Gallery of Paleontology and Paleoanthropology related postmarks and meter-frankings
This gallery contains almost 3.500 images of postmarks and meter-frankings both directly and indirectly connected to Paleontology and Paleoanthropology.
These galleries are updated once a year, typically toward the end of the year. The most recent update was in October 2025.Definitions and Notes
Postmark:
an official mark stamped on a letter or other postal package, giving
the place, date, and time of posting, and serving to cancel the postage stamp.  |
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Postmarks may be applied by hand or by machines, using methods such as rollers or inkjets, while digital postmarks are a recent innovation.
Commemorative postmarks are usually larger than regular Circular Date Stamp (CDS) and contain an extra image and/or some special text to sign some event of anniversary.
Usually commemorative postmarks are round or rectangular, but can be also free form.
Sometimes it is split in two parts: regular date postmark and commemorative image or text attached to it. [R1]
Meter-franking:
imprints an amount of postage, functioning as a postage
stamp, a cancellation and a dated postmark all in one. The meter stamp serves as proof of payment and eliminates the need for adhesive stamps.
A meter franking, distinguished from a postmark, always include a paid rate towards the mailing.
Meter-franking made by postage meter or franking machine - mechanical device used to create and apply physical evidence of postage (or franking) to mailed matter.
Postage meters are regulated by a country's postal authority. [R2]
The Commemorative postmarks and meter frankings can be divided in several groups:
- Mineral and Fossil trade shows and events that took place at various locations around the world. Some of these events have commemorative postmark or meter franking designed in cooperation with the local Postal Authority.
- Philatelic clubs. Some philatelic clubs/communities issue commemorative postmarks or meter franking in cooperation with local post authority for their events. Annual meeting, exhibits etc.
- Some municipalities and companies located at natural parks with important fossil-found location might use some commemorative postmarks or meter franking to attract tourists to visit the region.
- Most interesting category is postmarks and meter franking issued by Natural History Museums that shows their artifacts and some paleontologic organizations that issues postmarks and meter franking to commemorate their events or anniversaries.
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References: [R1] Postmark: Oxford Dictionaries, Wikipedia. [R2] Meter-franking (postage meter): Oxford Dictionaries |
Acknowledgements: Many thanks to Dr. Peter Voice from Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, for reviewing the draft page and English corrections. |
Postmarks and meter franking
Primary Topics
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Paleontology or Paleoanthropology related Postmarks and Meter-frankings
Associated Topics
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Postmarks and Meter-frankings indirectly related to Paleontology or Paleoanthropology
