Topical Stamp Collecting
Expanding Horizons

While surcharged stamps normally to not offer a new topical opportunity, an overprint often does. The Molly Pitcher stamp noted here is an overprint on the 1928 U.S. George Washington stamp.

• Washington , of course, was a Revolutionary War hero
• Molly Pitcher was a Revolutionary War heroine

Precancels are postage stamps canceled before they are sold, to expedite mail-handling. In the United States, a permit is required to use precancel stamps.

• France , in 1868, produced the first precancels
• In 1903, the U.S. Post Office specified that precancels should include city and state names.

Course Navigation

Return to Opening
(Course Outline)