Stamp program
Encyclopedia
The stamp program of a postal organization
is an umbrella term for the entire process of postage stamp
issuance and distribution by the organization. Aspects include the decision of about stamps to issue, what postal rates they will pay, postage stamp design
, printing, and publicity for the new stamps. The stamp program is generally managed by a specialized department within the organization, which balances demands from the rest of the organization, the nation's government, stamp collectors, and the public which actually buy and use the stamps.
Originally, the choice of stamps to issue was primarily driven by changes to postal rates, and by major changes in the government (for instance, the accession of a new monarch meant that the stamp portrait had to change). Results of research show that the process was often very hasty and reactive, sometimes only a few days or weeks elapsing between the identification of a need and the beginning of printing and distribution.
Through the 20th century, the process became more organized; for instance, it proved possible to sell more commemorative stamp
s if the public was formally informed of their availability, which inspired first day of issue
ceremonies. In turn, simultaneous availability nationwide meant that everything had to be planned out ahead of time. Postal administrations also discovered that collectors were not a bottomless well of money, and that excessive stamp issues would simply go unpurchased, so they decide ahead of time how many stamps are a "reasonable" number.
The upshot is that much of a year's stamp program is known and can be announced in advance. In 2005 for instance, Canada Post
announced its 2006 stamps in July 2005, while the United States Postal Service
(USPS) announced at the end of November.
The existence of a preannounced program does not preclude last-minute changes; a souvenir sheet commemorating the Mars Pathfinder
mission was issued by the USPS December 10, 1997, some five months after the touchdown, while the "United We Stand" stamp in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks
came out on October 2, just three weeks later.
Mail
Mail, or post, is a system for transporting letters and other tangible objects: written documents, typically enclosed in envelopes, and also small packages are delivered to destinations around the world. Anything sent through the postal system is called mail or post.In principle, a postal service...
is an umbrella term for the entire process of postage stamp
Postage stamp
A postage stamp is a small piece of paper that is purchased and displayed on an item of mail as evidence of payment of postage. Typically, stamps are made from special paper, with a national designation and denomination on the face, and a gum adhesive on the reverse side...
issuance and distribution by the organization. Aspects include the decision of about stamps to issue, what postal rates they will pay, postage stamp design
Postage stamp design
Postage stamp design is the activity of graphic design as applied to postage stamps. Many thousands of designs have been created since a profile bust of Queen Victoria was adopted for the Penny Black in 1840; some considered very successful, othersless so....
, printing, and publicity for the new stamps. The stamp program is generally managed by a specialized department within the organization, which balances demands from the rest of the organization, the nation's government, stamp collectors, and the public which actually buy and use the stamps.
Originally, the choice of stamps to issue was primarily driven by changes to postal rates, and by major changes in the government (for instance, the accession of a new monarch meant that the stamp portrait had to change). Results of research show that the process was often very hasty and reactive, sometimes only a few days or weeks elapsing between the identification of a need and the beginning of printing and distribution.
Through the 20th century, the process became more organized; for instance, it proved possible to sell more commemorative stamp
Commemorative stamp
A commemorative stamp is a postage stamp, often issued on a significant date such as an anniversary, to honor or commemorate a place, event or person. The subject of the commemorative stamp is usually spelled out in print, unlike definitive stamps which normally depict the subject along with the...
s if the public was formally informed of their availability, which inspired first day of issue
First day of issue
A First Day of Issue Cover or First Day Cover is a postage stamp on a cover, postal card or stamped envelope franked on the first day the issue is authorized for use within the country or territory of the stamp-issuing authority. Sometimes the issue is made from a temporary or permanent foreign or...
ceremonies. In turn, simultaneous availability nationwide meant that everything had to be planned out ahead of time. Postal administrations also discovered that collectors were not a bottomless well of money, and that excessive stamp issues would simply go unpurchased, so they decide ahead of time how many stamps are a "reasonable" number.
The upshot is that much of a year's stamp program is known and can be announced in advance. In 2005 for instance, Canada Post
Canada Post
Canada Post Corporation, known more simply as Canada Post , is the Canadian crown corporation which functions as the country's primary postal operator...
announced its 2006 stamps in July 2005, while the United States Postal Service
United States Postal Service
The United States Postal Service is an independent agency of the United States government responsible for providing postal service in the United States...
(USPS) announced at the end of November.
The existence of a preannounced program does not preclude last-minute changes; a souvenir sheet commemorating the Mars Pathfinder
Mars Pathfinder
Mars Pathfinder was an American spacecraft that landed a base station with roving probe on Mars in 1997. It consisted of a lander, renamed the Carl Sagan Memorial Station, and a lightweight wheeled robotic rover named Sojourner.Launched on December 4, 1996 by NASA aboard a Delta II booster a...
mission was issued by the USPS December 10, 1997, some five months after the touchdown, while the "United We Stand" stamp in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks
September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
came out on October 2, just three weeks later.