June 2025

Definition of printed matter stamps and postal categories in global philately

Printed Matter: The Backbone of Bulk Mail in Philately

When most people think of postage, they imagine personal letters or parcels but for businesses, publishers, and nonprofits, the real workhorse of the postal system has always been printed matter. This class of mail, used to transmit circulars, catalogs, newspapers, samples, and other commercial papers, has played a vital role in global communication for over […]

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Recorded Message Stamp of Argentina with dove and phonograph disc design

FONOPOSTAL – Recorded Message Stamps: Argentina’s Innovative Voice Mail of the 1930s

Before the digital era and even before the telephone was universal there was a time when people sent voice messages by mail. And in one of the most fascinating postal innovations of the 20th century, Argentina issued a stamp to support exactly that. Known as Recorded Message Stamps, or CORREOS FONOPOSTAL, these unique issues weren’t

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U.S. Special Delivery 20¢ stamp showing hands exchanging a letter

Special Delivery Stamps: When Speed and Precision Mattered Most

In the age before overnight shipping and real-time tracking, getting a letter or parcel to its destination quickly wasn’t always easy. But there was a solution one that came with a bold label and a special stamp. It was called Special Delivery, and it revolutionized how urgent mail was handled in the late 19th and

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Danish GEBYR stamp used for special postal fees and handling

What Are Special Fee Stamps? Understanding Their Role in Postal History

When most people think of postage stamps, they imagine the little squares that carry letters around the world. But not all stamps are created equal. Some played very specific roles beyond ordinary mail delivery—roles that helped ensure mail arrived under special conditions or with added protection. These are known as Special Fee Stamps, and they

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Ungummed postage stamps from Nandgaon Feudatory State

Nandgaon: The Forgotten Feudatory State of Indian Philately

Tucked away in the heart of central India, the former princely state of Nandgaon issued some of the most elusive and intriguing postage stamps in Indian philatelic history. Though modest in scale and lacking the elaborate designs seen in larger states, Nandgaon’s stamps are cherished by collectors for their simplicity, rarity, and distinctive production features—especially

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Namibia Stamps List 2006 – 2012

2006 – 2012 28.02.2006 Gulls. 26.4.2006 Dolphins. 24.5.2006 Traditional Role of Men in Namibia. 24.7.2006 Perennial Rivers of Namibia. 9.8.2006 Centenary of OMEG Railway Line. 17.11.2006 Centenary of Otjiwarongo. 15.2.2007 Biodiversity. 22.3.2007 Centenary of Etosha National Park. 16.4.2007 Dragonflies of Namibia. 2007 Commiphora (Corkwood) Trees of Namibia 2007 Indigenous Flowers of Namibia 2007 Nos. 757,

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Namibia Stamps List 1997 – 1998

1997-1998 6.02.1997 Ruins. 12.02.1997 “HONG KONG ’97” International Stamp Exhibition and Chinese New Year (“Year of the Ox”). 17.02.1997 Support for Organised Philately. 26.03.1997 As Nos. 623 and 628, but P 14 (with two elliptical holes on each vertical side). 8.04.1997 Death Centenary of Heinrich von Stephan (founder of U.P.U.). 6.05.1997 Waxbills. 6.05.1997 Greetings Stamp.

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1990 Namibia independence stamp set featuring national symbols

Namibia Stamps List 1990 – 1996

1990 – 1996 21.03.1990 Independence. 26.04.1990 Namibia Landscapes. 26.07.1990 Centenary of Windhoek. 11.10.1990 Farming. 2.01.1991 Minerals. 1.02.1991 Centenary of Weather Service. 18.04.1991 Endangered Species. Mountain Zebra. 18.07.1991 Mountains of Namibia. 24.10.1991 Tourist Camps. 30.01.1992 21st Anniv of Windhoek Conservatoire. 16.04.1992 Freshwater Angling. 2.07.1992 Centenary of Swakopmund. 24.07.1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona. 10.09.1992 Integration of the Disabled.

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1990 Namibia independence stamp set featuring national symbols

Namibia Stamps List 1999 – 2005

1999-2005 18.01.1999 “Fun Stamps for Children”. Animals. 1.02.1999 “Yoka the Snake” (cartoon). 18.03.1999 Windhuk (liner) Commemoration. 13.04.1999 Gliding in Namibia. 27.04.1999 “iBRA ’99” International Stamp Exhibition, Nuremberg. 18.05.1999 Birds of Prey. 28.06.1999 Wetland Birds. 2.07.1999 “PhilexFrance ’99” International Stamp Exhibition, Paris. 21.08.1999 “China ’99” International Philatelic Exhibition, Beijing. Orchids. 30.09.1999 Winning entry in 5th Stamp

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