Shells stamp catalogue

2,974 items

Shells are the hardened parts of mollusks, which provide strength and protection. In squid the shell is internal, in bivalves and snails external. The largest shell is the giant clam, which can grow to 1.5 meters. More

Shells are the hardened parts of mollusks. The shell provides strength and protection. In squid, the shell is internal. In bivalves and snails, the shell is external. Some molluscs (slugs) lack the shell. In contrast to crustaceans, the shell grows with the animal. The largest shell is the giant clam, which can grow to 1.5 meters. Most shells can be found in the sea. Shellfish are also present in freshwater. The shell of these animals is often thinner due to the lower lime content. Shells are a popular collector's item and are therefore often depicted on postage stamps.

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Number of stamps

2,974

Number of related items

Oldest item

Sea route to India by Vasco da Gama (1898)