Collecting · Types
Commemorative Stamps: A Collector's Guide
A commemorative stamp is a special stamp issued to mark an event, anniversary, person or theme, usually for a limited time, in contrast to the everyday definitives. They are typically larger and more colourful, designed to celebrate their subject, and they form one of the most popular and affordable areas of collecting. Most modern commemoratives are common, while certain older sets, errors and fine examples are more valuable.
At a glance
What commemorative stamps are
Commemorative stamps celebrate something: a royal occasion, an anniversary, a famous figure, a national achievement, or a theme such as nature or sport. Unlike definitives, which are issued over long periods for everyday postage, commemoratives appear for a limited time, marking their subject, and are then withdrawn.
Their larger format and colourful designs make them attractive in their own right, which is part of why they are so widely collected. Our comparison of definitive and commemorative stamps explains the distinction in full.
How commemorative stamps are collected
- Chronologically. Following a country's commemoratives year by year, building a record of the events and themes it has marked.
- Thematically. Collecting by subject across many countries, birds, ships, royalty, sport, an approach our guide to thematic collecting explores.
- By set. Commemoratives are usually issued in sets, and collecting complete sets is a natural and satisfying goal.
- On first day covers. Many collectors keep commemoratives on first day covers, marking the day each appeared, as our first day covers guide explains.
Colourful, varied, affordable
Stamps that celebrate
Larger and more colourful than the everyday definitives, commemoratives mark the events, anniversaries and themes of their day. Collect them by year, by subject or by set, a popular and accessible field for almost any collector.
How to identify and value commemorative stamps
A commemorative is usually easy to recognise by its subject and design, and, for British stamps, by the monarch's head alongside the commemorative design and no country name, as our guide to identifying British stamps explains. For value, most modern commemoratives are common and modestly priced, since they were saved in quantity, while certain older sets, genuine errors and fine examples are worth more. Our guide to commemorative stamp values sets out what to expect, with condition and demand deciding the figure.
Collecting commemorative stamps
Ideal for almost any collector
Commemoratives are an ideal area for almost any collector. They are colourful, varied and affordable, easy to collect by theme, by year or by set, and rich in the history and subjects they celebrate. A great deal can be collected for very little, while older sets and fine examples offer more for the specialist. We are glad to help you find commemorative material, honestly described and photographed; browse our stock, or ask us what is available.
Frequently asked questions
A special stamp issued to mark an event, anniversary, person or theme, usually for a limited time, in contrast to the everyday definitives. They are typically larger and more colourful.
A commemorative marks a specific subject and is issued for a limited time, while a definitive is an everyday stamp issued over a long period for ordinary postage. Our comparison guide explains.
Most modern ones are common and modestly priced, having been saved in quantity. Value comes from certain older sets, genuine errors and fine examples. Our value guide explains.
Chronologically, thematically by subject, by complete set, or on first day covers. Their variety and affordability make them one of the most popular areas of collecting.
Founder and stamp dealerLast updated June 2026