Featuring Research Volunteer Contributions

International

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15-fils Camel and Calf single, Yemen (People's Democratic Republic)

When England issued the world’s first postage stamp—the Penny Black—in May 1840, it set a standard in stamp design for all world governments. The standards included the stamp’s vertical orientation and the basic rectangular shape, prominently printed denomination, and a design that featured a portrait of the monarch and an ornate frame and darkened background.

To learn more about international philately, visit the below virtual exhibition.

International Philately

This virtual exhibition includes approximately 950 stamps and mail-related items, one or more from every country in the world that has produced stamps, and many countries that no longer exist.