In 2009 StampNews.com issued 3 basic stamp ratings on the annual results. These are the ratings of the most extraordinary, the most important and the most touching stamps.

Rating of the most extraordinary stamps exists first of all for the originally designed stamps. Generally we insert in this rating stamps and series we've been amazed by. It can be for example, extraordinary form of stamps, special materials, fluorescent stamps etc.

Rating of the most important stamps includes stamps issued on a special occasion. These stamps are dedicated to important events of the economical and political life, but more often to the social sphere. We enter in this rating the stamps concerning different public initiatives. These can be stamps issued in the network of special actions like "struggles against diseases", "storm recovers", "assistance to victims of terror acts and wars" etc.

The most touching are stamps with a funny design. These can be stamps dedicated to cartoon and comic-strip characters. This rating focuses on children. However there is no doubt that it will also gladden the eye of adult philatelists.

Please find below the results:

Top 10 most touching postage stamps of 2008, March 11, 2009
Top 10 most important stamps of the year 2008, January 27, 2009
Top 10 extraordinary stamps of the year 2008, January 06, 2009

StampNews.com starts to prepare new ratings of the stamps according to the 2009 year results.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, representatives of the postal authorities, we gently invite you to assist in the following nominations:

First of all this year we are planning to compose already traditional ratings of the most extraordinary, the most important and the most touching stamps.

Secondly, it is quite probable that totally new nominations would appear. We will be happy to consider your suggestions about this matter.

To participate in the ratings you should send the following information via e-mail at ratings@stampnews.com:

1. name of the rating you would like to participate in;
2. brief description of the stamp or of a series of stamps;
3. illustration of the stamp (of a series of stamps);
4. date of issue;
5. contact information;
6. your additional questions, notes and suggestions.