CPS Resource CentreChecklist Editor: Mr. Mark Honig
Maps on Stamps Checklist (Revision 11)
The Maps on Stamps (MoS) Checklist has over 41,820 entries.
Structured as a set of multiple worksheets in a single Microsoft Excel file, the Checklist includes a separate worksheet listing all additions and corrections since the previous revision. It also includes a Combined Sheet which enables searching the entire workbook with one search operation, instead of needing to search each alphabetical worksheet individually, or making multiple worksheets active. Complete instructions for using this feature are sent with the Checklist.
Thanks to all who have provided information on errors and omissions. A special thanks to Julien Chérault who reviewed the Checklist in detail and found many errors and additions. As always, please alert the Checklist Editor of any errors or omissions as you use the Checklist, and let us know if there are any features you would like to have considered for the next update.
How to Obtain the Checklist
The Checklist is only available to members of the CartoPhilatelic Society, who are current (paid-up) in their annual dues.
The Checklist is available as a soft copy (digital) file sent by email:
- If you have previously purchased a soft or hard copy (printed) version of the Checklist (any of the earlier revisions) you may obtain the current soft copy revision at no cost by contacting the Secretary.
- If you are purchasing for the first time, you can obtain a soft copy of the current revision of the Checklist for US$25 (see Payment Information below)
Note: We no longer provide a hard copy of the Checklist for purchase.
Payment information
Payments for the Checklist can be sent electronically using our Online Membership and Purchase Form or by check in US funds to:
Once the payment has cleared and member status verified the Checklist will be sent to you.
Checklist updates
The Checklist Update in each issue of The New CartoPhilatelist contains new issues grades A, AR and OC. Grade O stamps are not usually listed in this quarterly update; likewise older map stamps that had been “overlooked” are not always included. Full quarterly updates (that is, including all O grade and older issues) are available in Excel format listed below for download free of charge. These updates are free-standing, that is, they are not consolidated into the current version of the Checklist.
A new consolidated Revision 12 of the Checklist is being compiled and will be released in due course.
Download Links for Quarterly Checklist Updates
Please feel free to download these updates and contact us if you know of any missing issues or revisions.
History of the Checklist Project
The Checklist has been a long term project of the Society, beginning from its founding in 1955.
The most recent versions are based on the original ATA Handbook #104 issued in 1982; an update for 1982 to 1995 compiled by the previous editor of “The Carto-Philatelist”, Mark D. Larkin; and updates for more recent years compiled by Lillian Kent.
David Wolfersberger was instrumental in maintaining the Maps on Stamps (MoS) Checklist through the Society’s hibernation. Acting as Checklist Editor from 2003 until his death in October 2025, David meticulously researched and oversaw its expansion to nearly 42,000 entries.
Over the years, many people have contributed to the various updates including Miklos Pinther, Bill Critzer, Alf Jordan, Ed Stresino, Stuart Hamilton, Pierre Moise, Julien Chérault, Ed Vallery and Diedrik Nelson. Mark Honig has provided many hundreds of corrections and additions and is now the Checklist Editor.
The Checklist, as delivered, is sorted by Country (using Scott Catalogue naming conventions), then by Year, then by Scott Catalogue Number. Once you have the Checklist, you can sort in whatever way meets your needs, or make other additions/changes to the spreadsheet to make it more useful.
Grading and coverage is essentially complete and members are encouraged to provide details on any of the stamps with missing or questionable data, or any omissions please submit these using the Contact Form so the list can be maintained.
The intent is to review all stamps with missing data to add Grade and Coverage. This is a long term project of the Checklist editor; if you are interested in helping please contact Mark.
Format
The Format column is the arrangement in which the stamp was issued. If there is no notation, it was issued only as a single stamp. It is noted if the stamp is part of a sheet containing other stamps, a strip or block with other stamps or part of a Souvenir Sheet. The general policy is to list different formats for the same stamp if the Scott Catalogue assigns different numbers.
Grading
The current grading system is a modification of that presented by Mr. Larkin and Mr. Pinther in 1995. It has been simplified to contain 4 Grades:
| Grade | Example Stamps |
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| Description | ||||||
| A |
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| A generally good quality, identifiable map that is either the main feature of the stamp or a supporting or secondary feature. | ||||||
| AR |
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| Reproduction of old maps or charts. | ||||||
| O |
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| All other maps such as tiny maps, outline maps, stylized maps, globes, emblems (such as the UN emblem or symbol), stylized globes with no surface features identified, views of the earth from space (either partial or full view of the earth), views of old cities showing street or road layouts. | ||||||
| OC |
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| Mapmakers and map making equipment. | ||||||
Note: Scans courtesy of Dan’s Topical Stamps. All Stamps shown above have their denominations crossed out for security reasons.
Coverage
The Coverage column mentions the areas that are shown. If nothing is mentioned, the coverage is either not clear; has no discernible feature; or the stamp has not been examined.
