We all know that the back of stamps are blank. However there are some with their backs printed with advertisements or for other purposes. The contents of these words and illustrations vary widely and make a very interesting collecting topic. These stamps are gaining popularity amongst collectors.

Ration Coupons on the Back

During World War One, as there was a severe shortage of paper, Bolivia had to temporarily use one-sided ration coupons, cigarette wrappers and banknote papers to meet the need for stamps. To the surprise of the post administrators, these stamps printed on the back of the coupons and other documents, unexpectedly and quickly became  collector’s items.

Used as Banknotes

In 1915, Russia issued commemorative stamps to commemorate the 300^th founding anniversary of the Romanov Empire. The back of these stamps had the words “Having Circulation On Par with Subsidiary Values”, which indicated that the stamps could be used as banknotes. What a useful 2-in-1 combination!

Telegrams

In 1942, the anti-Japanese base of the Communist Party of China in Huainan issued a set of stamps printed on used telegram paper because of the blockade by the Japanese. The telegraphic code and the deciphered message could be clearly seen on the back of the stamps. These stamps witnessed the hard times faced by the Communist Party in the anti-Japanese struggle and is a valuable resource for the study of China’s postal history.

Poems

In 1943, during the anti-Fascism period, Montenegro of the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia issued a set of commemorative stamps “Crown of the King of Mountains”. Poems are printed on the backs, to spread propaganda among the masses, as a form of inspiration in the war against Italian Fascism. 

Instructions

To educate the public on postal administration, the United States issued a set of stamps, illustrating the whole mailing process. The back of each stamp carried a brief description of the printed design. Users are then able to understand the contents of each design.

Advertisements

In African, Sierra Leone, shrewd businessmen cooperated with the postal administration and issued many stamps with advertisements on their backs. Hence, these stamps had two purposes: one, to indicate postage paid; two, product advertising.

Patriotic verses

The most interesting examples would be the stamps of Pacific Island the Kingdom of Tonga. Most of the contents carry the message that the Kingdom of Tonga, with its long history, is a beautiful and fine place. For example:

“Tonga – Where a New Day Starts”. As Tonga is situated just west of the International Date Line, it is the first in the world to see the sunrise. This is to publicize her superior geographical position.

“Kingdom of Tonga – The Friendly Islands”. This beautiful name originated from 1773, when a famous voyager Captain Cook came to the island for the second time. He saw that the natives were very friendly and was touched by their gestures, hence giving it this name. This is to publicize the friendliness of the natives towards foreigners.

“Niuas –Island of Bottle Post”. This island of Tonga in ancient times had a history of bottle post. Hence the name. This is to publicize the long history of Tonga.