A revolutionary method of proving that the cost of sending a letter from one part of the country to another had been paid was first put into use in 1840. It was an adhesive label which soon became known as the postage stamp. Instead of throwing these stamps away after use, millions of people have kept and collected them, studied them, treasured them, and even over the years grown become rich through them.

They are the basis of a thriving industry, giving jobs to thousands of people, from their printers to the man who eventually auctions them off at a fancy price many years later.

Intrinsically, once they have been put through the post, they have only the value the collector places on them.

Produced by Cathal O'Gríofa

First broadcast 1st February 1978

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