United States Stamps
The United States, spanning North America, possesses a vast and complex postal history originating from its colonial period under British rule before establishing its own independent postal service in 1775. As a founding member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) since 1875, its philatelic output reflects major national epochs, including the Civil War and various territorial expansions.
- Issued stamps
- 1847–present
- Region
- Americas, North America
- Currency
- USD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About United States stamps
Stamps predominantly feature English text, though issues for territories or specific historical contexts may incorporate other languages. The transition from early provisional issues to the standardized national system under the Post Office Department and later the USPS marks significant administrative shifts in its extensive catalog.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- U.S. POSTAGE
- UNITED STATES POSTAGE
- USA
- USPS
How to identify United States stamps
- Look for 'U.S. POSTAGE' or 'UNITED STATES POSTAGE' text.
- Examine watermarks (e.g., 'USPS' or 'double-line USPO' for early issues).
- Note the presence or absence of perforations and their gauge.
- Check for plate numbers, especially on modern issues.
Popular series
-
Bank Note Issues
1870-1893
Early definitive stamps printed by private bank note companies, known for their intricate designs.
-
Columbian Exposition Issue
1893
The first commemorative stamp series issued by the U.S., celebrating the 400th anniversary of Columbus's arrival.
-
Bureau Issues
1894-present
Stamps printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, marking a shift to government production.
-
Definitive Series
Various
Long-running series featuring presidents, historical figures, and national symbols, used for everyday postage.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- $0.20–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$1,000,000+
Common U.S. stamps are generally inexpensive, especially post-1930s. Early issues, errors, and rare varieties can fetch significant sums, with some classic issues reaching six or seven figures. Condition is paramount for value.
Catalogs. United States stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about United States stamps
United States stamps are postage stamps issued by the U.S. postal service, reflecting a rich history from colonial times to the present day. They cover a vast range of subjects, from historical events and figures to cultural icons and natural wonders.
The value of United States stamps varies widely. While many common modern stamps have minimal value, early issues, rare varieties, errors, and stamps in pristine condition can be highly valuable, sometimes fetching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Factors like rarity, condition, and historical significance play a crucial role.
You can identify United States stamps by looking for 'U.S. POSTAGE' or 'UNITED STATES POSTAGE' text, examining watermarks, and noting design elements. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
United States stamps are extensively listed in all major philatelic catalogs. The Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue is the most widely used reference in North America, while Michel and Stanley Gibbons also provide comprehensive listings, often with different numbering systems and pricing.
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