Definitive stamp

Definitive stamps are a type of postage stamp issued by postal authorities to meet the everyday postal needs of the country. Unlike commemorative stamps, which are issued to honor significant events, personalities, or anniversaries and are typically available for a limited time, definitive stamps are produced in larger quantities and for an extended period. They often feature images of national symbols, historical figures, or significant landmarks and are designed for regular postal service use.

Design and Usage

The design of definitive stamps is usually simpler than that of commemorative stamps. They are often smaller in size and printed in a wider range of denominations to cover all postal rates for different types of mail, including airmail, postcards, and packages. The imagery on definitive stamps often reflects the cultural heritage and identity of the issuing country, featuring portraits of monarchs, presidents, or other notable figures, as well as national flora and fauna, landscapes, and architectural landmarks.

Production and Distribution

Definitive stamps are produced using various printing techniques, including engraving, lithography, and photogravure, depending on the country and the specific issue. They are typically available for purchase at post offices and sometimes through online postal services. Because of their prolonged period of issue, changes in postal rates may lead to the issuance of new definitive stamps with updated denominations or overprints indicating the new value.

Collecting

While definitive stamps are not as sought after by collectors as commemorative stamps, certain issues can become valuable, especially those with printing errors, limited production runs, or those that have been withdrawn from circulation. Collectors may specialize in the definitive stamps of a particular country, era, or theme, such as monarchs or national symbols.

Notable Definitive Series

Several countries have issued notable definitive stamp series that have become iconic. For example: - The United Kingdom's Machin series, featuring the profile of Queen Elizabeth II, has been in use since 1967 with numerous variations. - The Presidential Issue of 1938 in the United States, also known as the "Prexies," featured all the U.S. presidents up to that time. - The Canadian Wildlife Series showcases Canada's diverse wildlife and has been popular among collectors.

Conclusion

Definitive stamps play a crucial role in the postal system, providing a means for the public to pay for postal services while also reflecting the cultural and historical aspects of a country. Their ubiquity and longevity make them an integral part of philatelic collections and a window into the identity of nations.