11 November 2015 | 3 mins
Postmarks are just as fascinating and collectable as stamps, and they can add a lot of historical and sentimental value to your collection. Here’s everything you need to know about them, including how to get them.
1. What is a postmark?
Postmarks are unique imprints from rubber stamps pressed onto mail by postal workers. They’re used to record when and where a piece of mail enters the postal system, and to indicate a stamp has been used for postage so it doesn’t get re-used. You’ll see a black inked marking on your envelope on or near the postage stamp.
2. Why philatelists collect them
Postmarks are a valuable addition to stamp collections because of the ‘first day of issue postmark’ collectors can get inked onto their stamps. This is a special mark applied to a stamp on its very first day of release for public use. Many collectors like to pair up a new stamp and its unique postmark in their collection.
3. How do you add a postmark to your collection
Only authorised Australia Post staff can apply postmarks so head to your local Post Office. Ensure you’re getting the right kind of postmark, for instance a national postmark on a first day cover, a commemorative postmark for a special occasion stamp, and so on.
First day issue postmarks cannot be applied before the date of issue. For collectors, we offer a 4-week grace period after the first date of issue to get a stamp postmarked - we understand that you may be coming from interstate or overseas and may not be able to present first day covers for postmarking on the day of issue.
How to get a custom postmark
If you’d like to create an official postmark to celebrate a local event or special milestone, send a written request to the address below, and we’ll guide you through the steps involved.
The Manager
Philatelic
Australia Post
GPO Box 1777
MELBOURNE VIC 3001
If you’re still curious about postmarks, learn more about them here or take a look at our latest postmarks. Once you have a new stamp you’d like postmarked, we encourage you to get down to your local Post Office and experience it for yourself!
This content was produced at the time of publication and will not be updated.
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