Variable value stamp

The inside of a variable value stamp vending machine showing the stamps before the value is printed
A selection of variable value stamps showing the range of values that may be selected

A variable value stamp is a gummed or self-adhesive postage stamp of a common design, issued by a machine similar to an automatic teller machine (ATM), with a value of the user's choice printed at the time the stamp is dispensed. The value may be variable or from a fixed selection of postal rates. The stamps and machines are typically for use in retail or post office environments. As only the postal value varies from stamp to stamp, these stamps have been described as key type stamps. They are also closely related to meter stamps from postage meters.

As the concept has developed, a variety of different names have been used, including Automatenmarken[1] (Germany), Computer vended postage stamp,[2] ATM stamps[3] (US), Autopost stamps[3] (US), Frama labels (Europe) or machine labels (Stanley Gibbons catalogues).

  1. ^ Mackay, James. Stamp Collecting: Philatelic Terms Illustrated. 4th edition. London: Stanley Gibbons, 2003, p.9. ISBN 0-85259-557-3
  2. ^ Scott 2014. Specialized Catalogue of United States. Stamps & Covers. Computer vended postage stamp, p. 1.
  3. ^ a b Youngblood, Wayne L. All about Stamps. Iola WI: Krause Publications, 2000, pp. 12-13. ISBN 0-87341-963-4