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 remains unconfirmed, no matter how strongly suspected.
We use the following criteria to confirm Masonic membership: (One or more of these conditions must be met)
- We know the name or number of the lodge or concordant Masonic body to which the subject belonged.
- The subject held a specific, verifiable office in a specific lodge.
- The subject signed an official Masonic Document that could only be signed by a Freemason.
- The lodge secretary confirmed the subject’s current or past membership, 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 will be disappointed that we could not extend the benefit of the doubt to overwhelming circumstantial evidence for some omitted Class 2-6 subjects. However, such a judgment would naturally be a highly individual process, and it would open the door to discord, overt criticism, and disagreement. We have therefore deemed it wise and prudent to keep the selection criteria for ‘Primary’ Masonic stamps as is and free of judgment.
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 we include them in a separate section within 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. |  |