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Chronology of
Postage Stamps

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This document is an attempt to bring various published sources together to present a timeline about Postage Stamps. This is a work-in-progress of a comprehensive timeline of world postage stamps. I am adding start and end dates of all countries, notable sales, and unusual developments in the history of stamps. I am making my way through the Scott 2010 catalogs, as well as trying to keep up with current stamp magazines. If you have suggestions for additions, I would appreciate reading your thoughts.

References are numbered in [brackets], which are listed here. A number after the dot gives the page in the source.

Last updated: 2021 August 15.

1653

August 8
  • Jean-Jacques Renouard de Villayer establishes a postal service in Paris, France, under royal mandate of King Louis XIV. Users pre-purchase a receipt for postage paid wrapper for one sou, then date and attach the wrapper to their letter, and deposit it in a letter box for delivery. (Some consider this the first use of a pre-paid postage stamp.) [1135] [1180.178]

1680

April 1
  • William Dockwra begins the Penny Post postal service in London, England. Prepayment of one penny for up to one pound weight, for use in and around London, using a triangular marking indicating postage paid. [1135]

1682

November 23
  • The Penny Post mail service begun by William Dockwra in 1680 is re-opened as part of government postal service operated by the Duke of York. [1135]

1835

December 31
  • Laurenz Koschier submits idea for adhesive postage stamps to Austro-Hungarian postal authorities. [1135]

1837

June 20
  • England issues its first postage stamp, one pence Queen Victoria. [1]

1838

November 1
  • The first pre-paid envelope is issued by the New South Wales Post Office. The envelope is embossed indicating pre-payment. Cost is 3 pennies for 12 envelopes. [55.58]

1839

August 17
  • Royal assent is given to the British Postal Reform Bill, providing for uniform 1-penny postal rate throughout the country, and for the issuance of 1-penny and 2-pence adhesive postage stamps, for release January 10, 1840. [1135]

1840

April 28
  • The General Post Office of Great Britain announces intent to issue postage stamps to prepay postage. [977.227]
May 1
  • The Post Office of the United Kingdom puts 1-penny adhesive stamps on sale, valid for pre-payment of mailing letters within the country up to 1/2 ounce as of May 6. [1] [5] [269.369] [1135]
May 2
  • First known use of UK 1-penny postage stamp, mailed from Bath. [1135]
May 6
  • The United Kingdom adhesive postage stamps and prepaid stamped envelopes, values 1 penny and 2 pence, become valid for use within the country. [55.59] [655.7] [1049.1555] [1135] [1154.938]
June 10
  • Senator Daniel Webster of Massachusetts introduces a resolution in the US Senate to reduce postal rates and for issuance of postage stamps to prepay postage. [977.227]

1841

February 10
  • The British Post Office issues the 1-penny postage stamp in red, due to the original black stamp not showing a black cancel. [1135]
November 30
  • An act is passed in Brazil authorizing the issuance of postage stamps. [729.74]

1842

February 1
  • City Despatch Post in New York City, USA issues 3-cent postage stamp for use on letters it carries. [1135]
February 15
  • First adhesive postage stamps in US (private delivery company), New York City, New York. [1]

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1843

March
  • Swiss canton of Zurich issues first postage stamps: 4, 6-rappen. [1135]
August 1
  • The Empire of Brazil issues its first postage stamps in Rio de Janeiro: 30, 60, 90-reis. [700.1034] [729.74] [1135] [1254.28] (July 1 [1169.139])
October 1
  • Geneva issues its first postage stamps, a pair of 5-centime stamps, for use together or separate. [1135]

1845

July 1
  • Basel issues its first postage stamps, the first multi-colored stamps, in black, red, and blue. [1135]
July 14
  • First postmasters' provisional stamps issued, New York City, New York, USA. [1]

1847

March 3
  • An Act of US Congress authorizes US Post Office Department to issue adhesive postage stamps for use in prepayment of fees on mail matter. [1] [958.827] [1135]
June 3
  • The first US postage stamps are delivered to the post Office Department in Washington DC. [978.330]
July 1
  • First US postage stamps go on sale in New York City: 5-cent Benjamin Franklin and 10-cent George Washington. Franklin is the first person in the world other than a head of state to appear on a stamp. [1] [323.17] [700.2] [1135]
September 1
  • Mauritius issues its first postage stamps, denominated 1 penny and 2-pence. [1195.315]
September 21
  • Mauritius issues its first postage stamps, denominated 1 penny and 2 pence. [1135] [1163.17] [1261.696]

1849

January 1
  • France issues its first postage stamp, 20-centime depicting Ceres. [1135] [1264.29]
(month unknown)
  • Belgium issues its first postage stamps. [700.816]
July 1
  • Belgium issues its first postage stamps: 10, 20-centime denomination, depicting King Leopold I. [1135] [1264.30]
November 1
  • The Kingdom of Bavaria issues its first postage stamp, denominated 1 kreuzer. [1135] [1138.900] [1158.82] [1167.22]

1850

January 1
  • Spain issues its first postage stamps: 6, 12 cuarto, 5, 6, 10 real denominations, depicting Queen Isabella II. [1135] [1157.91]
  • New South Wales issues its first postage stamp, depicting Port Jackson. [700.568] [1135]
January 3
  • Victoria colony issues its first postage stamps, 1, 3-pence denominations, depicting Queen Victoria. [700.577] [1135]
April 5
  • Switzerland issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
June 1
  • Austria issues its first postage stamp, denominated 2 kreuzers. [700.630] [1135]
  • Lombardy-Venetia issues its first postage stamps, 5 through 45 cents. [700.708] [1135] [1268.91]
June 29
  • The Kingdom of Saxony issues its first postage stamp, denominated 3 pfennig. [1135]
July 1
  • British Guiana issues its first postage stamps, denominated 2, 4, 8, 12-c. [700.1127] [729.74] [1135]
November 15
  • The Kingdom of Prussia issues its first postage stamps, depicting King Frederick William IV. [1135]
  • Schleswig-Holstein issues its first postage stamps, 1, 2-schilling denominations, embossed depicting coat of arms. [1135]
December 1
  • Hanover issues its first postage stamp, depicted 1 groschen, depicting coat of arms. [1135]

1851

January 1
  • Austria issues the world's first postage stamps to prepay postage on newspapers and periodicals. The stamps are undenominated, with value 0.6 kreuzer. [1135] [1252.58]
  • The Kingdom of Sardinia issues its first postage stamps, depicting King Victor Emmanual II. [1135]
April 1
  • Denmark issues its first postage stamps, denominated 2, 4 skillings. [1135]
  • Tuscany issues its first postage stamps, in nine denominations. [1135]
April 23
  • The Province of Canada issues its first postage stamp, 3-pence denomination depicting a beaver. [1] [614.117] [707.59] [1125.134] [1135] [1164.112] [1185.430]
May 1
  • Baden issues its first postage stamps, in four denominations. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • New Brunswick issues its first postage stamps. [707.62]
  • Nova Scotia issues its first postage stamps. [707.58]
August 14
  • Trinidad issues its first postage stsmp, denominated 1-penny. [1135]
September 1
  • Nova Scotia issues its first postage stamps, denominated 3, 6 pence, 1 shilling. [1135]
September 6
  • New Brunswick issues its first postage stamps, denominated 3, 6 pence, 1 shilling. [1135]
October 1
  • First Hawaiian stamps are issued: 2, 5, 13-cent denominations. [1] [700.196] [1135]
October 15
  • Württemberg issues its first postage stamps, 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 18-kreuzer denominations depicting numerals. [1135] [1138.900] [1158.85]

1852

January 1
  • Netherlands begins issuing postage stamps, depicting King William III. [1] [1135] [1262.408]
  • Thurn and Taxis issue their first postage stamps. [1135] [1181.463]
  • Roman States issues first postage stamps. [1135]
January 4
  • The Royal Mail steam packet Amazon burns and sinks in Nay of Biscay, carrying first postage stamps for use in Barbados. [887.20]
January 5
  • Oldenburg issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
April 15
  • Barbados issues its first postage stamps. [700.768] [887.20] [1135]
June 1
  • Modena issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
  • Parma issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
September 15
  • Luxembourg issues its first postage stamps, depicting Grand Duke William III. [1135] [1367.580]

1853

July 1
  • Chile issues its first postage stamps: 5, 10-centavo denominations, depicting Christopher Columbus. [707.214] [1135] [1153.1080]
July
  • Portugal issues its first postage stamps, depicting Queen Maria II. [1135]
September 1
  • Cape of Good Hope issues its first postage stamps, in 1 and 4-penny denomination, and the first triangular stamps. [707.116] [1135]
October 20
  • New South Wales makes use of adhesive postage stamps mandatory from New South Wales to neighboring colonies. [1135]
November 1
  • Van Diemen's Land issues its first postage stamps: 1, 4-penny denominations, depicting Queen Victoria. [700.575] [1135]

1854

January 28
  • Great Britain issues its postage stamps perforated for the first time. [1135]
February 1
  • The Philippine Islands issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Western Australia issues its first postage stamps. [700.581]
July 1
  • Spain issues the first postage stamps for official government use only. [1135]
August 1
  • Western Australia issies its first postage stamps: 1-penny and 1-shilling denominations, depicting a swan. [1135]
October 1
  • British India issues its first postage stamp: 1/2 anna denomination. [1135]
December 1
  • Victoria colony issues the first registration stamps, 1-shilling denomination. [1135]

1855

January 1
  • Norway issues its first postage stamp, 4-skilling value. [1135] [1154.984]
  • South Australia issues its first postage stamps, 2-pence denomination. [700.573] [1135]
April 1
  • Prepayment of letter postage (by adhesive stamps or stamped envelopes) in the USA is made mandatory. [1135] [1217.26]
April
  • Cuba issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Spain issues first postage stamps for use in Cuba, Puerto Rica, and the Philippines. [707.599]
July 1
  • Sweden issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
July 18
  • Newfoundland issues its first postage stamps, depicting Queen Victoria. [1135]
November 10
  • The Danish West Indies issues its first postage stamps. [1135] (1856 [700.194])

1856

January 1
  • Saint Helena issues its first postage stamp, denominated 6 pence, depicting Queen Victoria. [1032.49] [1135]
  • Prepayment of domestic letters in the USA by means of adhesive postage stamps or stamped envelopes is made compulsory. [1135]
March 1
  • Finland issues its first postage stamp, demoninated 5 kopecks, depicting coat of arms. [1135]
July 1
  • Mecklenburg-Schwerin issues its first postage stamp, four 1/4-schilling stamps that can be used together or in parts. [1135]
July 25
  • Puerto Rico issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
August 1
  • Mexico issues its first postage stamps, depicting portrait of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. [1135]
August 21
  • Argentine province of Corrientes issues its first postage stamp, denominated 1 real. [700.536] [1135]
October 1
  • Uruguary issuses its first postage stamps. [1135]

1857

January 1
  • Newfoundland issues its first postage stamps, denominated 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 pence, 1 shilling. [707.52] [1126.129] [1135]
April 1
  • Ceylon issues its first postage stamp, denominated 6 pence. [707.178] [1135] [1172.281]
May 26
  • Natal issues its first postage stamps, denominated 3,6,9 pence, and 1 shilling. [1135]
December 1
  • Pacific Steam Navigation Company issues first postage stamps for use in Peru. [1135]
December
  • Russia issues its first postage stamps. [453.82]

1858

January 1
  • First Russian postage stamps become valid for use, denominated 10 kopecks. [453.82] [1135]
  • The Kingdom of Naples issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
January
  • Tasmania issues its first postage stamps with name "Tasmania". [700.576] [1135]
March 1
  • The Peru government first issues postage stamps for general postal use. [1135]
April 29
  • Buenos Aires issues its first postage stamps, depicting a steamship. [700.536] [1135]
May 1
  • The Argentine Confederation issues its first national stamps. [1135]
July 15
  • Moldavia issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
October 28
  • Argentine province of Cordoba issues its first postage stamps. [700.536] [1135]

1859

January 1
  • The Free City of Lubeck issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
  • Sicily issues its first postage stamp, depicting King Ferdinand II. [1135]
  • Venezuela issues its first postage stamp, depicting coat of arms. [1135]
January
  • The Free City of Hamburg issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
  • France issues the first postage due stamps. [1135]
April 1
  • Liberia issues its first postage stamps. [1266.61]
May 15
  • Ionian Islands issues its first postage stamps, denominated 1/2, 1, 2 pence. [1135]
June 10
  • Bahamas issues its first postage stamp, denominated 1 pence, depicting Queen Victoria [700.723] [1135]
June 26
  • Uruguay issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
July 1
  • The Province of Canada issues its first decimal-denominated postage stamps. [1135]
August
  • The Grenadine Confederation issues its first postage stamps. [707.417] [1135]
September 1
  • The Provisional Government of Romagne issues its first postage stamps, nine values denominated 1/2 through 20 bajocchi. [1135] [1190.17]
September 21
  • Sierra Leone issues its first postage stamp, denominated 6 pence. [1135]

1860

January 1
  • Tuscany provisional government issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
  • Poland issues its first postage stamp, denominated 10 kopecks. [1135]
  • New Caledonia issues its first postage stamps, depicting Emperor Napoleon III. [1135]
February 1
  • Postage stamps of Romagne are replaced by Sardinia. [1190.20]
May 9
  • India releases its first postage stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Grenadine Confederation issues its last postage stamps. [707.417]
  • First postage stamps are issued for the British colony of Jamaica. [1367.1]
  • Liberia issues its first postage stamps. [1367.465]
July 30
  • The first and last postage stamps are issued for joint use in British Columbia and Vancouver's Island, denominated 2 1/2 pence. [707.52] [1135]
November 1
  • Queensland issues its first postage stamps, denominated 1, 2, 6 pence, depicting Queen Victoria. [700.571] [1135]
November 23
  • Jamaica issues its first postage stamps, denominated 1, 2, 4, 6 pence, and 1 shilling. [1135]
December 1
  • Malta issues its first postage stamp, denominated 1/2 pence, depicting Queen Victoria, and for local use. [681.105] [1135] [1229.59]
December 18
  • Saint Lucia issues its first postage stamps, denominated 1, 4, 6 pence. [1135]

1861

January 1
  • Prince Edward Island issues its first postage stamps, denominated 2, 3, 6 pence. [707.59] [1135]
May 8
  • Saint Vincent issues its first postage stamps, denominated 1, 6 pence, depicting Queen Victoria. [681.44] [1135]
May 28
  • US Postage Office Department invalidates existing US postge stamps due to existence of the Confederate States of America. [1135]
June 1
  • The United States of New Grenada issues its first and last postage stamps, denominated 1, 6 pence. [707.417] [1135]
(month unknown)
  • The Confederate States of America issues its first postage stamps. [700.128]
August
  • The US Postal Service begins issuing new postage stamps and demonetizing previously issued US stamps due to quantities held by Confederate states. [631.19]
October 1
  • Greece issues its first postage stamps. [1032.95] [1135]
October 16
  • Confederate States of America starts selling postage stamps. [1]
November 1
  • Bergedorf issues its first postage stamp, denominated 4 schilling. [1135]
December 21
  • Alfred Potiquet published the first postage stamp catalog, ten pages long, in Paris, France. [1135]

1862

January 11
  • The Argentine Republic issues its first postage stamps, denominated 5 centavos. [1135]
March
  • The Kingdom of Italy issues its first postage stamps, depicting King Victor Emmanuel II. [1135]
June 25
  • Moldavia-Walachia issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • The Confederate States of America issues its last postage stamps. [700.188]
  • The United States of Colombia issues its first postage stamps. [707.417]
July 17
  • US Congress passes Postage Currency Act allowing all forms of government postage stamps to be exchanged by assistant treasurers for greenbacks for payments of less than $5, and outlaws all privately issued notes with value under $1. [413.82] [646.15] [1135]
August
  • Antigua issues its first postage stamp, denominated 6 pence, depicting Queen Victoria. [700.426] [1135]
August 21
  • Due to a circulating coin shortage, the US Treasury Department begins using impressions of 5-cent and 10-cent postage stamps on Treasury paper as currency, in denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents. [646.15] [1135]
December 2
  • Nicaragua issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
December 8
  • Hong Kong issues its first postage stamps, denominated 2,8,12,18,24,48,96 cents. [1135]

1863

January 1
  • Turkish Empire issues its first postage stamps, depicting a monogram of the sultan. [1135]
February 11
  • Italy issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
May 27
  • The US Treasury Department ceases use of postage stamp impressions on Treasury paper as postage currency, due to resumption of minting of silver coins. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • New Brunswick issues its last postage stamps. [707.62]
  • Nova Scotia issues its last postage stamps. [707.58]
  • Costa Rica issues it first postage stamps. [707.544]
  • Bolivar, a state of the Granadine Confederation in South America, issues 1-peso postage stamps measuring 8mm by 9.5mm, the world's smallest postage stamps. [1032.78]

1864

February 16
  • Use of postage stamps is made compulsory in Hong Kong. [1135]
March 1
  • Holstein issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
April 1
  • The Netherlands Indies issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
May 30
  • The Ionian Islands cease issuing their own postage stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Austria (monarchy) issues its last postage stamps. [700.630]
October 1
  • Mecklenburg-Strelitz issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
November
  • The Indian feudatory state of Soruth issues its first postage stamps. [1135]

1865

January 1
  • Romania issues its first national postage stamps, depicting Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza. [1135]
  • Ecuador issues its first postage stamps. [995.147]
April 1
  • Russia re-introduces its postage stamps in Poland. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Lombardy-Venetia issues its last postage stamps. [700.708]
September
  • Vetluga district of Kostroma province of Russia issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
September 19
  • The first and last postage stamps of Vancouver Island are issued. [707.52] [1135]
September 25
  • Bermuda issues its first regular postage stamps. [700.929] [1135]
October 19
  • The Dominican Republic issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
November 1
  • British Columbia issues its first postage stamp, denominated 3 pence. [707.52] [1135]

1866

January 1
  • Egypt issues its first general postage stamps under Turkish suzerainty. [1135] [1253.896]
January
  • British Honduras issues its first postage stamp, denominated 1 shilling, depicting Queen Victoria. [700.1131] [1135]
March
  • The Indian feudatory state of Jammu and Kashmir issues its first postage stamps. [1135]

1867

April 4
  • Turks Islands issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
April 15
  • Heligoland issues its first postage stamp, denominated 1/2 schilling. [1135]
June 1
  • Austria-Hungary issues its first postage stamp joint issues. [700.630] [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Bolivia issues its first postage stamps. [700.963]
September 1
  • Straits Settlements Colony issues its first postage stamps, as overprints on stamps of India. [1135] [1136.96]

1868

January 1
  • Portuguese Madeira issues its first postage stamps, overprinted on stamps of Portugal. [1135] [1367.647]
  • Orange Free State issues its first postage stamp, denominated 1 penny. [1135]
  • North German Confederation issues its first postage stamps, replacing the individual stamps of 12 entities. [1135]
March 17
  • Postage stamp canceling machine patent is issued. [1]
April 1
  • The Dominion of Canada issues its first postage stamps, seven denominations depicting Queen Victoria, and replacing the stamps of Nova Scotia. [1135] [1164.112]
(month unknown)
  • First postage stamps for Azores under Portuguese control are issued, on overprinted stamps of Portugal. [700.720]
September
  • Fernando Po issues its first postage stamps. [1135]

1869

January
  • The Gambia issues its first postage stamps, depicting Queen Victoria. [1135]
March 1
  • Sarawak issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
April 2
  • The US issues first stamp intaglio printed in more than one color, a 15-cent stamp. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • British Columbia issues its last postage stamps. [707.52]
September 8
  • The Indian feudatory state of Hyderabad issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
October 1
  • Austria issues the world's first postal cards. [1] [5] [1135]

1870

April 1
  • Saint Christopher issues its first postage stamp, denominated 6 pence, depicting Queen Victoria. [1135]
May 1
  • The South African Republic issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
July 1
  • Angola issues its first postage stamps under Portuguese control. [700.395] [1135]
August 1
  • Paraguay issues its first postage stamps, depicting a lion holding a cap of liberty. [1135]
October 1
  • United Kingdom introduces prepaid postcards. [1154.938]
November 1
  • The Fiji Times newspaper issues the first postage stamps for mail service for Fiji. [1135]

1871

March 1
  • Guatemala issues its first postage stamps, denominated 1, 5, 10, 20-c, depicting a shield. [1135]
April 20
  • Japan issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
May
  • Hungary issues its first postage stamps, depicting Franz Josef I. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Kabul (Afghanistan) issues its first postage stamps. [700.253]
August 20
  • Japan issues its first postage stamps. [1151.1080]
October 1
  • Portuguese India issues its first postage stamps. [1022.1015] [1135]
December 3
  • The government of Fiji issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
December 25
  • Norway issues postage stamps with post horn design, longest design still in use. [1135]

1872

January 1
  • The German Empire issues its first postage stamps, depicting the German eagle, and replacing stamps of Baden. [1135] [1185.449]
  • Prince Edward Island issues postage stamps in decimal currency, its last postage stamps. [707.59] (January 4 [1135])
(month unknown)
  • Japan begins issuing postage stamps. [1367.17]

1873

January 1
  • Post office in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, offers first postage stamps of the French Protectorate of Cambodia. Stamps used are those for the French Colonies. [1255.784]
  • Iceland issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
March 3
  • US Congress authorizes federal departmental postage stamps. [1]
May 23
  • Curacao issues its first postage stamps, depicting King William III. [1135]
July 1
  • Spanish provinces of Biscay, Navarre, Guipuzcoa, and Alavo issue postage stamps during the Second Carlist War. [1135]
July 9
  • German Empire introduces new Mark currency. [1185.449]

1874

January 1
  • Spain issues the first war tax stamps. [1135]
April 15
  • Spanish province of Catalonia first issues postage stamps. [1135]
May 4
  • Dominica issues its first postage stamps, depicting Queen Victoria. [1135]
May
  • Montenegro first issues postage stamps, depicting Prince Nicholas I. [1135]
June 10
  • Lagos issues its first postage stamps, depicting Queen Victoria. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Lagos issues its first postage stamps. [1367.382]
September
  • The Spanish province of Valencia issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
  • Griqualand West issues its first postage stamps, using overprinted Cape of Good Hope stamps. [1135]
October 9
  • Representatives of 21 countries sign the Treaty of the General Postal Union in Berne, Switzerland. [960.16] [1004.943] [1188.241]

1875

July 1
  • Gold Coast issues its first postage stamps. [999.49]
  • General Union of Posts comes into effect, standardizing letter and postcard rates between member countries. [1] [729.38] [1135]
July
  • Gold Coast issues its first postage stamps, depicting Queen Victoria. [1135]
October 5
  • Pre-payment of postage by stamps is required in Canada. [1129.6]
October 15
  • Prepayment of postage is made compulsory in Canada. [1135]

1876

January 1
  • Gibraltar joins the General Union of Posts. [1135]
  • France joins the General Union of Posts. [729.38]
June
  • Indian feudatory state of Sirmoor issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Johore issues its first postage stamps, as overprints of stamps of Straits Settlements. [1367.695]
July 1
  • British India joins the General Union of Posts. [729.39] [1135]
July
  • Malayan state of Johore issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
  • Mozambique issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
September
  • Montserrat issues its first postage stamps, using overprinted stamps of Antigua. [1135]

1877

January 1
  • Cape Verde issues its first postage stamps. [707.117] [1135]
April 1
  • Bermuda joins the General Union of Posts. [1135]
  • Straits Settlements joins the General Union of Posts. [1135]
  • Ceylon joins the General Union of Posts. [729.39]
June 1
  • Japan joins the General Union of Posts. [729.39]
June
  • Japan joins the General Union of Posts. [1135]
June 18
  • Hot air balloon Buffalo carries mail from Nashville to Gallatin, Tennessee, USA; a privately-issued 5-cent postage stamp is used on 23 items, the first time a stamp is used for carrying mail by air. [956.9] [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Spain issues first postage stamps designated for use in Cuba. [707.600]
July 1
  • Brazil joins the General Union of Posts. [1135]
August 1
  • The Republic of San Marino issues its first postage stamps, denominated 2,10,20,30,40c. [1135]
September 1
  • Persia joins the General Union of Posts. [1135]
October 1
  • The Independent Kingdom of Samoa issues its first postage stamps. [1135]

1878

April 1
  • Argentina joins the General Union of Posts. [729.40]
April
  • Argentina joins the General Union of Posts. [1135]
May 2
  • At the second conference of the General Union of Posts in Paris, France, the name is changed to Universal Postal Union. [1135]
June 1
  • A postal convention is signed in Paris, France, creating the Universal Postal Union. [729.38]
June 19
  • The Falkland Islands issues its first postage stamps, 1 penny and 6 pence, depicting Queen Victoria. [1120.155] [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Perak issues its first postage stamps, as overprints on stamps of Straits Settlements. [1367.701]
  • Selangor issues its first postage stamps, as overprints on stamps of Straits Settlements. [1367.703]
  • Sungei Ujong issues its first postage stamps, as overprints on stamps of Straits Settlements. [1367.705]
July 1
  • Canada joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
August
  • Canada joins the General Union of Posts. [729.38]
August 26
  • The first postage stamps inscribed "Transvaal" are issued. [1135]
October
  • China issues its first postage stamps. [707.257] [1135]

1879

January 1
  • Additions to the General Postal Union: Falkland Islands, British Honduras, Newfoundland, and British colonies on the west coast of Africa. [1120.155] [1135]
January
  • Newfoundland joins the General Union of Posts. [729.38]
April 1
  • The Universal Postal Union comes into effect. [729.38]
  • Additions to the Universal Postal Union: British Honduras, El Salvador, Honduras, Liberia, Mexico, and Peru. [1135]
May 1
  • Bulgaria issues its first postage stamps. [700.1149]
May
  • Labuan issues its first postage stamps. [1135] [1367.380]
June 1
  • Bulgaria issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
  • Heligoland joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
July 1
  • Bulgaria joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina issues its first postage stamps. [700.992] [1135]
August 1
  • Tobago issues its first postage stamps, depicting Queen Victoria. [1135]

1880

January 1
  • Venezuela joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
April 1
  • Cyprus issues its first postage stamps, using overprinted British stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • First postage stamps for the British Crown Colony of Cyprus are issued, using Great Britain stamps overprinted "CYPRUS". [707.684]
July 1
  • Uruguay joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
October 1
  • The Dominican Republic joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]

1881

January
  • Peru department of Arequipa issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
February
  • Peru areas of Ayacucho, Cuzco, Moquegua, and Puno issue their first postage stamps. [1135]
April 1
  • Chile joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
May 16
  • Nepal issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
July 1
  • Additions to the Universal Postal Union: Colombia, Haiti, and Paraguay. [1135]
  • Haiti issues its first postage stamps, depicting a Liberty head. [1135]
  • Cyprus issues its first postage stamps of its own design, depicting Queen Victoria. [1135]
July
  • British Crown Colony of Cyprus issues its first non-overprint postage stamps. [707.684]
August 1
  • Guatemala joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]

1882

May 1
  • Nicaragua joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
June 9
  • Tahiti issues its first postage stamps, using overprints of French colonies stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • First postage stamps for Bangkok under British control are issued, using overprinted stamps of Straits Settlements. [700.749]

1883

January 1
  • Costa Rica joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
June
  • North Borneo issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
August 4
  • Siam issues its first postage stamps, depicting King Chulalongkorn. [1015.288] [1135]

1884

February 1
  • Stellaland issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
February 23
  • Guadeloupe issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
March 1
  • Macao issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
April
  • Peru areas Ancachs, Chachapoyas, Chala, Chiclayo, Huacho, Paita, Pasco, Pisco, iura, and Yea issue their first postage stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Korea issues its first postage stamps. [1367.179]
  • Portugal issues first postage stamps for use in Macau. [1367.611]
November
  • Korea issues its first postage stamps. [1135]

1885

January
  • Saint Pierre and Miquelon issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
May
  • Indian convention state Nabha issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Bangkok issues its last postage stamps. [700.749]
  • First postage stamps for the Costa Rica province of Guanacaste, using stamps of Costa Rica overprinted "Guanacaste". [707.573]
July 1
  • Monaco issues its first postage stamps. [1155.1080]
  • Siam joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
September 22
  • South Bulgaria issues postage stamps superceding Eastern Rumelia. [1135]
December 2
  • Stellaland ceases issuing postage stamps. [1135]
December
  • First postage stamps for British Bechuanaland are issued, on overprinted stamps of Cape of Good Hope. [700.795] [1135]

1886

January 1
  • Congo Free State joins the Universal Postal Union, and issues its first postage stamps. [700.811] [976.123] [1135]
  • The New Republic State in Zululand issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
  • Gibraltar issues its first postage stamps, using overprinted stamps of Bermuda, seven denominations. [1135]
February
  • Portuguese Timor issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
April 1
  • Bolivia joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • First postage stamps are issued for Cochin China, using stamps of French Colonies. [707.412]
  • The United States of Colombia issues its last postage stamps. [707.418]
  • The Republic of Colombia issues its first postage stamps. [707.418]
July
  • Martinique issues its first postage stamps, using overprinted stamps of French colonies. [1135]
December
  • French Guiana issues its first postage stamps, using overprinted stamps of French colonies. [1135]

1887

January 1
  • Indian convention state Farid issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
June 1
  • Japan joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • British Bechuanaland issues its own first postage stamps. [700.795]

1888

January 21
  • The first and last postage stamps for Annam and Tonkin are issued, using overprinted stamps of French Colonies. [700.425] [1135]
May 1
  • Zululand issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • First postage stamps for Bechuanaland Protectorate are issued, using overprinted stamps of Cape of Good Hope. [700.795]
  • Last postage stamps are issued for Cochin China. [707.412]
  • New South Wales issues world's first commemorative stamps, commemorating 100 years of New South Wales. [1032.41]
July 1
  • Tunisia joins the Universal Postal Union and issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
October 16
  • Indian feudatory state Travancore issues its first postage stamps. [1135]

1889

January
  • Malay state Pahang issues its first postage stamps, using overprinted stamps of Straits Settlements. [1135]
  • French Indo-China issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
May
  • Nossi Be issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Last postage stamps for the Costa Rica province of Guanacaste. [707.573]
  • Pahang issues its first postage stamps, as overprints on stamps of Straits Settlements. [1367.699]
October 18
  • Swaziland issues its first postage stamps. [1135]

1890

January 1
  • Labuan issues its first postage stamps, using overprinted stamps of North Borneo. [1135]
April 5
  • Seychelles issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
May
  • First postage stamps for British East Africa are issued, using stamps of Great Britain overprinted "BRITISH EAST AFRICA COMPANY" and value. [700.1126] [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Antigua discontinues (until 1903) using its own postage stamps, switching to stamps of Leeward Islands. [700.426]
  • British East Africa Company issues its first postage stamps of its own design. [700.1126]
  • Leeward Islands issues its first postage stamps. [1367.445]

1891

February
  • North Borneo joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
April
  • First postage stamps for British Central Africa are issued, using stamps of Rhodesia overprinted "B.C.A.". [700.1126] [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Kabul (Afghanistan) issues its last postage stamps. [700.254]
  • Afghanistan issues its first postage stamps. [700.254]
  • Negri Sembilan issues its first postage stamps. [1367.699]
  • Sungei Ujong issues its first postage stamps. [1367.705]
August
  • Malay state Negri Sembilan issues its first postage stamps, using overprinted stamps of Straits Settlements, denomination 2 cents. [1135]
October 1
  • Additions to the Universal Postal Union: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. [1135]

1892

January 2
  • British South Africa Company issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
February 1
  • Obock town in French Domali Coast issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
February
  • Indian feudatory state Nandgaon issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
April 1
  • Funchal district of Port Madeira issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
  • Indian feidatory state of Cochin issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
April 19
  • Cook Islands issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
May 7
  • The Cook Islands issues its first postage stamps. [707.527]
(month unknown)
  • The first postage stamps of Angra (of Azores) are issued. [700.412]
  • First postage stamps for Benin under French control are issued, using overprinted stamps of French Colonies. [700.908]
  • Johore issues its own first postage stamps. [1367.695]
  • Panang issues its own first postage stamps. [1367.700]
  • Perak issues its own first postage stamps. [1367.702]
  • Selangor issues its own first postage stamps. [1367.702]
July 2
  • British New Guinea joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
July 20
  • Oil Rivers issues its first postage stamps, using overprinted stamps of Great Britain. [1135]
November
  • French Oceanic Settlements issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
  • Anjouan issues its first postage stamps. [700.425] [1135]
  • French India issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
  • Ivory Coast issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
  • French Guinea issues its first postage stamps. [1135]

1893

June 1
  • Belgium issues postage stamps with attached labels indicating no delivery on Sunday. If the label is removed, delivery on Sunday will be done if necessary. [1135]

1894

April 12
  • French Sudan issues its first postage stamps, using surcharged stamps of the French colonies. [1135]
April
  • Saint Marie de Madagascar issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
May
  • Indian feudatory state Bundi issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
June 1
  • Kewkiang China issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Benin issues its last postage stamps. [700.908]
July 1
  • Bureau of Engraving and Pringing begins producing all US postage stamps. [1135] [1211.592]
August 5
  • Portuguese Congo AKA Cabinda issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
August 6
  • Chinkiang, China issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
November
  • Zambesia issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
December 1
  • Ichang, China issues its first postage stamps. [1135]

1895

February 28
  • Majunga town of Madagascar issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
March 20
  • Uganda issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
June 8
  • Amoy, China issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
June 20
  • Indian feudatory state Bussahir issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • British Central Africa issues its first postage stamps. [700.1126]
  • First postage stamps are issued for use in Lourenco Marques. [1367.579]
  • Sungei Ujong issues its last postage stamps. [1367.705]
July 1
  • Inhambane issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
July
  • Brunei issues its first postage stamps, for local use, denominations 1/2 cent through one dollar. [1135]
August 1
  • Foochow Local Post in China issues its first postage stamps, denominations 1/2 cent through 40 cent, depicting a dragonboat. [1135]

1896

January 1
  • First philatelic daily newspaper debuts, The Daily Stamp Item, published by Charles H. Mekeel of Saint Louis, Missouri. (It runs for 284 issues.) [971.292]
September 20
  • Nanking Local Post issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
October
  • Saint Helena joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]

1897

January 2
  • Chinese Government Post issues its first postage stamps. [1135]
March 1
  • Sudan issues its first postage stamps, using overprinted stamps of Egypt. [1135]
March 17
  • Australiasian New Hebrides Company Limited issues its first postage stamps, denominated 1 and 2 pence, for use between New Hebrides and Sydney. [1135]
April 1
  • The first postage stamps for Cameroun under German dominion are issued, using overprinted stamps of Germany. [707.27] [1135]
June 22
  • New South Wales issues the world's first semi-postal stamps, with 1-shilling denomination but 1-pence for postage, the remainder to fund a home for consumptives. [1135]
  • Sarawak joins the Universal Postal Union. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • British Bechuanaland issues its last postage stamps. [700.795]

1898

March 1
  • Sudan issues its own first postage stamps, eight values from 1-millieme to 10-piastres. [681.49] [1135]
April 1
  • First postage stamps of Azores under Portuguese control are issued. [700.722]
June 30
  • Zululand ceases use of its stamps, replaced by those of Natal. [1135]
(month unknown)
  • British East Africa Protectorate issues its last postage stamps. [700.1127]
  • Great Britain issues first postage stamps for use on its administrative district of Crete. [707.574]
  • The USA begins issuing postage stamps for use in Cuba. [707.601]
  • Cuba issues its first postage stamps under US control. [700.193]
October 1
  • Gibraltar issues postage stamps denominated in pound sterling currency. [1135]
November 25
  • First postage stamps for use in Crete, issued under British administration. [707.574] [1135]
December 25
  • The British Post Office introduces Imperial Penny Postage, 1 pence postage per half ounce to most parts of the British Empire. [729.38]

1899

March 15
  • Department of Posts for Puerto Rico comes into existence, and places on sale in San Juan, Puerto Rico, American postage stamps overprinted "Porto Rico". [700.204] [1020.843] [1135]
May
  • Postage stamps for use in Crete are issued under Russian administration. [1135]
June 30
  • The USA issues overprinted US postage stamps for use in the Philippines. [700.198] [1135]
(month unknown)
  • Cuba issues its last postage stamps under US control. [700.193]
  • Hawaii issues its last postage stamps. [700.197]
  • Germany issues first stamps for the Caroline Islands, German stamps of denomination 3- to 50-pfennig stamps of Germany overprinted "Karolina". [1255.733]
  • Great Britain issues its last postage stamps for use on its administrative district of Crete. [707.574]
  • Russia issues postage stamps for use on its administrative district of Crete. [707.574]
July 7
  • The USA issues overprinted US postage stamps for use in Guam. [700.196] [1135]
September
  • Spanish Mariana Islands issues its first postage stamps, using overprinted stamps of Spanish Philippines. [1135]
End of 1653-1899. Next: 1900.

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1653-1899 1900-1949 1950-1989 1990-end


A list of references to all source material is available.

Other web pages of interest:

  • Postage Stamp Design Errors
  • Stamps on Postage Stampa
  • The Silly World of Postage Stamps
  • Ken P's Coin/Stamp/Bill Novelties
  • Polsson's Garage Sale - Postage Stamps
  • Chronology of World Coins
  • Chronology of World History
  • This Day in History
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