Masonic Stamps

Classification

Masonic Philately is the study and collecting of philatelic materials that, by their nature or design, can be associated with the Masonic Fraternity.

There are seven classifications. These are the same classes described in ATA 141 and 145.

Classes II through VI are further subdivided into ‘P’ (Primary) and ‘S’ (Secondary). ‘P’ denotes a subject proven to be a Freemason. ‘S’ denotes a subject whose membership, no matter how strongly suspected, has not been or cannot be confirmed.

The criteria used for confirmation of Masonic membership is as follows:
(One or more of these conditions must be met)

The name/number of the lodge or concordant Masonic body to which the subject was a member is known.
It is known that the subject held a specific office in a specific lodge (verifiable).
The subject signed an official Masonic Document that could only be signed by a Freemason.
The subject’s current or past membership has been confirmed by the lodge secretary (following the requisite protocols).

Much to our dismay these strict restrictions exclude many high-profile individuals shown on (or associated with) U.S. and Canadian stamps. Indeed, some collectors (and others) will be disappointed that overwhelming circumstantial evidence for some omitted class 2-6 subjects could not have given the benefit of the doubt. However, such a judgement, of course would be a highly individual process and that would leave the door open to discord, overt criticism, and disagreements. It has been deemed wise and prudent to keep the selection criteria for ‘Primary’ masonic stamps as is and free of judgements.

Keep in mind that Secondary Masonic Stamps are also listed, and stamps can be moved from Secondary to Primary as more information comes to light.

Readers are welcome to present evidence which adheres to the criteria listed above. If you have more information, please use the Contact Us page to get in touch with our webmasters.

Anti-Masonic stamps, and anti-masons on stamps do not have a classification of their own but are included in a section of their own n many masonic stamp collections.

Class	Definition	Example
I	Stamps Issued for a strictly Masonic Purpose (i.e., Government Issued) There are no US or Canadian stamps in this class
II (2P) (2S)	Persons Stamps that depict a person who is or was a Freemason.
III (3P) (3S)	Names Stamps that show just the name of a person who is or was a Freemason.
IV (4P) (4S)	Places and Items Stamps that show an object built, discovered, invented, or created by a Freemason; Places named after a Freemason and Monuments to Freemasons (including structures such as houses and lodge buildings)
V (5P) (5S)	Actions Stamps that Commemorate a certain event of undertaking in which a Freemason played a major role.
VI (6P) (6S)	Stamp Production Stamp issues which a Freemason played a major role in production.
VII	Stamps that intentionally or inadvertently show symbols associated with the Masonic Order.