Stamps Around the World

Stamp Activities > Stamps Around the World

The use of adhesive Postage Stamps was advocated by Sir Rowland Hill, and was adopted in Great Britain in 1839. A Postage Stamp is a small gummed label issued by Postal Administrations. It can be stuck on an envelope, postcard, package or parcel as evidence that postal charges have been prepaid by the sender.

In 1840, the United Kingdom issued the first Stamp in the world, while Macao launched her first Stamp issue “Crown” in 1884. Philately developed soon after the first Stamp was issued. Postal Administrations usually issue the following two main groups of Stamps: Definitive and Commemorative.

Definitive Stamps are regular-issue Stamps, to be used for a number of years. They are usually a set of Stamps showing the portrait of the leader of the country, or showing different aspects of one theme related to the country. Definitive Stamps have to cover all postal rates with different face values.

Commemorative Stamps are produced to mark important events. They are usually larger and more colorful than Definitive Stamps and the reason for issuing the set is quite clearly depicted in the design. Commemorative sets are often made up of several Stamps with identical or different face values.

You may pick up some Stamps from the tray placed in this area, dry them and stick them on the large World Map on the wall. You may also study them to see whether they are Definitive or Commemorative Stamps.

Stamp Activities > Stamps Around the World