An Arpin Philately initiative – Dealing in Quality Stamps since 1969
Last year’s announcement of HRH Prince William’s engagement to Miss Catherine (Kate) Middleton, motivated Canada Post to add another series of stamps to their 2011 lineup. On April 29, 2011, Canada Post will begin issuing stamp commemoratives of the Royal Wedding which will occur on the very same day.
On April 21, 2011, Canada Post began issuing the second stamp in the «Signs of the Zodiac» series. This month’s stamp depicts Taurus and once again features the astrological sign along with the constellation outline in the background. Adding joining lines to the visible stars of the Taurus constellation explains how it got its name-two upright, front horns are plainly visible.
On April 21, 2011, Canada Post began issuing a new series of stamps commemorating the UN’s International Year of Forests. The UN’s mandate is to “raise awareness and strengthen the sustainable forest management…for current and future generations”.
This new series of two se-tenant stamps features close-up views of the forest floor and the soaring heights of a new tree. Appropriate images, since a forest is not just about the trees, but the entire ecosystem, including flora and fauna.
On March 21, 2011, Canada Post began issuing the first stamp in a new 12-stamp series which will continue throughout the year. This new series, the Signs of the Zodiac, kicks off in March with the sign of Aries. Ancient Greek astronomers mapped out the constellation of Aries as a ram lying down with his head to the right.
On March 3, 2011, Canada Post will begin issuing a new series of stamps featuring flowers. This is not the first time that flowers have been a theme for Canadian stamps and this new series will definitely not disappoint. Just in time for summer, these bright, vibrant flowers smile at us from very colourful blue backgrounds. Sunflowers have a special place in Canadian history, being a source of food and oil used by Native Americans right down to our modern times.
Some of the most beautiful and valuable Canada stamps are the three-pence beavers, Scott #1, #4, #12 and #15 (see Canada’s three-pence beaver-a little jewel!) . However, one of the difficulties of a collector lies in identifying one from the other. It can be tricky, so here’s hoping this helps!
On February 21, 2011, Canada Post will begin issuing a series of stamps featuring a Canadian artist. This year’s honouree is Daphne Odjig, a Canadian artist of Aboriginal descent. Ms. Odjig was born in 1919 to Dominic Odjig, of the Potawatomi tribe and Joyce Peachy, an English war bride.
On February 7th, 2011, Canada Post will once again begin issuing a Celebrations stamp. This is the fourth time that a stamp has been issued with this theme (fifth, if you include the 2006 Birthdays stamp). This year’s P-rate stamp features a colourfully wrapped present. Why not use it when mailing a gift?
On February 1st, 2011, Canada Post began issuing a new series of two stamps celebrating black history month. This year’s honourees are Carrie Best and Fergie Jenkins.
Carrie Best (1903-2001) was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. She was the founder of «The Clarion», the first newspaper In Nova Scotia for black Canadians. An advocate and tireless fighter for human rights her whole life, Best spoke out on behalf of all minorities, including blacks, Native Americans and women. She was the recipient of many awards and honours, including the Order of Canada in 1974.
One of the questions I get asked a lot is how to remove a self-adhesive stamp from an envelope or paper backing. Soaking it in water simply isn’t a consideration, as many of you already know. A little bit or research on the internet turned up this fool-proof method.