The Stamp Echo

Year of the Tiger 2010

Now that the year 2010 has begun, a new stamp program has been launched by Canada Post.

Year of the Tiger single stamp

On January 8th, 2010, Canada Post began issuing a stamp marking the Chinese New Year. The stamp and souvenir sheet feature a stylized tiger whose design relies heavily on traditional Chinese imagery, along with gold accents. Continue Reading »

1851-Queen Victoria 12 pence stamp

A rare Canadian stamp is now in the illustrious company of other top selling stamp rarities of the philatelic world. At a recent auction of some stamps from billionaire William Gross’ collection, a Canadian 1851 12p black on laid paper with original gum (Scott #3) sold for a record breaking $273, 000 CAD. That is the most money that has ever been paid for a single Canadian stamp, and well over the hoped for asking price of $116, 000 CAD! What makes this stamp so rare is the fact that only 1,450 copies were issued back in 1851. Continue Reading »

Stamp Act stamp

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? Continue Reading »

2009 Xmas stamps

2009 Xmas tree stamp

Canada Post has a long tradition of issuing stamps with holiday themes. On November 2nd, 2009, Canada Post began issuing a set of stamps for the Christmas season. One of these stamps will feature a Christmas tree, while three others depict nativity scenes. Continue Reading »

Map of Newfoundland

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. Continue Reading »

Canada after Confederation

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. Continue Reading »

2009 canada stamp album supplements

Yes, the new 2009 CWS supplements have arrived at Arpin Philately! Pass the colder winter evenings organizing your Canadian stamp album with these handy stamp album supplements. Effective immediately, you can order your 2009 Unity-English, Dominion-English, Parliament, and Tradition/Constitution supplements. Also, Uni-French and Dominion-French. With a price range of $8.50-$27.50, there’s something for every budget!!

2010 Unitrade Catalogue

The 2010 Unitrade Specialized Catalogue of Canadian Stamps is fresh off the press and ready for you to order! A must for every serious collector, this catalogue is the ultimate reference for Canadian stamps issued from 1851-present. It is illustrated in full colour on glossy paper and lists most stamp varieties and errors, as well as all the provinces, first day covers, blocks and postal stationery. In addition, it features the established Scott numbering system used throughout the philatelic world. Continue Reading »

Hmmm....where is that stamp from?

One of the most difficult aspects of stamp collecting can be identifying your stamps. There are various points which make a stamp different from the next: perforation measure, actual stamp size, colour, paper, fluorescence, and special markings such as watermarks. There is also the problem of identifying world stamps correctly since the inscription is often in another language. We hope to demystify the process in this article. Continue Reading »

2009 Remembrance Day stamp

On October 19th, 2009, Canada Post will begin issuing a stamp in remembrance of fallen soldiers. Featuring a single poppy and details from the National War Memorial in Ottawa, the stamp reminds us of the famous poem In Flanders Fields written by Doctor John McCrae during WWI, while serving in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. November 11th, also known as Poppy Day or Remembrance Day, commemorates the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 when the armistice was signed and WWI officially ended. Continue Reading »