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Stamp remover liquid
Every new stamp collector is faced with the dilemma of acquiring stamps for his collection. Many have chosen to collect used stamps, often an economical alternative to mint stamps. However, when used stamps are on-paper (for example:still stuck to an envelope) how do you get the stamps off without damaging them? You have to soak them. Here’s hoping this article will help you to proceed in the best possible way.
The Bluenose Canada stamp
There is often a colourful story behind a stamp. Sometimes, the images on these tiny pieces of paper tell a tale that could help us to learn more about who we are and where we come from. This new series will explore the stories behind some of the most famous and classic Canada stamps. Continue reading
Canada Quarterly Pack #1 for 2007
Arpin Philately is pleased to announce the new arrival of Canada Quarterly Packs. These handy collections are sure to please many collectors. Each Quarterly Pack contains all the stamps issued by Canada Post in its corresponding quarter (for example: Quarterly Pack #1 for 2007 contains the stamps issued from January to March). These packs contain all of the postal issues that were released throughout the Continue reading
CWS Canada stamp album supplements
Winter has arrived and what a perfect time to organize our stamp albums. Arpin Philately is pleased to announce that the 2011 CWS stamp supplements for Canada stamps have arrived. These supplements contain the illustrated pages you will need to keep your stamp albums looking perfect and up-to-date. CWS offers supplements for the following Canada stamp albums: Unity, Uni (french), Dominion (english and french), Tradition/Constitution and Parliament. Continue reading
CWS World stamp supplements
Now that colder days have arrived, it’s an ideal time to organize your stamp albums! Arpin Philately is happy to announce that the 2011 CWS stamp supplements for Popular World stamp albums have arrived. These supplements are made to fit some of the most popular World stamp albums such as: Planet Earth, World Travel, World Deluxe, World Senior, Olympian, World Nations, World Phoenix, 21st Century, and others as well. They are available in 3 formats to fit your specific album. Continue reading
How to calculate the Never Hinged surcharge?
Now that you know how to grade the condition of your stamps, you may feel ready to either purchase or sell some stamps. However, if you are dealing in Mint stamps, there is another factor you need to understand in order to determine the proper value—the never hinged surcharge (NH%). This is a percentage to be added to the regular price (the value of a mint previously hinged stamp); this will give you the final value of a stamp that has never been hinged. For Canadian stamps, the never hinged surcharge value of each stamp is established and printed in the Unitrade Specialized Catalogue of Canadian Stamps and represented by the NH% symbol. Continue reading
Fine or Very Fine?
Condition grading can sometimes be very confusing as it is a subjective evaluation and even veteran experts may disagree on some points. The overall quality must be taken into consideration before a grade can be determined. Many points must be examined in detail, both front and back, before a conclusion can be made. A close study of the centering, the perforations, the cancellation and the paper must be made in order to determine the presence of any hidden flaws. A very fine appearing stamp may under close examination be downgraded to fine or even to defect. This knowledge is necessary and very important as the grading of a stamp will dramatically influence the price of a stamp. Continue reading
Xmas stained glass stamp
On November 1st, 2011, Canada Post began issuing three new stamps as part of its Christmas 2011 series. This year’s theme for the new stamps is ‘Stained Glass’. The craft of colouring glass goes back to ancient times. In ancient Egypt, colouring glass was used to make beads and jewelery, as well as ornamental and decorative pieces. The ancient Romans are also known to have manufactured coloured glass; some of these artifacts can still be viewed in various museums. Continue reading
2011 Xmas holly stamp
On November 1st, 2011, Canada Post began issuing a new stamp in its Christmas series featuring ‘Holly’. This plant, with its pointy green leaves and bright, red berries is a popular decoration during this winter holiday. The stamp depicts a highly coloured, red and green holly plant against a snowy background. Continue reading
Understanding the stamp ABC's**
Welcome to the fascinating world of stamp collecting. Everyone has different reason for collecting, some enjoy collecting according to specific themes, others to learn about history, others still as an investment. Whatever your reasons, starting a new hobby can be a little intimidating at first and you may feel you need help getting to know your way around. That is why Arpin Philately has decided to post a series of articles helping you to understand the basics of stamp collecting-the stamp ABC’s! Continue reading
