PHOSPHORESCENT TAGGING

 

On August 1, 1963, the United States Post Office Department issued our first stamp with “phosphorescent tagging” – the 1963 8¢ Airmail.  The tagging was done in an effort to speed up mail sorting and the cancellation process.  

After working with private companies, the US Post Office developed a new way to more quickly sort mail – with luminescence.  By the late 1950s, mail volume around the world was increasing dramatically.  Many countries began to explore new ways to sort and postmark their stamps in a more efficient way.  This is a process in which stamps receive an invisible coating that can only be seen under ultraviolet (UV) light.  When exposed to this light, the stamps would glow.   Tagged US #1342 stamp under ultraviolet light

US #C64c  America’s First Tagged Stamp Booklet Pane of 5 with Zip Code Label US #C64a #C64a Fleetwood FDC with “First Day Use of Luminescent Tagging” Cancel