partial type record
Dated entries by century
- 18th century4
- 19th century181
- 20th century201
- 21st century7
Only the 393 entries carrying their own date to within about 150 years are counted, by the earliest year given. These are catalogue holdings, not production totals.
Materials recorded in the physical descriptions
- Paper47
- Brass3
- Zinc1
An entry made of several materials is counted once under each. Materials are counted only where the description states them.
Confidence of the published entries
- Verified2
- Well documented8
- Documented386
- Probable3
- Unverified4
Confidence reflects how well the sources support each entry's identification, not the object's quality or importance.
Most represented issuing authorities
Filed under the historical authority that issued them, not a modern successor.
Museum specimen and identification evidence
Compare the identifying evidence
- Administration and purpose
- Record and compareRecord denomination, currency, inscriptions and any official, postage-due, local-post or revenue wording.
- Limits of the evidenceAdhesive format alone does not establish postage use; seals and revenue stamps require separate classification.
- Design and separation
- Record and compareCompare frame details, lettering and corner marks. Gauge horizontal and vertical perforations separately per 20 mm.
- Limits of the evidenceA screen image has no reliable physical scale. Missing teeth or cut margins are not proof of an imperforate issue.
- Watermark and paper
- Record and compareRecord a watermark only when observed or explicitly documented for the museum specimen; distinguish orientation and partial devices.
- Limits of the evidenceA face scan usually cannot resolve watermarks, gum or paper thickness. Do not detach a stamp from its cover.
- Printing and overprints
- Record and compareCompare line structure, screen patterns, lettering position and overprint relationship with the underlying design.
- Limits of the evidenceColour varies with fading, lighting and scanning; dot patterns alone do not distinguish every printing process.
- Issue versus postal use
- Record and compareSeparate the source's issue date from a cancellation date; retain cover context, plate markings and museum identifier.
- Limits of the evidenceA postmark dates use, not printing. Authentication of an overprint, cancellation or altered perforation needs expert examination.
Related guides and articles
Common questions about postage stamps
- What does the Postage Stamps section cover?
- Postage, revenue and official stamps described from postal-museum records, with the depicted subject, printer, printing method, issue date and standard catalogue number where recorded.
- What should I record when identifying postage stamps?
- Record denomination and country or postal authority; design subject and frame; printing method, paper and perforation; standard catalogue number. Compare those details with the entries here before drawing any conclusion.
- How many postage stamps entries are published, and do they have photographs?
- 403 entries are published in this section; 403 of them carry at least one credited photograph of a real object, with its source and stated rights.
- What period do the postage stamps entries cover?
- 393 entries carry their own date to within about a century and a half; they range from 1755 to 2014. Broader museum date ranges are kept exactly as recorded and are left out of this span.
- Does Orbis value or grade postage stamps?
- No. Orbis documents and identifies object types with cited sources. It does not grade condition, estimate prices or sell objects.
