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
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.
Individually identified types (479)
Filter by era, country, maker or material
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$1 Documentary Second Issue revenue stamp single
1871
$1 Documentary Second Issue revenue stamp single — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1998.2013.3274.2), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA R118. Dated by the museum: 1871. Medium: paper; ink (blue, black).
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$1 Documentary Third Issue revenue stamp single
1872
$1 Documentary Third Issue revenue stamp single — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1998.2013.3298.1), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA R144. Dated by the museum: 1872. Medium: paper; ink (green, black).
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$1 Lincoln Memorial single
February 12, 1923
$1 Lincoln Memorial single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2001.256), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 571. Dated by the museum: February 12, 1923. Medium: paper; ink; gum.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$1 Queen Isabella Pledging Her Jewels single
1893
$1 Queen Isabella Pledging Her Jewels single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.1637), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 241. Dated by the museum: 1893. Depicts: Isabella I, Queen of Spain, Spanish, 1451 - 1504. Medium: paper; ink (salmon) / engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$1.92 Ceres Newspaper and Periodical single
1879
$1.92 Ceres Newspaper and Periodical single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2004.1579), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA PR71. Dated by the museum: 1879. Medium: paper; ink (pale brown)/ engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$10 Documentary Charter Party revenue stamp single
1862
$10 Documentary Charter Party revenue stamp single — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1998.2013.3249.2), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA R93a. Dated by the museum: 1862. Medium: paper; ink (green).
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$10 Documentary Probate of Will revenue stamp single
1862
$10 Documentary Probate of Will revenue stamp single — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1998.2013.3252.2), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA R96a. Dated by the museum: 1862. Medium: paper; ink (green).
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$12 Vesta Newspaper and Periodical single
1879
$12 Vesta Newspaper and Periodical single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2004.1583), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA PR75. Dated by the museum: 1879. Medium: paper; ink (yellow green)/ engraving.
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).
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 James Madison single
1895
$2 James Madison single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2001.47), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 277. Dated by the museum: 1895. Medium: paper; ink; gum.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$2 Madison single
1894
$2 Madison single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.1698), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 262. Dated by the museum: 1894. Depicts: James Madison, American, 1751 - 1836. Medium: unwatermarked paper; ink (bright blue); adhesive / engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$2 Wells, Fargo and Co. single
1861
$2 Wells, Fargo and Co. single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2001.2017.2), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 143L1. Dated by the museum: 1861. Medium: paper; ink ( ); adhesive /.
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).
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).
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).
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$24 Peace Newspaper and Periodical single
1879
$24 Peace Newspaper and Periodical single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2004.1584), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA PR76. Dated by the museum: 1879. Medium: paper; ink (dark violet)/ engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$3 Columbus Describing His Third Voyage single
1893
$3 Columbus Describing His Third Voyage single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.3357), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 243a. Dated by the museum: 1893. Medium: paper, ink (olive green); gum.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$3 Victory Newspaper and Periodical single
1879
$3 Victory Newspaper and Periodical single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2004.1580), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA PR72. Dated by the museum: 1879. Medium: paper; ink (red vermillion)/ engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$36 Commerce Newspaper and Periodical single
1879
$36 Commerce Newspaper and Periodical single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2004.1585), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA PR77. Dated by the museum: 1879. Medium: paper; ink (Indian red)/ engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$4 crimson lake Isabella & Columbus single
1893
$4 crimson lake Isabella & Columbus single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.1644), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 244. Dated by the museum: 1893. Depicts: Christopher Columbus, Italian, 1451 - 1506; Isabella I, Queen of Spain, Spanish, 1451 - 1504. Medium: paper; ink (crimson lake) / engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$48 Hebe single
1879
$48 Hebe single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2004.1586), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA PR78. Dated by the museum: 1879. Medium: paper; ink (yellow brown).
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$5 Christopher Columbus single
1893
$5 Christopher Columbus single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.1645), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 245. Dated by the museum: 1893. Depicts: Christopher Columbus, Italian, 1451 - 1506. Medium: paper; ink (black) / engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$5 Head of Freedom Statue on Capitol building single
1923
$5 Head of Freedom Statue on Capitol building single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2001.258), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 573a. Dated by the museum: 1923. Medium: paper; ink (carmine lake, deep blue); gum.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$5 John Marshall single
1903
$5 John Marshall single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2001.60), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 313. Dated by the museum: 1903. Medium: paper; ink; gum.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$6 Clio Newspaper and Periodical single
1879
$6 Clio Newspaper and Periodical single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2004.1581), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA PR73. Dated by the museum: 1879. Medium: paper; ink (blue)/ engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$60 Indian Maiden single
1879
$60 Indian Maiden single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2004.1587), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA PR79. Dated by the museum: 1879. Medium: paper; ink (purple).
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
$9 Minerva Newspaper and Periodical single
1879
$9 Minerva Newspaper and Periodical single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2004.1582), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA PR74. Dated by the museum: 1879. Medium: paper; ink (orange)/ engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
1 1/2c Harding single
1925
1 1/2c Harding single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2001.236), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 553. Dated by the museum: 1925. Medium: paper; ink (yellow brown); gum.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
1-cent Blood's Despatch Stamp
Date of issue:
1-cent Blood's Despatch Stamp — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2004.2019.25), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 15L14 (Forgery). Dated by the museum: Date of issue:. Medium: paper; ink (green).
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
½c Washington Bicentennial artist's preliminary sketch
1931
½c Washington Bicentennial artist's preliminary sketch — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2006.2025.32), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 704-E1. Dated by the museum: 1931. Medium: tracing paper; pencil.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10-cent Berford & Co.'s Express Stamp
Date of issue:
10-cent Berford & Co.'s Express Stamp — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2004.2019.22), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 11L3 (Forgery). Dated by the museum: Date of issue:. Medium: paper; ink (violet).
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10c Columbus Presenting Natives single
1893
10c Columbus Presenting Natives single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.1626), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 237. Dated by the museum: 1893. Depicts: Christopher Columbus, Italian, 1451 - 1506. Medium: paper; ink (black brown) / engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10c Eagle & Shield single
1869
10c Eagle & Shield single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.557), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 116. Dated by the museum: 1869. Medium: hard wove paper; ink (yellow) / engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10c Honolulu Harbor envelope
1884
10c Honolulu Harbor envelope
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10c James Monroe single
January 15, 1923
10c James Monroe single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2001.245), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 562. Dated by the museum: January 15, 1923. Medium: paper; ink; gum.
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).
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.
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).
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
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10c Washington DL Watermark coil single
1909
10c Washington DL Watermark coil single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.2124), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 356. Dated by the museum: 1909. Medium: paper; ink (yellow).
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10c Washington E. Grill single
1867-1868
10c Washington E. Grill single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2001.13), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 89. Dated by the museum: 1867-1868. Medium: paper; ink (green); gum.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10c Washington F Grill single
1867
10c Washington F Grill single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.461), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 96. Dated by the museum: 1867. Depicts: George Washington, American, 1732 - 1799. Medium: paper; ink (yellow green? blue green?) / engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
10c Webster single
1890
10c Webster single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.1586), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 226. Dated by the museum: 1890. Depicts: Daniel Webster, American, 1782 - 1852. Medium: soft porous paper; ink (green) / engraving.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
11c Rutherford B. Hayes single
1922
11c Rutherford B. Hayes single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2001.246), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 563. Dated by the museum: 1922. Medium: paper; ink (light blue); gum.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
12c B. Bendel and Company revenue stamp single
1874
12c B. Bendel and Company revenue stamp single — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1998.2013.5091.1), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA RO25b. Dated by the museum: 1874. Medium: paper; ink (brown).
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
12c Cleveland single
March 20, 1923
12c Cleveland single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2005.2001.248), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 564. Dated by the museum: March 20, 1923. Medium: paper; ink; gum.
Partial type record
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
stamps
12c Henry Clay single
1870
12c Henry Clay single — postage stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 1980.2493.743), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA 151. Dated by the museum: 1870. Depicts: Henry Clay, American, 1777 - 1852. Medium: white woven paper; ink (dull violet) / engraving.
Partial type record
