Stamps 'n Things

Page 4

Cancellations

Amazingly, cancellations are a popular collectible. They are the marks put on stamps by the postal service as the stamped item begins its way through the system. Stamps are cancelled to show that they have performed service and to prevent their reuse. Markings on the stamp made with a pen are termed a "pen cancel." Often the town location of the post office which cancelled the stamp is in the cancel marking. This is termed a "town cancel." Though the term "postmark" technically refers to any postal marking, it is generally thought of in terms of a town cancel with the date included. Today, many stamp cancellations around the world call attention to a cause or celebration. This is termed a "slogan cancel." The cancellations shown here are in celebration of alpacas and llamas.

Llama Cancel

Alpaca Cancel

Llama Cancel

Alpaca Cancel