Stamp vs. Seal — What's the Difference?

Stamps and seals serve different purposes and have distinct historical and practical applications. Stamps are commonly used in administrative, artistic, and educational contexts. They apply ink to a surface to create a flat image or text, such as postal stamps, office date stamps, or decorative stamps used in crafting. The primary function of a stamp is to apply a repetitive design or message quickly and efficiently.

Seals, on the other hand, have a more formal and secure purpose. Historically, seals were used to authenticate documents, denote signatures before widespread literacy, and ensure the confidentiality of correspondence. Seals are made by pressing a hard object, often engraved with a unique design or coat of arms, into a softer material like wax, clay, or embossing stickers. The resulting raised impression acts as a security measure, indicating if a document has been tampered with.

Stamps are widely used for practical and decorative purposes, requiring only ink and a surface, whereas seals involve a more complex process that includes a sealing material that hardens to form a distinct impression. This impression is unique and can serve as a signature or mark of authority, making seals particularly important in legal, corporate, and ceremonial contexts.

The transition from physical to digital documentation has changed how seals are used, with digital seals and signatures increasingly replacing physical wax seals. However, physical seals still hold significant value in various cultures and legal systems, symbolizing authenticity and authority.

The choice between using a stamp or a seal depends on the intended purpose: stamps for applying quick, visible marks, and seals for adding a layer of security and authenticity to documents. Both tools reflect the importance of symbols and marks in communication, record-keeping, and art.