Definition: A semi-postal stamp is a stamp issue that has a surcharge above the postage price. This surcharge may be printed on the stamp itself or simply charged at the point of purchase. The funds raised from this surcharge are donated to a charity or cause, usually related to the image on the stamp.
Semi-postal issues first appeared in the late-19th century and have since become common in various stamp-issuing countries, raising funds to fight diseases, aiding environmental efforts, assisting in war efforts, and a variety of other causes. The United States has been much slower in adopting this fund-raising tool, issuing its first semi-postal in 1998.
Semi-postal issues first appeared in the late-19th century and have since become common in various stamp-issuing countries, raising funds to fight diseases, aiding environmental efforts, assisting in war efforts, and a variety of other causes. The United States has been much slower in adopting this fund-raising tool, issuing its first semi-postal in 1998.