An Arpin Philately initiative – Dealing in Quality Stamps since 1969
Learn more about certain stamps and the sometime very fascinating story behind some stamp issue.
Stamp collecting has been around for a long time. The first known stamp collector is recorded as early as 1774 in Ireland. The concept began to catch on over the next century, spreading through Britain, the United States and the rest of the world. Perhaps it comes as no surprise that China has discovered a fascination with the hobby.
Last June 17th, the British Guiana 1¢ Magenta was put on auction at Sotheby’s in New York. This stamp is considered by many to be the world’s rarest. Well, if we look at the British Guiana in terms of monetary value, this stamp is now definitely the most valuable, since its selling price has just set a new world record.
The record-shattering amount of US$9.48 million was the winning bid. The stamp was sold over the phone to a bidder who chooses to remain anonymous.
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.
Many prominent Canadian women are featured on Canada stamps. They have been so honored due to their extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to society as well as to their hard work on behalf of the advancement of women’s rights. This is Part 3 of this series of articles celebrating famous Canadian women on stamps.
Many prominent Canadian women are featured on Canada stamps. They have been so honored due to their extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to society as well as to their hard work on behalf of the advancement of women’s rights. This is Part 2 of this series of articles celebrating famous Canadian women on stamps.
Women have been appearing on Canadian stamps since June 1851 when a 12-pence black stamp was issued featuring reigning monarch Queen Victoria. This is only normal since reigning monarchs have always been front and center on any country’s postal issues. But what about stamps commemorating ordinary women and their accomplishments? Which Canadian women have been honored by being commemorated on a Canadian postal issue? This series of articles will highlight the 59 famous Canadian women whose actual face appears on individual Canadian stamps (another series will highlight those women whose accomplishments are featured on the stamp, but who do not appear themselves). Part one concentrates specifically on those stamps issued from 1961-1992 (1961 was the first year that a woman other than the Queen appeared on a Canadian stamp).
Many stamp collectors agree that Canada stamps are some of the most beautiful to collect. Many stamps are popular either due to their design or because of their rarity. Canada’s first postage stamp falls under both categories.
The Stamp Act of 1765 was one of the defining moments in the history of North America and the history of stamps. The history of these stamps goes back further than that of postage stamps in the United States. The first postage stamps of the US were issued in 1847, whereas the stamps of the Stamp Acts were issued in the late 1700’s. Why were these stamps, the predecessors of revenue stamps, needed?
Before joining the Dominion of Canada in 1949, the province of Newfoundland issued its own stamps. Of all the provinces, Newfoundland was by far the most prolific stamp issuer. In total, over 300 different stamps were issued from 1857-1947, including airmail, postage due stamps and postal stationery. A complete collection of Newfoundland stamps easily traces the province’s history and notable events, and can be a valuable educational tool.
Several of the most interesting and valuable Canadian stamps are those issued by some of the provinces before joining confederation. There are five provinces in all which fall into this category: British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. These stamps represent an interesting bit of Canadian history.