Self-adhesive stamp

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A self-adhesive stamp is a postage stamp with a type of gum that does not require moistening in order to adhere to paper. They are usually issued on backing paper.

They were first issued in the 1960s, by such tropical climates as Sierra Leone and Tonga in an attempt to avoid the tendency of traditional water-activated stamps to stick together in humid conditions. They also made diecutting into fanciful and unique shapes easier.

The United States Postal Service's first foray into self-adhesive stamps was in 1974 with the 10-cent dove weathervane. Stamp collectors criticized the format, as the rubber base adhesive used tended to progressively yellow the stamps. They also found them difficult to remove from covers, and to save in mint condition, though self-adhesives of recent years have improved in these respects. The British Post Office first issued self-adhesive stamps in 1993 (October 19), with the introduction of books of 20 First Class stamps, later a 2nd class stamp was introduced, in later years other issues were produced in the self-adhesive format. Outside of the philatelic community, the stamps have been welcomed as more convenient; by 2002, virtually all new USPS stamps were issued as self-adhesives.

Artistamps have also been issued in a self-adhesive format.