The face value or denomination is the most important factor considered when creating a stamp, because the variations in pricing when sending mail through the postal service. Prices vary because of the size, shape, height, and weight of items being sent though the mail, which is why the denomination of every stamp will correspond with the cost of the item being mailed. The denomination is shown on every stamp somewhere within its design.



The overall shape and size of a stamp are normally rectangle, horizontal, or vertical. Some stamps have been issued in the shapes of triangles, octagons, circles, hearts, and so many more in other countries. In fact, the United States issued a complete series of stamps that were in a triangular shape that depicted the famous shape of the Jamestown fort, which the series was based upon.

Each stamp produced has a graphic design, whether it is initialized in the emblem, number, or with the picture itself. The majority of countries with the world has issued a printed stamp with the name of the country printed within the design. Either the country can be written out completely or it will be abbreviated and shortened to fit within the design of the stamp.

There may be additional text added to a design of a stamp, which is vital in making reference to time of issue such as the date. A stamp may also include a motto of a country or popular quotes used by the country. Secret marks are often hidden within a stamps to deter forgeries. The designs which are placed on a stamp are picked by a committee, such as the United States Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee.

Another determination factor about the design on a stamp may be due to the public requesting a certain design. Some stamps are produced especially for the stamp collector in mind, which are typically more colorful and have a higher appeal to collectors. Collectors will purchase stamps that have an eye catching appeal to them and postal services all over the world are providing more beautiful stamps every day.

Individuals feel that the future of stamp collecting is in trouble due to the increasingly popular e-mail and other electronic forms of communication. Although, when the inventions of the telegraph and the telephone became so popular individuals had the same feeling. It seems, however, that collectors seem to be interested in older stamps as well as new editions of stamps.

During the past sixty years that have been seventy-nine Black Americans honored on United States postage stamps. Commemorative issues such as these are no longer sold by the postal service, so it is no wonder they have become so popular. These stamps are another part of the heritage within black history. These stamps are uncirculated, which means they are not used as regular postal stamps.