Stamps

Postage stamp was first introduced in 1840 in the UK, a country that also established an efficient postal system which was later adapted by other nations worldwide. Typically attached to an envelope, a postage stamp signifies that the sender has either fully or partially prepaid for delivery. A postage stamp is usually square or rectangular in shape. However, stamps are also issued in other shapes including circle, triangle and pentagon. For instance, countries like Tonga and Sierra Leone have issued self-adhesive stamps which are shaped like fruits. Bhutan has introduced a unique record-shaped stamp that can actually play the country’s national anthem. Canada issued some stamps in 1997 that could glow in the dark. Stamps are also made of materials other than paper like plastic and foil.

Stamp collecting is one of the world’s most cherished hobbies. In fact, stamps are often designed solely for the purpose of being collectables. Some countries produce these stamps for avid stamp collectors rather than for postal use. The production of such stamps has led to generous contributions to government revenues. Collecting old stamps is as popular as acquiring new ones. Besides, old and often rare stamps can easily fetch a fortune. The most expensive stamp in the world till date is a stamp issued by Sweden in 1855, which was accidentally yellow-orange in colour instead of green. It was sold at an auction in 1996 for a whopping US $2.27 million.