An Arpin Philately initiative – Dealing in Quality Stamps since 1969
A common question in the stamp collecting world is: where can I get my stamp expertly valued? Oftentimes, if an individual wants to sell a rare stamp, a buyer will require a certificate of authenticity. Why? Well, because there have been several instances where a catalogued stamp has turned out to be a fake, or a stamp has been cleverly altered to make it look like something it is not. Who wants to buy a fake? (see article:Fakes and Forgeries-Beware!)
On March 3rd, 2010, Canada Post began issuing a beautiful series of stamps featuring African violets. Houseplant enthusiasts are familiar with these flowering beauties which add an exotic touch to any décor.
Canada Post began issuing a stamp on February 8th, 2010, honoring the Right Honorable Roméo LeBlanc, former Governor General of Canada (born 1927-deceased 2009). Roméo LeBlance served as the nation’s 25th Governor General, taking over from Adrienne Clarkson. He was Canada’s first Governor General of Acadian heritage and to hail from the maritimes. Roméo LeBlanc died in New Brunswick following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His state funeral took place on July 3rd, 2009.
On February 1st, 2010, Canada Post began issuing a stamp to celebrate Black History Month. This year’s honoree is William Hall V.C. Mr. Hall was the first black person to receive the Victoria Cross. This medal is the highest military decoration awarded for valor in the face of the enemy.
On January 11th, 2010, Canada Post began issuing a series of five stamps commemorating historic grist mills around the country. These beautiful mills once figured prominently in everyday life, providing an essential link between the farmers and industry.
For over 200 hundred years, a region’s grain was brought to these mills to be ground into flour. Stone-ground flour is still recognized by many as being superior baking flour with added nutritional value.
Another set of Olympic stamps has begun being issued by Canada Post on February 22nd, 2010.
Featuring an attractive red and white design, the stamps illustrate two youngsters in face paint obviously enthralled by the games. The backdrop depicts different Winter Olympic disciplines: bobsleigh, women’s cross country skiing, and men’s short track relay speed skating. There is also an image of Chandra Crawford winning gold in Torino, Italy in 2006 for cross country skiing.
On February 14th, 2010, Canada Post began issuing a stamp celebrating the country’s first Olympic gold medal won on Canadian soil. The stamp features an angled view of the distinctive wavy gold medal design. A well-kept secret, the stamp had been developed for release in the eventuality of a Canadian gold medal. That dream came true when Quebec-born Alexandre Bilodeau won the men’s freestyle moguls with a score of 26.75, bringing home the gold!
On January 12th, 2010, Canada Post began issuing two stamps celebrating the location of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The stamps feature a sea-to-sky view and display an image of the city of Vancouver as well as a shot of the Whistler Blackcomb resort. Printed in vibrant blues and purples with the golden Olympic emblem, these stamps are rich and stunning. Let the games begin!
Continuing in a long tradition of featuring different flowers on definitive stamps, on January 11th, 2010, Canada Post unveiled its new orchid definitive stamps.
These striking and exotic flowers have inspired men and women for centuries. They are the largest family of flowering plants and can occur in almost every habitat, except deserts and glaciers. Some species have even been found in the Arctic Circle and near Antarctica. The five orchids featured on this year’s stamps are: the striped coralroot, the giant helleborine, the rose pogonia and the grass pink.
On January 11th, 2010, Canada Post began issuing a new permanent rate stamp featuring a photograph of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This stamp features the Queen in a classic pose-waving her hand to the crowd. The beautiful photograph was taken during her most recent visit to Canada, and also features a close-up of a blue sedum flower in the backdrop.