Global: 1794 Compass Rose Stamps

US 2025 1794 Compass Rose
• Global Forever stamp – for international mail
• 10th stamp in the Set

Stamp Category: Definitive
Set: Global Forever
Value: $1.65, International Rate
First Day of Issue: January 24, 2025
First Day City: Peachtree Corners, Georgia
Printing Method: Offset, Microprint
Format: Pane of 10

History the stamp represents: A compass rose is a round image on a map that shows the orientation of the map compared with the directions on a compass. Though most modern compasses show the four cardinal directions (north, east, south, west), more elaborate images, like the one on the stamp, show 32 points. The term “compass rose” comes from the similarity of the directional arrows to rose petals.
Compasses have existed since 202 BC, but they were not used for navigation until much later.

There have been many varieties of compass over the centuries, but the most well-known is the magnetic compass. It uses a magnetized needle that is designed to point to magnetic north. It also usually includes a compass rose, which shows navigational angles in degrees. North is 0º, east is 90º, south is 180º, and west is 270º. These numbers allow the user to find their bearings and continue in the direction they want to go. Magnetic compasses are very reliable in most regions except areas very close to the Earth’s magnetic poles. They become virtually unusable in these locations.
Before the first compass, navigation was primarily done by finding landmarks or observing the position of the stars.

Some cultures also used methods such as observing the wind, sea debris, and more. These methods were unreliable, and the introduction of the compass made a huge impact on navigation and exploration worldwide.
Today, compasses have been surpassed by GPS systems and other technology. However, they are by no means obsolete. They are still important tools for wilderness adventurers, military, and more. Plus, no matter how old you get, it’s fun to pick up a compass and imagine being an early explorer or treasure hunter!