How to Identify U.S. Postage Stamps

Using a Catalog

• 1

  Identify the stamp's catalog number. Search for the catalog number underneath the stamp's image. The stamp image is under the country heading. Under the illustration you will find information about the variety of the stamp.

• 2

  Match catalog number against numbers in a stamp catalog. Each stamp catalog has different sections, so determine the stamp's category and compare it to stamps in the same category in the catalog. The categories include stamps of animals, birds, famous people and politicians.

• 3

  Check the stamp's watermark. Use watermark fluid to detect the otherwise invisible prints on the surface of the stamp. Place the stamp into a watermark tray and add a few drops of fluid to the stamp's surface. Take note of the watermark and compare it to watermarks in a catalog to determine the age and make of your stamp.

Using the Internet

• 4

  Visit the USA Postage Stamps website and compare your stamps to the images on the website. USA Postage Stamps has images and information on all stamps printed in the United States from 1861. Click on the year in the right hand column. Click on the stamp images on the following page.

• 5

  Register with Find Your Stamp's Value (FYSV). FYSV offers an identification service for a small membership fee. Click on "Register." Enter a payment option. Click "Continue to Checkout". Enter your name, address, phone number and email address. Enter a brief description of the words, numbers, scenes, colors and denomination on the stamp. Click Search. Choose the United States from the country list and match your stamp against the stamps displayed.

• 6

  Visit the Stampex website and match your stamp against stamps displayed on their website.

Without Catalog or Internet

• 7

  Find out who is displayed on the stamp. If the person is a U.S. president, a famous American, native animal, scenery, or a historical event, you may have a U.S. postage stamp, but check further to correctly identify your stamp.

• 8

  Check the currency used for the stamp. If the stamp's currency is U.S. dollar and cents, you have a U.S. postage stamp.

• 9

  Find the country name and date of issue on the stamp. Most stamps have the date of issue and in which country they were issued. If the "USA" is displayed, you have a U.S. stamp.

• 10

  Check the date on the stamp. The first U.S. postage stamp was issued in New York city in 1847. If your stamp is dated before 1847, you do not have a U.S. postage stamp.