Lisa, Author at The Stamp Echo

FAQ-How to use a perforation gauge?

May 1, 2014May 1, 2014 by Lisa

In our last article we discussed what perforations are. If you remember, perforations are the tiny punched out holes that permit us to tear our stamps from a stamp sheet. Sometimes, two stamps may seem identical, but actually have a different perforation measure. This can mean that one of the stamps is more rare than the other and worth more money. So how do you measure the perforation of a stamp?

First of all, you absolutely need a perforation gauge. This handy and inexpensive little tool will enable you to measure your stamps effectively and relatively simply. There is a little skill involved, but with some practice you’ll be a pro in no time.

FAQ-What are stamp perforations?

April 28, 2014April 28, 2014 by Lisa

One of the aspects of correctly identifying your stamps which requires a bit of skill is measuring perforations. Before we get to that however, it’s a good idea to understand what stamp perforations are.

1856 British Guiana 1¢ Magenta fun facts!

March 24, 2014 by Lisa

No member of the public has seen the stamp since it was last exhibited in 1986 at the Ameripex International Stamp Show in Chicago, Illinois.

The stamp has set a new world record in sales every time (3 times) it has been auctioned.

It will probably beat the world record of sales that currently belongs to the Treskilling Yellow, which was sold for $2.3 million in 1996.

1856 British Guiana Magenta to be sold!

March 17, 2014March 17, 2014 by Lisa

One of the world’s most famous and valuable stamps will soon be up for sale. Sotheby’s New York recently announced that it will be auctioning off the 1856 British Guiana Magenta to the highest bidder on June 17th, 2014. This «Holy Grail» of philately is expected to go for an estimated $10-20 million USD! Why, you may say, would anyone pay so much for an itty, bitty piece of paper?

FAQ – How are stamps printed by lithography produced?

February 28, 2014February 24, 2014 by Lisa

In our last article we learned that engraving was the method of choice for printing early Canada stamps. However, in the 1950’s, Canada Post also introduced printing by lithography. While lithography has been around for a long time, it was only in those years that it started becoming really popular in commercial printing-mainly because it was fast, less expensive than engraving and produced a crisp, clean image.

One way lithography differs from engraved printing is that it is a « planographic » printing method. In other words, printed from a flat or smooth printing plate surface, as opposed to the recessed, grooved lines that engraving produces.

FAQ – How are engraved stamps produced?

January 26, 2014 by Lisa

If you examine the description of each Canadian stamp in your Unitrade Specialized Catalogue of Canadian Stamps, you will notice that the printing method of each issue is always stated in the heading. Many different printing methods exist; this article will explain how engraved stamps are printed. However, let’s start with a little history lesson!

New rare Canada stamp discovered!

January 17, 2014October 14, 2013 by Lisa

Canada stamp #32 on laid paper — Canada stamp #32-Green 2¢ Large Queen on laid paper
Image courtesy of Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation

On July 16th, 2013, the Vincent Graves Greene Foundation announced that it had issued a certificate of authenticity for a newly discovered 2¢ Large Queen on Laid Paper (Scott #32). Previously, it was thought that only two examples of this rare Canada stamp existed.

According to the VGG Foundation: “The submitted stamp was purchased by the collector early in 2013. It came from a sales circuit book (a book containing stamps for sale which is passed among prospective buyers in a geographical circuit). “The cost was very modest” (thought to be $5).

Top 5 most valuable single stamps in the world

March 22, 2016March 19, 2013 by Lisa

It seems that one of the most interesting subjects in the world of philately is the value of rare stamps. Many articles have been written on the subject, including one by our own company president in 2007, entitled, What are the most famous rare and valuable stamps? However, since then, a few new sales and records have been made. This article lists the 5 most valuable single stamp issues in the world according to the latest research we could find.

FAQ-How do I sell my stamp collection?

December 25, 2018January 26, 2013 by Lisa

So you’ve inherited a stamp collection from Uncle Bob and you don’t know what to do with it? How to sell my stamp collection? Well, don’t despair! This article will help you to decide the best way to go about selling the stamps (if you decide you don’t want to become a collector yourself, of course).

FAQ-What is the difference between a stamp cover and a First Day Cover?

January 14, 2013 by Lisa

In addition to collecting individual stamps, many people also specialize in collecting different forms of postal material. One form of postal material is a First Day Cover. Although interest in collecting modern First Day Covers has somewhat diminished nowadays, it is still quite popular in many circles. So, what is a First Day Cover (FDC)? What is the difference between a FDC and a regular cover?

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