Stamps on Cover

To those of you out there that are new to the stamp collecting world, much like me, you may wonder what exactly stamps on cover are. I know I was curious, so I went searching for some information on stamps on cover, and found it to be very interesting.

A stamp on cover is very simply the term used to describe a stamp that is on an envelope and has been postmarked or basically already used. Now, I am sure you are wondering why anyone would even want a used stamp; well it is all about the story and the history behind the stamp that fascinates the collector. The term cover goes way back in history to before stamps and envelopes even came about. People would wrap an extra sheet of paper around their letters to protect them, forming a cover. Therefore, the term cover is still used to describe any paper that travels though the postal system that protects the letter inside, such as our modern day envelope.

The first actual postage stamp was issued by Great Britain in 1840; it was the “Penny Black”. Before this was issued, there were only covers without any type of stamps at all they only had postal marks on them to show they had been paid for and where they were going. These are known to collectors as stampless covers.

In 1847 the United States issued the 5 cent Franklin and 10 cent Washington stamps, this introduced the first stamped covers in the United States.

The value of stamps on covers can vary greatly depending on the era in which it was issued and of course as with anything else the condition that you find it in. For example, First Day Covers are very inexpensive. These were the stamps that were on a very attractive designed cover, and were to be canceled on the first day that it was issued to the public.

Covers that were mailed at sea in a ship and post marked at the next port of call, and mailed from the country from where the ship originated range from $5.00 to $1000.00, these are known as Paquebot Covers.

Generally, the older the stamps on covers are the more they are worth, some of those that are date from before 1840 are worth into the $100,000.00 range, especially if they are from other countries and those of the stampless variety.

You never know what you may find, and each one will tell a different story depending on the ear in which it originated.

Photo Credits: CrosswordMan

This post involves:

First Day Covers, Great Britain, Paquebot Covers, Penny Black, stamp collecting, stamp on cover, stampless covers, used stamps

... and focuses on:

Stamp Collecting, Used Stamps

Posted by Collectible Stamp on July 28, 2010 in Stamp Collecting, Used Stamps.