Stamp collecting is a popular hobby enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It’s hard to imagine a time when stamps weren’t a part of our daily lives, but the truth is that stamp collecting is a relatively new pastime that has only been around for a little over a century.
The first stamps were issued in 1840 in Great Britain, but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that stamp collecting began to gain popularity. The first stamp album was created in 1862 by a man named John Edward Gray, and the first stamp club was founded in New York City in 1886.
Despite being a relatively new hobby, stamp collecting has had a rich history and many interesting characters have been a part of the stamp collecting community. Here are three funny anecdotes about stamp collectors that you may not know:
- The world’s most valuable stamp was once lost in a car accident
The British Guiana One-Cent Magenta stamp is considered the rarest stamp in the world and is valued at over $9 million. In 1954, the stamp was being transported to a stamp exhibition in Ohio when the plane carrying it crashed. The stamp survived the accident unscathed, but its custodian, a stamp dealer named L. Vernon Vaughn, was killed in the crash. - A man once used stamps to propose to his girlfriend In 2014
A man in Australia used stamps to propose to his girlfriend. He created a custom sheet of stamps with pictures of the couple and the words “Will you marry me?” printed on them. His girlfriend said yes, and the couple now has a unique piece of stamp history to commemorate their engagement. - A man once built a replica of the Taj Mahal out of stamps
An Indian man named Suryakant Bharti spent ten years building a replica of the Taj Mahal out of stamps. He used over 3 lakh (300,000) stamps to create the masterpiece, which measures 10 feet by 5 feet. The project was a labor of love for Bharti, who wanted to create something beautiful out of the stamps he had collected over the years.
In conclusion, stamp collecting may be a relatively new hobby, but it has a rich history and many interesting characters. From the world’s most valuable stamp to creative proposals and incredible artwork, stamp collecting has something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, stamp collecting is a fun and fascinating hobby that is sure to bring joy and excitement into your life.