Semipostal stamps are issued by many countries, especially those in middle Europe. There are two values on such stamps, and the stamps are sold for the combined amounts.
The regular postage value is the only amount the stamp is authorized to use as postage. The second amount is turned over to various government agencies for different uses. Switzerland issues annual sets of semipostal stamps captioned ‘Pro Juventute’ – translated this means ‘for children’, and the surplus value on each stamp is used for child welfare. Issues are also printed for ‘Pro Patria’ and the proceeds devoted to helping various national institutions such as museums and libraries, as well as poor people.
The Netherlands issues stamps titled ‘Winterhulp’, and these are devoted to winter aid for the destitute.
Almost any charity can benefit from the issuance of semipostal stamps, whichever one is designated to receive the surplus value of the stamps. It seems an easy way to tax the populace for whatever needs arise. Semipostals were issued both as postage stamps and as souvenir sheets, some of which command astronomical prices today.
Belgium has issued a great number of semipostal stamps devoted to the restoration of many abbeys and churches destroyed during the wars. Orval Abbey alone is responsible for several large issues of stamps, and the revenue derived from their sale has restored the great religious relic.
Of course, issuing semipostal stamps makes the post office perform the duty of acting as the financial department of the charities involved. In Europe this is not too far out of line with the regular duties of the post office. In the British Empire the post office handles the telephone facilities and other civil services, so the collection of the semipostal tax is well within the scope of the department. However, Great Britain does not issue semipostals.
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