stamps An early stamp issue, has strict, "classic" design, usually pre-1930s. Most people consider these to be rare stamps, but classic stamps are not necessarily rare.

An early issue, often with a connotation of rarity, although classic stamps are not necessarily rare. A particularly scarce recent item may be referred to as a modern classic.

An early stamp issue. Most people consider these to be rare stamps, but classic stamps aren't necessarily rare.

A distinction of quality or rarity in early stamps  Coil stamp Stamp from a vending machine roll  Comb perf. From a perforating machine with pins arranged as a comb

A term usually referring to older ( 19th century) engraved stamps of a country.

an early issue. "Classic" often has a connotation of rarity, but many classic stamps are decidedly common, for example the three cent stamp of the 1861 issue, Scott 65, and in fact, a scarce recent item may be properly referred to as a " modern classic".

An early stamp which is rare and of high quality.