The Self-adhesive stamp reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Self-adhesive stamp

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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