Flowers Orchids of Papua New Guinea postage stamp

Plants and flowers postage stamps

Postage stamps featuring flowers and plants are among the most popular topics in thematic philately. Countries worldwide issue stamps with beautiful floral designs to celebrate their natural heritage, national flowers, and botanical diversity. These stamps often highlight artistic depictions of plants, reflecting both their beauty and cultural significance. Here’s a look at different themes and […]

Australia kangaroo postage stamps

Australia kangaroo postage stamps

Australia’s Kangaroo stamps are among the most famous and recognizable stamp issues in the world. These stamps, featuring the iconic marsupial that’s synonymous with Australia, have a rich history that spans several decades. The Kangaroo stamps are more than just postage; they’re a chronicle of Australia’s early nationhood, its flora and fauna, and the evolution […]

Newfoundland, which was a separate British dominion until joining Canada in 1949, issued a series of iconic stamps featuring seals. These "Seal Stamps" or "Seal Issues" are some of the most famous and sought-after stamps from Newfoundland. Here's what we know about them: Historical Context: Newfoundland had its own postal administration from 1857 until confederation with Canada in 1949. The seal was a significant part of Newfoundland's economy and culture, featured on its coat of arms and playing a major role in the fishing industry. The First Seal Issue (1865-1890): The first Newfoundland stamp to feature a seal was issued in 1865. The design showed a harp seal (also known as a saddleback seal), a species common in Newfoundland waters. This initial issue was a 6-pence stamp, engraved and printed by the American Bank Note Company. Design Evolution: Over the years, there were several designs featuring seals, all with the animal as the central motif. Some designs showed a seal on an ice floe, symbolizing the harsh conditions of the Newfoundland seal hunt. The engraving quality was generally high, making these stamps visually appealing. Denominations and Colors: Seal stamps were issued in various denominations to cover different postal rates. Colors varied by denomination and issue. For example, the 1865 6d stamp was in orange-vermilion, but later reprints and new values came in different colors. Notable Issues: 1865-1890: The original "Seal on the Ice" design, with various reprints and color changes. 1897: As part of the Cabot commemorative issue, a 1-cent stamp featured a seal. 1910: A new engraving of a seal was used for several values in the "John Guy" issue. 1932-1938: "Resources" issue included a 4-cent stamp with a modernized seal design. Philatelic Significance: Newfoundland's seal stamps are iconic in Canadian and North American philately. They're popular with thematic collectors focusing on marine life, Arctic themes, or local industries. Some varieties, like the 1865 6d orange-vermilion in mint condition, are quite rare and valuable. Cultural and Ethical Considerations: Today, the seal hunt is a controversial topic due to animal welfare concerns. These stamps are historical artifacts reflecting the economic and cultural realities of 19th and early 20th century Newfoundland, rather than endorsements of modern practices. Collecting: Collectors might focus on getting one of each design, or dive into the complexities of different printings, watermarks, and perforations. The end of Newfoundland's postal independence in 1949 makes this a finite and completable collection. Newfoundland's seal stamps are more than just pretty pictures; they're windows into the economic history, wildlife, and identity of a region. For collectors, they offer a mix of aesthetic appeal, historical significance, and the challenge of finding elusive varieties. These stamps remain a testament to Newfoundland's rich philatelic legacy, even decades after it became part of Canada.

Newfoundland Fauna seal postage stamps

Newfoundland, which was a separate British dominion until joining Canada in 1949, issued a series of iconic stamps featuring seals. These “Seal Stamps” or “Seal Issues” are some of the most famous and sought-after stamps from Newfoundland. Newfoundland had its own postal administration from 1857 until confederation with Canada in 1949. The seal was a […]

greece olympic games postage stamps set 1896

The first Olympic Games stamps

The world’s first Olympic Games stamps are a significant milestone in both philatelic and Olympic history. They were issued by Greece in 1896 to commemorate the first modern Olympic Games, also held in Greece that year. This pioneering issue set a precedent that continues to this day, with host nations and many others issuing stamps […]

France letter stamps

Postage stamps and postal history of France

The history of France’s postage stamps is marked by significant events and design changes reflecting the country’s political transformations. Here is a brief overview: Early Years (1464-1849) First Stamps (1849-1852) Napoleon’s Empire (1852-1870) Third Republic and World War (1870-1878) Post-War Developments (1878-1900) Colonial and International Developments Philatelic Societies and Resources These developments reflect the significant […]

US Stamp Mint

The Most Valuable United States Postage Stamps

Since the first US postage stamp was issued in 1847, stamp collecting has grown into a popular and engaging hobby, captivating millions worldwide. Philately, or the study of stamps, has evolved into one of the world’s most cherished pastimes, with rare US stamps valued in the millions as highly sought-after collectibles. The history of US […]

SHS-Slovenia-Chainbreakers-1919-postage-stamps

Slovenia year 1919/1920 Chainbreakers postage stamps

SHS Chainbreakers stamps – Verigari was the first postage stamp series of the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs, issued in Slovenia after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy at the end of World War I. The name of the stamp series is derived from the Slovene word “veriga,” meaning ‘chain,’ and depicts a slave […]

postage stamp catalogues

The best Postage stamps catalogues

The Best postage stamp catalogues can depend on individual preferences, collecting interests, and specific needs. However, several widely recognized and reputable catalogues are popular among stamp collectors: It’s worth noting that each catalogue has its strengths and specialties, so collectors may choose to use multiple catalogues depending on their collecting interests and needs. Additionally, online […]

MOST VALUABLE AUSTRALIAN STAMPS

Rarest and most valuable Australia postage stamps

Queen Victoria Australia postage stamps Queen Victoria’s portrait on postage stamps during the 19th century was a common practice in many British colonies, including Australia. Australia’s connection with Britain dates back to 1770 when Captain Cook’s ship, the Endeavour, first reached its shores, and James Cook claimed it as British territory. However, it wasn’t until […]

Keiser Wilhelm II – invert error German Empire – 1905

KEISER WILHELM II STAMP – INVERT ERROR

German Empire 1905 Keiser Wilhelm II – invert error 5 German Reichsmark This stamp had been originally issued in 1905. The motif on the stamp is Kaiser Wilhelm II giving a 25th German Empire’s anniversary speech in 1896. Because of their high face value (5 Marks), stamps were printed in sheets of 20. Stamps with […]

New Zealand Post History

New Zealand Post History

The Rarest and Most Valuable New Zealand Stamps The history of New Zealand Post (NZ Post, Māori: Tukurau Aotearoa) dates back to the first half of the 19th century. At that time, there were no official post offices in New Zealand, and “the first whalers, missionaries, and traders had to rely on occasional passing ships […]

Speciality album stamps

Postage stamps – Collecting specialties

Absolutely, collecting stamps from every country and era would indeed be a monumental task, both in terms of space and cost. For this reason, many collectors choose to focus their efforts on specific areas of interest within philately. Some collectors concentrate on stamps from particular countries or regions, allowing them to explore the unique history, […]