Postmarks on Stamps: History, Types, and Collecting

Postmarks on stamps have been a fascinating aspect of philately for centuries. The first postmark on a stamp was used in 1847 by the British Post Office.

In the early days of postal history, postmarks were used to indicate the place and date of mailing. They were often handwritten or printed in red ink.

Postmarks can be found on stamps from all over the world, each with its unique characteristics and history. Some postmarks are rare and highly sought after by collectors.

A postmark can completely change the value and desirability of a stamp. For example, a common stamp with a rare postmark can become highly valuable.

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Circular date stamps are a staple in most collections worldwide, providing valuable information about a stamp's journey. They're often sought after for their clear and complete impressions.

Fancy cancels are highly prized by collectors for their artistic and unique qualities. They were popular in the 19th century and feature creative and decorative designs carved into the canceling devices.

Circular Date Stamps (CDS) are widely used worldwide and are a staple in most collections.

They are usually circular in shape and contain the date, time, and location where the stamp was canceled. This type of postmark provides valuable information about the stamp's journey.

You can find CDS postmarks in most collections, making them a great addition to any philatelic item.

Flag cancels are a type of machine cancel that includes a representation of the American flag, typically used in the United States.

These postmarks were especially popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They add a touch of artistry to the stamp, making them a favorite among collectors who appreciate the blend of history and design.

Fancy cancels are a unique feature of postmarks, often carved with creative designs by postal workers in the 19th century. These designs can include stars, crosses, and animals.

Flag cancels, on the other hand, are a type of machine cancel that features a representation of the American flag, typically used in the United States. They were especially popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Collectors love fancy cancels for their artistic and unique qualities, while flag cancels are prized for their patriotic and artistic value, making them a favorite among collectors.

Duplex postmarks are an interesting combination of two elements: a circular date stamp and an obliterator, which cancels the stamp.

The CDS part typically includes the date and location, providing valuable historical context for collectors.

Collectors appreciate duplex postmarks for their additional layer of information, which can be a series of bars, lines, or other designs that deface the stamp to prevent reuse.

This combination of elements makes duplex postmarks a unique and fascinating aspect of special postmarks.

Fancy cancels are a type of postmark that's truly one-of-a-kind. They were popular in the 19th century and were often carved into the canceling devices by postal workers.

These unique designs can take the shape of stars, crosses, and even animals. The creativity and artistry that went into making these postmarks is what makes them so highly prized by collectors.

Fancy cancels add a touch of whimsy and personality to a stamp, making them a favorite among collectors. They're a reminder of the human touch that was involved in the postal process.

Some fancy cancels are truly stunning works of art, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the postal workers who created them.

Pictorial postmarks are a great way to commemorate special occasions, often featuring images related to a specific event, place, or theme.

They can come in black and white or digital color postmarks (DCPs), making them a unique and eye-catching addition to your stamp collection. I've seen some beautiful examples of pictorial postmarks that really bring a stamp to life.

First Day of Issue postmarks mark the very first day a stamp is available for sale, and they're highly collectible. These postmarks are often applied at special ceremonies or events, making them a significant part of philatelic history.

Collectors often pair these postmarks with special cachets to create cherished keepsakes. I've seen some amazing examples of First Day of Issue postmarks paired with beautiful cachets that really make a stamp stand out.

Pictorial postmarks are a type of postmark that features images related to a specific event, place, or theme.

These postmarks are often used to commemorate special occasions, such as anniversaries or local festivals. They can be a great way to add a personal touch to your stamp collection.

Pictorial postmarks can come in black and white or as digital color postmarks (DCPs). This means you can choose the one that best fits your style and preferences.

They add a visual storytelling element to a stamp, making them cherished mementos of significant events. This can be especially meaningful if you're collecting stamps related to a specific theme or interest.

First Day of Issue postmarks are highly collectible, marking the very first day a stamp is available for sale. These postmarks are usually applied at special ceremonies or events, making them a significant part of philatelic history.

Collectors often pair these postmarks with special cachets (decorative envelopes) to create cherished keepsakes.

Collecting postmarks on stamps can be a fun and rewarding hobby, with some collectors focusing on specific types of postmarks, such as those used during wartime or in remote areas.

The rarity of a postmark can greatly impact its value, with some rare postmarks selling for thousands of dollars.

To get started, it's essential to have a good understanding of the different types of postmarks, including handstamps, machine cancels, and special cancellations.

A handstamp is a type of postmark that is applied by hand, often with a unique design or layout, and can be a great addition to any collection.

Machine cancels, on the other hand, are postmarks applied by a machine and can be highly sought after by collectors due to their uniformity and precision.

Cancels have been a crucial part of philately since the early days of postage. The first cancels were hand-stamped by postal clerks.

To get a postmark applied to your philatelic item, head to your local Post Office. Only authorised Australia Post staff can apply postmarks.

A national postmark on a first day cover is a highly sought-after item for many collectors. Black is the only colour ink that should be used for a postmark impression.

The clarity and precision of a postmark are essential for its collectibility. No smudging is allowed, so make sure to request that the postmark impression is applied with care.

Collecting and Application is an exciting world, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the latest postmarks that have made it to the market.

The latest permanent pictorial postmark features Martin Bridge, with a First Day of Use on 24 February 2025, from the Taree NSW 2430 post office.

Temporary postmarks are also making waves, with the CHINA TOWN Year of the Snake design appearing at various post offices, including Haymarket NSW 2000 and Cabramatta NSW 2166, both on 7 January 2025.

The Nubeena TAS 7184 post office has a permanent postmark featuring the Palawa word for Crayfish, with a First Day of Use on 2 January 2025.

Stamp Show temporary postmarks are also worth keeping an eye on, with the Sydney Stamp & Coin Show featuring temporary postmarks with different text, including Road Trip - NSW, Best Friend, and Lunar Year of the Snake, all from different dates in March 2025.