Label (philately) — stamp sheet label, tab or coupon

Characteristics and forms

Labels vary widely in appearance and purpose. Some are plain blank panels used as spacers between panes or around a selvage; others carry complementary designs, inscriptions, commemorative text, dates, or advertising. They may be issued attached to individual stamps (often called tabs), printed alongside souvenir sheets, or appear as part of booklet panes. Labels typically share paper and printing characteristics with the stamps they accompany but are expressly void of postal value.

History and development

The practice of including labels grew out of sheet production, control marks and the desire to add explanatory or decorative material to an issue without altering the stamp itself. Over time printers and postal administrations began using tabs to include additional artwork, biographical notes, or promotional messages. Some countries also used tabs to show perforation guides, plate numbers or printer information that were useful during production and later attracted collector interest.

Uses and collecting importance

Labels are important to philatelists for several reasons: they complete the original presentation of an issue, they may contain unique designs or text not found on the stamp, and pairs of stamp-plus-label can be more desirable than the stamp alone. Labels that include artwork, slogans, or advertising are often sought after by thematic collectors. Because a label cannot serve as postage, its value is rooted in rarity, condition, and how it was issued.

Distinctions and related elements

• Label (tab/coupon): A non-postal panel attached to or adjacent to a stamp; has no face value or issuing insignia.
• Gutter: The space between panes of stamps on a sheet; may be blank or carry guide lines and should not be confused with a label. See gutter.
• Margin/selvage: The outer edge of the sheet often showing printing information, not intended as a stamp.

Notable facts and examples

Some labels have become collectible items in their own right when they carry striking artwork or when they were removed, separated, or preserved with the adjoining stamp. Other non-postal adhesive items that resemble stamps (often called cinderellas) serve promotional or local purposes; these should be distinguished from official labels. For more general definitions and cataloging conventions see label, references on sheet construction at sheet and discussions of stamp design and issuance at stamps.