Learn More about US Stamps

Essential Differences Between Fake and Real Confederate Postage Stamps

Did you know there are phony Confederate stamps out there? Here’s how to tell the difference between a fakes and the real thing…

Helpful Info on U.S. Plate Block Stamps

Discover everything you need to know about collecting US stamp plate blocks.

“Some Thoughts on Original Gum” by Herman Herst Jr.

What follows is an interesting article written by noted philatelic writer Herman (Pat) Herst Jr. In it, he reflects on the history of original stamp gum (“OG”) and the author’s own philosophy on the subject. The article was written in the 1970s, so any stamp prices and percentages quoted here reflect the stamp market of … Read more

A Guide to the Many Different Papers Used to Print U.S. Stamps

There are many different types of paper that have been used to print US stamps. That includes some styles or additions that, while not necessarily considered types, are worth noting when attempting to identify a stamp. For example, here are the two paper types most often seen in the Banknote stamps: Hard White Other Names: … Read more

Historic US Stamp Printers

Ever wondered who used to print stamps for the United States Postal Service? See below for information on a handful of past stamp printers. Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson (1847-1851) Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson (RWH&E) was the first firm to receive a government contract for designing and printing US postage stamps. RWH&E were responsible … Read more

Identification Guide to Farley’s Follies Stamps

It can be a bit of a challenge to understand the small differences between Farley’s Follies stamps. That’s why we’ve put together this handy identification guide, so you know exactly what to expect from the different varieties. This list of Scott numbers include stamps that were pre-cut to souvenir sheet size before being distributed to … Read more

The Story of the 2013 $2.00 Upright Jenny Rarity

In 2013, the USPS released a $2.00 Inverted Jenny souvenir sheet with the original dies used to produce the 1918 24¢ Airmail stamp (US #C3) and famous invert error (US #C3a). At the souvenir sheet’s First Day of Issue Ceremony (coinciding with the opening of the William Gross Stamp Gallery at the National Postal Museum), … Read more

Counterfeit Stamps: What you need to know about owning them

Counterfeit stamps have been around since the earliest days of postage stamps. Some are easy to distinguish from the real thing, while others (especially modern counterfeits) are quite challenging. What are counterfeit stamps? According to Scott Catalogue, “We use the term ‘forgery’ to indicate stamps produced to defraud collectors (properly known as forgeries) and to defraud … Read more

Modern US Stamp Printers

Have you ever wondered who prints stamps for the United States Postal Service? See below for information on a few of the most recent printers. Currently, stamps are printed by Ashton Potter and Banknote Corporation of America. Ashton Potter: Ashton Potter, established in 1925, began printing stamps for Canada Post in 1970. After opening … Read more