Trace the lines of history through the British Library’s comprehensive collection of stamps.
The National Philatelic Collection, held at the British Library, contains more than 8 million items, and includes postage stamps, railway letter stamps, telegraph stamps, airmails, metal dies and plates and philatelic literature. It has over 50 important collections, including the original Tapling bequest, the first to be gifted to the British Museum in 1891. Now on display at the British Library, it is believed that the Tapling Collection is the only major 19th-century philatelic collection that remains intact. The selection below includes some of the rarest philatelic examples. They are often unique because of printing errors that make them truly one of a kind.
Usage terms Public Domain
Held by© British Library
Usage terms Public Domain
Held by© British Library
Usage terms Public Domain
Held by© British Library
Usage terms Public Domain
Held by© British Library
Usage terms Public Domain
Held by© British Library
Usage terms Public Domain
Held by© British Library
Usage terms Public Domain
Held by© British Library
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