Taxonomy of Postal Indicia

Based on the study of the principles of classification and systematization of complex hierarchically subordinated objects of philately, the author proposed a taxonomy of postage stamps. Where taxonomic units are postage stamps, postal stationery, postage stamps, and franking machines, all that is directly related to the activities of the postal service and its products. The study is based on the study of the purpose of postage stamps of the world in 1840-2020 as an expression of public policy towards the development of national postal services, which play an important role in the process of state formation. Accordingly, the history of the postage stamp appears as a narrative about the visualization of the history and culture of each issuing state, a member of the Universal Postal Union. It is proved that the information capabilities of postage stamps are due to their belonging to the monetary system of the state, are political and economic documents, a source of study of economic and political history, material and spiritual culture. Comprehensive research of elements of postcards as well as envelopes allows establishing the time and place, reasons and circumstances of their creation, the history of technological operation over a while, the level of artistic culture, development of technologies and methods of manufacture. Proofs of calendar postmarks on stamps and envelopes are a source that allows to track technical and technological improvements in certain activities in the field of postal services. It is concluded that the analytical study of catalogued postage stamps is defined as a world philatelic heritage