The use of US postage stamps dates back to 1847, serving as a means to certify that the postage fee has been paid for a mail’s conveyance. The diverse assortment of designs of US postage stamps has evolved considerably throughout time, showcasing an array of subjects from notable individuals and significant events to depictions of nature, art, and popular culture.
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The use of US postage stamps dates back to 1847, serving as a means to certify that the postage fee has been paid for a mail’s conveyance. The diverse assortment of designs of US postage stamps has evolved considerably throughout time, showcasing an array of subjects from notable individuals and significant events to depictions of nature, art, and popular culture.
Additionally, personalized custom postage stamps that can feature unique images or text are also available for purchase. The stamp’s facial value, which represents the amount of postage paid, is typically imprinted on the stamp and can fluctuate over time as postal rates are modified. Postage stamps hold a significant role in the postal system and continue to play an essential part in delivering mail and packages both domestically and internationally.
10 US postage stamps that are notable
- Elvis Presley Forever Stamp (1993) – This stamp commemorates the legacy of Elvis Presley by showcasing a vibrant portrait of him in his prime, cementing him as “The King of Rock and Roll.”
- Love Stamp (1973) – Since its launch, the Love Stamp has been a beloved annual favorite, captivating audiences with its iconic graphic representation of ‘love.’
- Lunar New Year Stamp (1992) – This stunning stamp, issued in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, depicts a vivid image of a dragon.
- Black Heritage Stamp (1978) – To recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of African Americans to US history, this series was initiated with a stamp featuring Harriet Tubman.
- Breast Cancer Research Stamp (1998) – This stamp, designed to spread awareness and raise funds for breast cancer research, bears a graphic representation of the iconic pink ribbon.
- Statue of Liberty Stamp (1986) – Commemorating the centennial of Lady Liberty, this stamp displays a stunning close-up of her face and torch.
- American Music Series Stamp (1993) – Paying homage to the profound musical history of America, this special stamp series proudly showcases iconic performers such as Buddy Holly, Billie Holiday, and Elvis Presley.
- Space Shuttle Stamp (1981) – This stamp commemorates the historic inaugural flight of Space Shuttle Columbia, and it showcases an awe-inspiring illustration of the shuttle’s launch.
- World War II Stamp (1944) – This stamp, released during WWII to urge the public to purchase war bonds, proudly displays an image of a soldier and sailor unified in their commitment to patriotism.
- Earth Day Stamp (1995) – This vibrant stamp aims to heighten the public’s recognition of ecological concerns, showcasing an illustration of our planet encircled by a picturesque line-up of trees and a white dove soaring overhead.
Detailed characteristics of these 10 US postage stamps
| # | Stamp Name | Year | Purpose | Nominal Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elvis Presley Forever Stamp | 1993 | Honoring Elvis Presley | $0.55 |
| 2 | Love Stamp | 1973 | Celebrating Love | $0.08 |
| 3 | Lunar New Year Stamp | 1992 | Celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year | $0.29 |
| 4 | Black Heritage Stamp | 1978 | Honoring African Americans | $0.15 |
| 5 | Breast Cancer Research Stamp | 1998 | Raising awareness and support for breast cancer | $0.40 |
| 6 | Statue of Liberty Stamp | 1986 | Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the statue | $0.22 |
| 7 | American Music Series Stamp | 1993 | Honoring American musicians | $0.29 |
| 8 | Space Shuttle Stamp | 1981 | Celebrating the inaugural flight of the Space Shuttle | $0.18 |
| 9 | World War II Stamp | 1944 | Encouraging people to buy war bonds | $0.03 |
| 10 | Earth Day Stamp | 1995 | Raising awareness about environmental issues | $0.32 |
Where can I buy these old US postage stamps?
In pursuit of old US postage stamps, the avenues are many – from stamp dealers spread out far and wide to virtual bazaars like eBay, Amazon, and Etsy, each offering a diverse spectrum of stamps for collectors to choose from. For those with a taste for the rare and exotic, auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s put forth their best collections up for bidding, with old US postage stamps among them.
Nevertheless, one must tread with caution while traversing the stamp-collecting terrain, for the market is replete with replicas and counterfeits. If one’s expertise in the subject is not comprehensive, it may be prudent to solicit the guidance of an experienced stamp dealer or connoisseur to ensure that the stamps they are purchasing are indeed genuine.