Postage Stamp

mail · history · collecting

Proof of payment. When you buy a postage stamp, you are paying for the postal service to deliver your letter or package to its destination. The stamp proves you have paid the right amount for that delivery.

Official marking. After your letter goes into the mailbox, postal workers stamp a special cancellation mark across the postage stamp. This mark shows the date and place where your mail started its journey and prevents anyone from reusing the same stamp.

Tiny treasures. Postage stamps come in many colorful designs featuring famous people, animals, landmarks, and important events. Many people collect and trade stamps from different countries as a fun hobby.

How mail moves. Stamps tell postal workers that your envelope is ready to be sorted, transported, and delivered to the address written on it. Without a stamp, your mail will not be processed by the postal system.