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Self-adhesive stamps were first issued in such tropical climates
as Sierra Leone and Tonga in an
attempt to avoid the sticking-together tendencies traditional water-activated stamps had in humid conditions. They also made die-cutting into fanciful and unique shapes
easier.
The United States Postal Service's first
foray into self-adhesive stamps was in 1974 with the 10-cent dove weathervane. Stamp collectors' criticism of the format in the U.S. began here, as the glue used tended to progressively yellow the stamps.
Self-adhesive stamps have been criticized by stamp collectors as difficult to remove from covers, and to save as mint.
Artistamps have also been issued in a self-adhesive format.
Reference: http://www.linns.com/howto/refresher/selfadhesives_20020218/refreshercourse.asp?uID=
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