Miniature sheet

Miniature Sheet is a stamp collecting item. Although definitions vary, this is essentially a special issue often commemorating some event, such as a national anniversary, philatelic exhibition, or government program. Postage stamps, sometimes also separately issued, are on the sheet either perforated or imperforated, and they (as well as the entire sheet) is valid for mailing. Usually on the margins around the stamp(s) is a statement of what is being celebrated. Issues are sold above face value and most are of course kept by collectors.

Luxembourg apparently issued the first souvenir sheet in 1923, a single one franc stamp not otherwise available inset in a larger blank sheet. The purpose was to honor the birth of a princess. However, somewhat similar issues by that country go back to the royal coronation of 1906. THe United States issued its first one in 1926.

Since miniature sheet stamps became widely available, a number of commemorative stamps throughout the world have produced miniature sheets. Miniature Sheets were more popular around the 1960s when more commemorative stamps began to be issued. Today, several countries are issuing miniature sheets.

While some earlier sheets are valuable, it is suggested that the casual collector buy souvenir sheets more for their beauty and historical significance than for any likelihood of financial gain.

References

• Souvenir sheets come in all shapes and sizes by Michael Baadke, Linns.com