Boscastle Stamp Collecting News

The holy grail of stamp collecting': Penny Red with rare imperfections set to sell for £550,000 at auction

2012-02-18T11:54:00.000-05:00

One of the rarest and most sought after stamps ever produced is up for sale and expected to fetch over half a million pounds.

The plate 77 Penny Red has been dubbed the ‘Holy Grail of philately’ and is one of just nine examples of the stamp ever recorded.

Although millions of Penny Reds were printed between 1841 and 1879, a number of plates were never used due to technical faults.

The extremely rare used penny red stamp (left) from 'plate 77' compared with a regular four penny red (right). The stamp is expected to fetch over half a million pounds

Flaws in plate number 77 meant the stamp’s perforations were lined up incorrectly, so all of the test sheets were destroyed.

But at least one sheet was released into circulation by mistake - making the 77 every stamp collector’s dream.

Dealer Stanley Gibbons heralds it as the 'most valuable single stamp' the company has ever had for sale in their 156 year history, with a value of around £550,000.

Collectors worldwide religiously check every Penny Red they come across to see if it is a real example of the 'philatelic Holy Grail'.

Spokesman Vince Cordell said: 'This example has graced some of the finest stamp collections ever formed and is not only a magnificent exhibition piece but one of the great rarities of Great Britain and world philately.

'To date, four mint and five used examples have been reported, although some have not been seen for so long their authenticity is unconfirmed and often doubted.'

Of the mint examples, there is one in the Royal Philatelic collection, one in the Tapling collection in the British Library, one in the Raphael collection that was stolen in 1965 and has not been seen since, and the fourth was in the Ferrary collection sold in the 1920s.

WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE STAMPS

In 2010, the Treskilling Yellow made the record for the most expensive stamp ever sold. It was thought the Swedish rectangular treasure went for £1.6million, though it has never been confirmed.

The world's most valuable object by weight, the first owner is said to have been a Swedish schoolboy, who found it in 1885 among a pile of letters left by his grandparents.

The Treskilling Yellow is 'one of about a half dozen highly notorious stamps in the world,' according to noted U.S. stamp expert Robert Odenweller.

Others include the 1856 British Guiana 1 cent Magenta which has been locked away in a vault since 1980 when it was bought for nearly one million US dollars by chemicals fortune heir John du Pont.

Another is the 2 Penny Post Office Mauritius Blue that sold for £970,000 in 1993.

The used examples include two found in the early 20th Century that were damaged and have not been seen for more than 50 years, one that was lost in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and one in the Adams collection - now in the British Library.

The fifth example is the one for sale by Guernsey company Stanley Gibbons, which it said was “realistically the only one that will ever be available on the open market”.

It is on a piece of envelope to the left of a common 4d red stamp and has a post mark bearing the number 15.

The plate 77 Penny Red is on sale through their website now, and is being stored at the company’s high security vault in London.

Quality Stamp Albums, including the Stanley Gibbons brand are available from Boscastle Supplies - www.boscastlesupplies

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2101520/Penny-Red-rare-imperfections-set-sell-550-000-auction.html#ixzz1mkkuiytC

Students can learn from stamps and coins

2012-02-18T11:43:00.000-05:00

It is often said that students should cultivate good hobbies and engage themselves in creative activities. But, there are very few instances where they are encouraged to do so by examples.

However, in Kannamangala Government Higher Primary School of Shidlaghatta taluk various activities are undertaken to encourage children. Recently and exhibition of stamps, coins and thematic pictures was held to kindle the imagination of the students.

Stamps on the themes of environment protection, childrens’ art, education, world peace and biodiversity were displayed here. Also displayed were currency notes and coins of India and other countries. A series of rare pictures of statesman and engineer Sir M Visvesvaraya, Rashtrakavi Kuvempu and Kannada actor Rajkumar were the highlight of the exhibition.

Numismatist and philatelist M R Prabhakar gave guidance to the students on the hobby of collecting stamps thematically and how one can exhibit stamps at state, national and international level and win prizes. He also explained how to collect currency notes and coins of various counties and display the same. He described various ways in which pictures can be collected on a particular theme.

Prabhakar also released “Kanasu-nanasu”, written and edited by the students. “We got the opportunity to see stamps, coins and currency notes which we had never seen before. We also understood that we too can collect stamps and coins. Henceforth I too will start collecting stamps”, said R Varsha, a sixth standard students.

M R Prabhakara, who is a native of Melur village of Shidlaghatta taluk, is the organising Secretary of Karnataka Rural Philatelic Association (KRPA). He has conducted over 10,000 exhibitions in India and abroad.

"We try to encourage students to collect stamps. If they get motivated enough to take up stamp collection as a hobby, we feel contented," says Prabhakar.

His philately exhibitions have also been theme-based, revolving around agriculture, Mahatma Gandhi, ecology and health. He is the recipient of over six international awards and has a collection of over sixty thousand stamps with forty themes.

Inspired by a stamp exhibition in his village way back in 1976, Prabhakara held his first exhibition in 1978 and since then there has been no looking back. His team increased over the years, with philatelic enthusiasts from all over the state coming together.

Stamp Collecting Supplies and kids starter kits are available from www.boscastlesupplies.com

Source http://www.deccanherald.com/content/226210/students-here-learn-stamps-coins.html

New USPS postage stamp prices to take effect Sunday

2012-01-20T18:31:00.000-05:00

In October the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced it would raise the price of postage stamps to 45-cents, a penny increase, to take effect in the new year. On Sunday that increase comes into effect.

Not long after its press release was issued which outlined the plan to increase the prices of stamps and other delivery services, the USPS price increases were approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission.

The time to see the postage increase has come. Effective on Sunday, Jan. 22, Forever stamps will now cost 45-cents, bringing a book of 20 stamps to cost $9.00. Additional ounces will remain at 20-cents per extra ounce.

Consumers can expect to see a few other changes in the USPS price structure. There will be an increase of 2-cents for First Class Flats (1 oz) which will increase from 88-cents to 90-cents. Postcard rates will increase by 3-cents and will now be priced at 32-cents to mail a postcard.

Priority and Express mailing also sees some price adjustments. Priority Mail rates increase by approximately 3 percent and will start at $5.15. Express Mail delivery rates will rise an average of 4.4 percent, services starting at $12.95. Other changes include Parcel Post rates starting at $5.20 instead of the former $5.10 and Media rates increase from $2.41 to $2.47.

Other changes that can be expected are international mail prices. Letters to Canada or Mexico will increase 5-cents to 85-cents per one ounce letter, and letters going to other international locations will see a 7-cent increase to $1.05.

Forever stamps which were purchased by consumers prior to Jan. 22 are still able to be used after the new prices take effect, however the stamps in stock will be re-priced by USPS to reflect the new rates.

All your stamp collecting supplies are available at www.boscastlesupplies.com

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/318198#ixzz1k2ntOyvf

New Great Britain Postage Stamps Series to Mark Queen's Diamond Jubilee

2012-01-05T17:01:00.000-05:00

A series of special stamps will be released throughout the year to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Royal Mail has announced.

The House of Windsor stamps will include the five monarchs from the start of the 20th century.
The Queen's portrait will feature on the final stamp in celebration of her 60th year on the throne.
Stamps to celebrate the books of Roald Dahl and Charles Dickens are also among those to be released in 2012.

Six portraits of the Queen, taken from stamps, coinage and banknotes issued during her reign, will feature on a sheet of stamps in February.

The Roald Dahl set - to be issued later this month - will celebrate his most popular most stories, such as James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox and The Twits.

The 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens will be honoured with a collection in June.
A Britons of Distinction stamp set will celebrate prominent citizens, including mathematician and Second World War code-breaker Alan Turing and composer Frederick Delius.

Other sets will feature classic locomotives of Scotland, space science, dinosaurs, comics, UK fashion and the second part of an A to Z of Britain collection.

The first of four series of stamps celebrating the London 2012 Games will go on sale on 5 January.

Boscastle Supplies stocks a full range of GB Great Britain Stamp Albums from Stanley Gibbons, Lighthouse, Lindner, Davo and SAFE - click here for more information - www.boscastlesupplies.com
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16380072

Chinese Uproar over China's 'Angry Dragon' Stamp for 2012

2012-01-05T16:46:00.000-05:00

A Chinese postage stamp to mark the upcoming Year of the Dragon has sparked uproar among the public because the dragon is thought to look "too fierce".

One Chinese writer is quoted as saying she was "scared to death" on seeing the image of the creature with its claws, scales and bared teeth.

China Post, which produced the stamp, insists it is a perfect combination of history and modernity.

The stamp's designer says a tough image was needed for a powerful creature.

"Among everyday people, the dragon is thought to exorcise evil spirits, avert disasters and give blessings, so we need a tough image," Chen Shaohua is quoted by the China Daily as saying.

The dragon has been a symbol of Chinese imperial power for centuries.

But media figures and people posting on Chinese microblogging sites have said the image is inappropriate and too ferocious.

The controversy has not stopped people from queuing for the stamp, with many post offices reporting that the stamp sold out on the first day.

"It's worth buying. The design is pretty nice," one collector told the Associated Press news agency outside a post office in Beijing.

Among the critics of the stamp is Xu Lin, a senior editor at the official People's Daily, and an executive of the Photojournalist Society of China.

"It is justified to be unyieldingly ferocious if it is facing the outside", said Mr Xu on his Sina Weibo page, "but this stamp is supposed to be used within the country most of the time."

Mr Xu asked: "Is it suitable to be ferocious internally?"

The first set of real Chinese stamps was used in 1878 when the Qing Dynasty issued the Giant Dragon stamps.

China and Chinese expatriates around the world will usher in the Year of the Dragon on 23 January.

Boscastle Supplies stocks China Stamp Albums - www.boscastlesupplies.com

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-16422945

Report ranks Canada Post 8th in G20; USPS takes No. 1 spot followed by Japan Post

2011-12-15T10:34:00.000-05:00

TORONTO - A British consulting firm says Canada Post has made it into the Top 10 postal services in the G20.

Oxford Strategic Consulting says Canada Post takes the No. 8 spot in its ranking of postal services in the G20 countries.

The ranking is based on postal service providers' performance over the three years from 2008-10 looking at access to services, efficiency and performance.

The U.S. Postal Service took the No. 1 spot, followed by Japan Post, Australia Post and Korea Post.
Oxford says the USPS topped the ranking due to its high operating efficiency over the three years — delivering eight times more letters per full-time delivery employee than Canada Post.

The report says the expansion of e-commerce means there is an even greater need for postal services to be fast, efficient and reliable - especially during the busy holiday season.

"People tend to think the Internet has made the postman redundant, but postal services provide the backbone for e-commerce deliveries," said report author William Scott-Jackson.

"If you could live anywhere in the world, and were sending a present to someone this
Christmas, you'd want to be in the U.S., Japan or Australia," he added.

Here is the complete listing:

1. USPS (United States
2. Japan Post (Japan)
3. Australia Post (Australia)
4. Korea Post (South Korea)
5. Deutsche Post (Germany)
6. Royal Mail (United Kingdom)
7. La Poste (France)
8. Canada Post (Canada)
9. Correios Brazil (Brazil)
10. Russia Post (Russia)
11. Poste Italiane (Italy)
12. PTT (Turkey)
13. Correo Argentina (Argentina)
14. SP Mexicano (Mexico)
15. India Post (India)
16. Pos Indonesia (Indonesia)
17. South African PO (South Africa)
18. Saudi Post (Saudi Arabia)
19. China Post (China)

Go to www.bocastlesupplies for all your stamp collecting needs.

Canadian Stamp Collecting and Philately Shows and Bourses For 2012

2011-12-10T18:43:00.000-05:00

JAN. 7, 2012, Moncton, NB
Moncton Stamp Fair, Royal Canadian Legion, 100 War Veterans Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission and parking, silent/live auction. Sponsor/Affiliate: Moncton Philatelic Group. For more information contact Paul, telephone 506-875-2684.

JAN. 14, 2012, Brantford, ON
Annual Show and Bourse, Woodman Community Centre, 491 Grey St. Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission and parking, Canada Post franchise, 20 dealers, silent auctions, club circuit books, door prizes, stamp exhibits, lunch counter and refreshments. Sponsor/Affiliate: Brantford Stamp Club. For more information contact Brantford Stamp Club, Box 25003 West Brant Postal Outlet, Brantford, ON N3T 6K5, telephone 519-442-3242, email shasland@kwick.com. Website: http://www.brantfordstamp.org.

JAN. 21, 2012, St. Catharines, ON
63rd Cathex, Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St. Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission and parking, lunch counter, 12 dealers, club circuit, children's (beginners) area, exhibits. Sponsor/Affiliate: St. Catharines Stamp Club. For more information contact Stuart Keeley, email stuart.keeley@sympatico.ca. Website: http://stcatharinesstampclub.ca.

FEB. 4, 2012, Moncton, NB
Moncton Stamp Fair, Royal Canadian Legion, 100 War Veterans Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission and parking, silent/live auction. Sponsor/Affiliate: Moncton Philatelic Group. For more information contact Paul, telephone 506-875-2684.

FEB. 4, 2012, Brampton, ON
Bramalea Stamp Club Annual Show & Bourse, Judith Nyman Secondary School - Cafeteria, 1305 Williams Parkway, Between Bramalea Road and Dixie. Hours: 09:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Featuring 10 dealers, exhibits, table auctions, youth table with free stamps for beginners, club circuit books, refreshments, free admission, free parking. Sponsor/Affiliate: Bramalea Stamp Club, GRVPA, GTAPA. For more information, visit our website or Facebook page "Bramalea Stamp Club". Contact b62hkg@yahoo.ca or Bob Thorne,telephone 905-792-3526. Website: http://www.bramaleastampclub.com.

FEB. 18, 2012, Niagara Falls, ON
NIPEX 2012, Stamford Lions Club Hall, 3846 Portage Rd. Sponsor/Affiliate: Niagara Philatelic Society. For more information contact Ed Yonelinas, telephone 905-262-5127, email mastamps@computan.com.

FEB. 25, 2012, Ajax, ON
Apex 2012, Ajax Community Centre, 75 Centennial Rd. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission and parking, 17 dealers, youth booth, door prizes. Sponsor/Affiliate: The Ajax Philatelic Society. For more information contact donaldbeaumont@yahoo.com.

MARCH 3, 2012, Moncton, NB
Moncton Stamp Fair, Royal Canadian Legion, 100 War Veterans Ave. Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission and parking, silent/live auction. Sponsor/Affiliate: Moncton Philatelic Group. For more information contact Paul, telephone 506-875-2684.

MARCH 10, 2012, Windsor, ON
WINPEX 2012, Caboto Club, 2175 Parent Avenue at Tecumseh,. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission, free parking, door prizes. This is a new larger location for the show. Sponsor/Affiliate: Essex County Stamp Club. For more information contact Brian Cutler, email brian@clwindsor.org, telephone 519-966-2276. Website: http://www.essexcountystampclub.com.

MARCH 17, 2012, Woodstock, ON
OXPEX/OTEX 2012, John Knox Christian School, 800 Juliana Dr. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. snack and lunch counter; 16 dealers; Canada Post; free parking, entry and admission; youth area; circuit books; prize draws; and many exhibits. Sponsor/Affiliate: Oxford Philatelic Society. For more information contact Ron Wilton, for entry forms and regulations,email rwilton@oxford.net. Website: http://www.oxfordphilsoc.com.

MARCH 30 - APRIL 1, 2012, Dorval, QC
Annual Exhibition, Sarto Desnoyers Community Centre, 1335 Lakeshore. Hours: Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bourse, meetings, seminars, door prizes, souvenir cards, show cancels, free stamps for juniors, free admission and parking. Food service available. Sponsor/Affiliate: Lakeshore Stamp Club. For more information contact 514-426-0432, email gmisener@sympatico.ca.

APRIL 7, 2012, London, ON
Lonpex 120, Churchill Ballroom at the Ramada Inn, 817 Exeter Rd. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Featuring 12 dealers plus club sales circuit, prize draws, free admission and parking. Sponsor/Affiliate: London Philatelic Society. For more information contact Don Slaughter, telephone 519-472-0206, email donslau@execulink.com. Website: http://londonphilatelicsociety.com/.

APRIL 7, 2012, Moncton, NB
Moncton Stamp Fair, Royal Canadian Legion, 100 War Veterans Ave. Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission and parking, silent/live auction. Sponsor/Affiliate: Moncton Philatelic Group. For more information contact Paul, telephone 506-875-2684.

MAY 5, 2012, Moncton, NB
Moncton Stamp Fair, Royal Canadian Legion, 100 War Veterans Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission and parking, silent/live auction. Sponsor/Affiliate: Moncton Philatelic Group. For more information contact Paul, telephone 506-875-2684.

JUNE 1 - 3, 2012, Edmonton, AB
Royal 2012 Royale, West Edmonton Mall. Event commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Edmonton Stamp Club and the 125th anniversary of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada. Exhibit of Sam Steele archival material in Court of Honour. Sponsor/Affiliate: Edmonton Stamp Club and RPSC. For more information go to www.edmontonstampclub.com.

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 2, 2012, Calgary, AB
BNAPEX 2012, Hyatt Hotel Downtown Calgary. Hours: Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.to 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dealer bourse, national and regional level exhibits, study group meetings. Open to the public. Sponsor/Affiliate: British North America Philatelic Society (BNAPS) and Calgary Philatelic Society (CPS). For more information contact Dave Bartlet, email BNAPEX2012@shaw.ca. Website: http://www.bnaps.org.

SEPT. 29, 2012, Owen Sound, ON
Owen Sound Stamp Show, Owen Sound Royal Canadian Legion, 1450 2nd Ave W. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission. Sponsor/Affiliate: Owen Sound Stamp Club. For more information contact Phil Visser, telephne 519-376-6760, email psvisser@hurontel.on.ca.

Philately new hobby of smart Indian investors - Collect India Stamps

2011-11-27T18:44:00.000-05:00

CHENNAI: Imagine your nearby post office making crores out of stamps. If you find that unbelievable, sample this. The philately division of the Chennai city region postal department did a business of Rs 1 crore last year.

"Stamps are an esoteric form of investment," says M S Ramanujan, post master general of the region. It's not surprising that the evolved Indian investor finds stamp collection not just a hobby, but a way to make money when other asset classes offer volatile returns.

According to Madanchand Darda, a veteran collector of stamps, it is a very stable investment. "The minimum appreciation you will get on a rare stamp is 15-20% every year, going by the standard stamp catalogues," he says. "There is very little chance of losing money."

A stamp catalogue is a list of postage stamp types with descriptions and prices, updated periodically. The commonly used catalogues in India are Stanley & and Phila India. "Beginning 2010, Stanley and Gibbons has been bringing out a catalogue covering India. Earlier, India was included under their Commonwealth catalogue," says Darda.

N Seshadri, a philatelist from Chennai who has his name in the Limca Book of Records for having a collection of 1.62 lakh commemorative, used stamps of one particular design from different countries, puts the appreciation per annum at 5%. "The stamps are exchanged going by either the catalogue value or the face value. In case of new stamps, the face value method is used while for old stamps, catalogue values are used."

To sell or buy stamps, you can go through the traditional route of dealers you trust or you can take advantage of some of the auction houses that are coming up-for instance, in Lucknow and Kolkata. Auction houses charge a commission.

The value of stamps vary and some of the expensive ones can cost lakhs. A penny black stamp, which is the world's first adhesive postage stamp (issued by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on May 1, 1840), would fetch between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 4 lakh.

"The stamps issued by the British before independence command a great premium," says Darda. "I know of a collection of 1,000 such stamps whose value is estimated to be in the range of Rs 2-4 crore."

Stamps depicting Mahatma Gandhi fetch a great value since collectors all over the world vie for it. A 1948 Rs 10 Mahatma Gandhi stamp is worth around Rs 12,000 in the current market, making it one of the most valuable in the post-independence era stamps category.

Apart from old and rare stamps and limited edition sets, stamps that have some quirk associated with them such as printing errors command greater values as some sets would have been printed before being recalled. For instance, in 1994 India Post had issued a block of 4 sets of stamps of Indian water birds for Rs 26. It was subsequently withdrawn along with another issue called 'Begum Akhtar' for Rs 2 since they had used soluble ink during printing. Today, the water birds collection goes for Rs 3,500 each and a Begum Akhtar's stamp is valued at Rs 800.

Stamps of countries which no longer exist or have undergone a name change, like Sri Lanka from Ceylon, command a good value. Also, philatelists are moving from country-based collection to thematic collections like birds, celebrities, aeroplanes and railway stations.

Of course, stamps have to be in good condition to fetch good values. "Preserving stamps is an expensive activity. Special mounts, imported from Germany, are needed. Good quality albums are costly too," says Darda. The tropical weather of India with high humidity is not helpful either.

"That is why some prefer collecting coins as it is possible to clean them," says Seshadri.

For long, the image of an Indian philatelist was a middle-aged or a grey-haired individual who had built his collection over the years. However, of late, young collectors are getting drawn into the world of postage. "A lot of IT professionals and others who are drawing huge salaries are now collecting stamps for investment," says G Balakrishna Das, president, South India Philatelists' Association. The association that has over 650 members is organizing a three-day stamp exhibition in Chennai from October 7-9.

The Chennai city region comprises 2,500 post offices. It has over 2,500 philately holders or members and has released 26 stamp issues based on themes this year. It would be releasing another 12 over the next six months. Darda says he has been introducing almost 500 people to philately every year in Chennai.

Seshadri rates Kolkata as the most important philatelic destination of the country, before Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai. Kolkata houses a number of valuable stamps from the British era and is also a leader in publishing literature surrounding philately.

Boscastle Supplies carries a full range of stamp collecting accessories, Stamp Albums, FDC albums and supplies - just contact - www.boscastlesupplies.com

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/indiabusiness/Philately-new-hobby-of-smart-Indian-investors/articleshow/9277380.cms

Not licked yet - Is stamp collecting becoming less popular?

2011-11-26T13:32:00.000-05:00

Philately, or stamp collecting, has fallen out of fashion in recent years, but Internet-driven changes in the market give devotees hope for the hobby's future

Imagine a hobby that enhances your appreciation of art, expands your knowledge of history, geography and politics, helps you gain and strengthen organizational skills and provides opportunities for socializing.

Would it be wise to embrace such a hobby as you head into your golden years? You bet your bottom silver dollar it would, say avid coin collectors.

Appealing to all

Coin collecting is a terrific hobby for both older and younger people because it involves one's intellect, says Gilles Bransbourg, assistant curator of Roman coins at The American Numismatic Society in New York City, a museum and research institute devoted to the study of coins and currency. "Being intellectually active is a good thing, whether you're 30 or 70," he asserts.

David L. Ganz started collecting coins 50 years ago, when he was 10. He hasn't stopped since. "I collect coins because the hobby informs me about history, military history, government, political regimes, economies and religion," says the New York City attorney. "You can learn about how civilizations begin, expand, become empires and decline . . . It's been the hobby of a lifetime."

Mike Fuljenz, a Beaumont, Texas coin dealer, reports that coins are like "history in your hands. Coins in ancient times were like a newspaper, telling about who was in power, and whether the ruler was peaceful or a warmonger based on the design symbolism. For example, arrows (on coins) indicated war, while olive branches were a sign of a desire for peace."

Long-time Chicago broadcaster Donn Pearlman, now a spokesman for the Professional Numismatists Guild, a non-profit organization comprised of the country's top rare coin and paper money dealers, reports that every coin ever stamped has a fascinating story to tell about people, places and events.

"When collectors look into the historical significance of any coin, rare or common, they learn about the reasons certain individuals or symbols are depicted on the money, the economy of the times and even geography and art," he adds.

"You're never too old to learn, and coin collecting is an enjoyable way to learn about the history of the United States and the world," he adds.

Benefits of collecting

Coin collectors also experience both pride of ownership and personal accomplishment, says Pearlman. Acquiring a desired coin, whether by purchasing the coin or finding it in circulation, can foster a strong sense of pride.

And completing a set of coins, whether a modest Lincoln cents set or the 12 Caesars of ancient Rome, can be truly rewarding, Pearlman reports.

There is also a social component to coin collecting that can be highly beneficial for older adults. "Older people may enjoy the camaraderie of a club," Fuljenz says. "I'm a former coin club president, and many older members enjoyed sharing experiences and stories at those monthly meetings."

For his part, Pearlman reports as a result of long-time attendance at local coin club meetings and national coin conventions, he has forged decades-long friendships with people not just in the U.S., but from Great Britain to Australia.

For older adults, hobbies such as coin collecting can contribute to healthy aging, says Julie Bach, assistant professor of social work and chair of the gerontology certificate program at Dominican University in River Forest.

Bach says those who age successfully maintain high cognitive functioning that is enhanced by collecting, studying and organizing, she says. "The other model of successful aging is continuing engagement with life. If they're going to places where coin collectors gather, that's getting older people out and sharing ideas."

Getting started

You needn't be wealthy to start a coin collection, Pearlman reports. It's possible to start simply by assembling a set of popular 50-state commemorative quarter dollar designs issued for circulation from 1998 or 2008, or the current "America the Beautiful" designs.

"Some people who first started collecting coins from circulation expanded their collections by purchasing from dealers examples of earlier U.S. coin designs dating back to the 1790s," he adds.

"Depending on your budget, you can also enjoy assembling a set of different designs and denominations of U.S. coins struck during the 20th century, from Indian head cents to Eisenhower dollars to Double Eagle $20 denomination gold coins."

Although the rise in precious metal prices has spurred some to join the hobby, Bransbourg cautions there is very little relationship between the value of rare coins and their metallic content. For instance, rare Roman gold coins contain seven or eight grams of gold, whose value would translate to $400 or $500 on today's market. But each coin itself might fetch $15,000.

"Metals prices are but one of several factors," he says. "The price of a rare coin is based on rarity, beauty, quality, condition and sometimes the message on the coin."

If you don't know coins well, it's important to know your dealer, Pearlman urges. Ask how long the dealer has been in business, and whether he or she is a member of the Professional Numismatists Guild, who must adhere to a code of ethics in buying and selling numismatic merchandise.

For all you stamp collecting accessories, supplies, albums and pages check out www.boscastlesupplies.com

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-stamp-collecting-20111119,0,4146148.story

Stamp Collecting Tip - My postage stamp edge shows outside the mount is that OK?

2011-11-23T21:19:00.000-05:00

Hello Chuck - Stamp mounts come in hundreds of sizes and depend on the size of stamp you have - the mounts can be cut or trimmed to size, some collectors dont mind a little bit of the stamp showing and some collectors want each stamp to be perfect and exact. I would recommend getting it to fit perfectly to avoid any damage to the stamp - Regards -- Susan

Stamp Collecting Tip - How do I separate stamps from a sheet of stamps?

2011-11-23T21:10:00.000-05:00

Hello Chuck - I find it easier to fold a sheet of stamps along the perforation before I gently tear them apart - this just allows for a more solid separation of the stamps - Regards - - Susan

40 historic objects that shaped the UAE: 4. Postage stamp - 1968

2011-11-20T20:19:00.000-05:00

Mohammed Al Fahim, the Abu Dhabi businessman and author of "Rags to Riches" tells the story behind an extremely rare 1968 prototype stamp of Sheikh Zayed.

China Stamp Rarity - Sun Yat-sen stamp invert could turn over $200,000 at Cherrystone

2011-11-19T17:36:00.000-05:00

In a few weeks' time Cherrystone is holding another of its auctions of Rare Stamps and Postal History of the World, anchored by the exceptional Santa Fe Collection, including exceptional Chinese rarities.
Two of the particular highlights from this section include, firstly, a 1923 stamp surcharged in red on first Peking printing: 2 Cts on 3c blue-green, with the surcharge inverted in error.

The whole stamp boasts a deep bright colour with characteristic centring to the bottom, position 19. It is fresh with full original gum (partially dried and streaky) with a handstamped guarantee mark, signed by Holcombe, with his 1996 certificate ("a very rare variety of which under 20 copies are recorded to date.")

1923 Chinese stamp surcharged in red on first Peking printing

According to contemporary reports (Theodore Sidall), only thirteen of these stamps exist and were acquired at Wanhsien, a small port about half way between Chungking and Ichang, in July, 1924, by Dr. A. Germain, the medical officer on the French gunboat "Balny."

He applied two of the stamps to separate covers which he mailed to himself locally and sold ten mint examples to the French dealer Theodore Champion.

Champion than sold a block of four and a single to M.D. Chow, two singles to Bush and one each to Hinds and Hawkins.

1941 Dr Sun Yat-sen inverted stamp

It is one of the "Four Treasures of the Republic" another example of this rarity was sold at Cherrystone's June sale for $150,000 plus buyer's premium. It is listed at $150,000 again here.
Expected to beat even this, however, is a 1941 Dr. Sun Yat-sen, New York print $2 black and blue, centre inverted single stamp, with deep rich colours and post office fresh condition.

There is characteristic centring of the frame to the bottom, but this example has never been hinged, and is in very fine condition. Only one sheet of fifty is believed to have been printed with this error.
A comparable (but poorer quality) example realised HK$ 1,725,000, and this example is expected to reach $200,000.

Cherrystone's auction will take place on December 7-8 in New York and online.

Rare stamps from the region have often achieved extraordinary results in recent first (such as the remarkable 1980 'Year of the Monkey' stamp sheets, which aren't even very rare).

It's partly for this reason that we're so proud to be offering the most philatelic piece of Hong Kong philately, the unique 96c olive-bistre block of four, and why it qualifies for our unique 120% guarantee.

Finest Quality Stamp Albums are available at www.boscastlesupplies.com

Source: http://www.paulfrasercollectibles.com/News/STAMPS/Sun-Yat-sen-stamp-invert-could-turn-over-$200,000-at-Cherrystone/8889.page

Fremont resident Albert J. Vizinho recounts his life-long love of stamp collecting in this personal essay

2011-11-18T17:31:00.000-05:00

National Geographic Magazine fed my fascination with this world, its peoples, countries and histories. At about age ten, stamp collecting further added to my interest and curiosity.

Let me focus on my stamp-collecting hobby. My first album was one from the 1940's with the names of countries that no longer existed as independent entities at that time: Montenegro, Croatia and the other members of the former Yugoslavia; Danzig, Tanu Tuva, Manchukuo, etc. I wondered about these places and always hoped to find stamps from these faraway places.

I did acquire stamps, both by purchase and by trading, of many countries that existed then as they do today. They showed kings and queens, emperors and emirs, flora and fauna, presidents and prime ministers, monuments and mountains. What a motivation for a kid to wonder about these people, places and things!

This led to the public library to find out more about these countries and also to check out the fat stamp catalogs available. Hours were spent reading and also paging through the catalogs to see if I had any "priceless" stamps. For the most part, a three-cent stamp in my album was worth just that; but I was never discouraged. My interest in stamps continued into young adulthood. I continued saving stamps even after my interest flagged. A new door opened for me: travel.

While still in college, I made my first trip to Europe with special interest in visiting Portugal, my parents' country of origin. I had to see this country that I had heard so much about and from which I had accumulated so many postage stamps. In the years that followed, I have been able to visit many of those countries that I first learned about from my stamp album: Brazil and most of its neighbors; Egypt, the former Tanganyika now called Tanzania, Kenya, China, Japan, Korea, Australia, India, Tibet, Bhutan, Turkey and so many other names to which I was introduced by those small pieces of paper: postage stamps.

I am fortunate, despite my almost three quarters of a century, to continue to learn more about those faraway places. My wish list of places to visit seems to grow rather than diminish: Tunisia, Libya, and return visits to some of the countries that have left me wanting to experience more. Stamps have helped enrich my life, as I never imagined they could.

Visit Boscastle Supplies for all your Philatelic Needs

Source: http://www.tricityvoice.com/articlefiledisplay.php?issue=2011-11-18&file=story3.txt

GB Royal Mail seeking Beckenham man who designed stamp 40 years ago

2011-11-15T19:25:00.000-05:00

Royal Mail has renewed an appeal to find a Beckenham man who designed a stamp more than 40 years ago – aged six.

James Berry, of Bromley Road Infants School, Beckenham, chose a snowman, with a trilby hat on the 1s 6d stamp in 1966. It was the first time children’s work had been used on British stamps and he would now be 51.

Royal Mail spokesman Hilary Robertson said: “We are intrigued to find out how James has got on in his life and what he is up to after all this time. I wondered if someone might be using it as their claim to fame, but I’ve had no success.”

Anyone who can help can email kate.nelson@archant.co.uk.

For all your stamp collecting needs contact www.boscastlesupplies.com

Stamp Collection of a Chess Champion... Anatoly Karpov’s stamps go up for sale

2011-11-12T17:52:00.000-05:00

Anatoly Karpov is one of the greatest chess players of all time, being a long-serving World Champion and a destructive force in chess tournaments. But he has also been very active in both the last century and this one in many other pursuits.

He has been equally energetic and very successful in such fields as politics, ecology, art appreciation and of course by no means least, philately.

His collection of Belgium has gained great fame not only due to the importance and quality of the items (with many of those being from the 19th Century), but also for its vastness and volume. He has made studies of the issues of Belgium almost from the beginning to the end - a remarkable feat!
We took a look at Karpov's collection for our newsletter last December. By some estimates it is worth as much as $15m.

Needless to say, for stamps to have Anatoly Karpov as a previous owner gives an extra layer of desirability to the collection. Many stamp collectors are impressed with the cerebral struggle of chess and would consider it a privilege to add to their collections items which are 'ex-Karpov'.

David Feldman is naturally delighted to be offering the collection, as he explained to us: "World Rarity, Connoisseurship and Legend all meet together for the first time in my 44 years of auctioneering ... It is a great honour and privilege to bring The Anatoly Karpov Belgium collection to the market!".

Karpov's exquisite Belgian Congo green stamp with inverted centre

It's difficult to pick out enough highlights to give a true feel of the collection, but one of the highlights is the most beautiful 10f green with inverted centre from the Belgian Congo.

Considered the finest example of just five known copies, it is in beautiful condition with rich colour and freshness, and its original gum. It is expected to achieve CHF50,000 ($56,600).

Another extraordinary piece is an important multiple of Belgium's first stamps, the 1849 epaulettes:
This is a brown sepia, horizontal strip of six (positions 125 to 130 of the second panel) with a huge sheet edge, in excellent condition with its original gum (four of the stamps have no trace of being hinged).

This too is expected to sell for CHF50,000 in David Feldman's auction which is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland on December 8.

Fine multiples from the early years of stamp use are highly coveted by collectors, such as this rare block of 12 from Great Britain's rainbow trials.

Boscastle Supplies has the largest stock of Stamp Collecting Albums and Accessories - Visit www.boscastlesupplies.com

Source: http://www.paulfrasercollectibles.com/News/STAMPS/Collection-of-a-Chess-Champion...-Anatoly-Karpov’s-stamps-go-up-for-sale/8788.page?catid=80

Canada Post launches Winnipeg Jets NHL Hockey stamps

2011-11-11T16:44:00.000-05:00

If you want a stamp depicting the reincarnated Winnipeg Jets’ first goal, you’d better act fast.
Canada Post has produced a limited run of 10,000 sheets of 21 stamps depicting the new team’s first goal, scored by Nik Antropov in the season opener against the Montreal Canadiens last month.
The stamps went on sale at 1 p.m. Thursday online and at all Canada Post outlets in Manitoba.
They can be used as regular postage, but at $34.95 for a sheet of 21, they cost more than normal stamps.

Canada Post also produced two other Jets stamp designs, showing the team’s primary and secondary logos.

Those stamps, which cost $24.95 for 21, also went on sale Thursday, as did pre-paid postcards featuring Jets photos for $4.95. There is no limit on the number of postcards or logo stamps available.
Canada Post CEO Deepak Chopra, who unveiled the items in Winnipeg Thursday, said the Crown corporation likes to stay relevant in part by commemorating historical events, like the return of the Jets.

“If you just looked at the stories on our stamps, you’d learn the history of our country without reading history books,” Chopra said.

The corporation has produced many hockey-themed stamps over the years, featuring the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Rocket Richard, as well as events like the 1972 Summit Series.

“We’re humbled to be in the company of these individuals and cherished moments in our hockey history,” said Jim Ludlow, president of True North Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Jets.
Chopra said Canada Post produced the stamps as costlier, commemorative “picture postage” rather than regular, large-run stamps because the standard process for introducing a new stamp design can take up to two years.

“This was the fastest mechanism available to us,” he said.

For all your Canada Stamp Collecting Supplies - contact www.boscastlesupplies.com

Source: http://www.winnipegsun.com/2011/11/10/air-mail-canada-post-launches-jets-stamps-postcards

The 12th GPS Philatelic Exhibition starts this Saturday

2011-11-09T23:04:00.000-05:00

The Gozo Philatelic Society will be holding its 12th Philatelic Exhibition between the 12th and the 18th of November 2011 at the Exhibition Hall, St. Francis Square Victoria.

There will be Traditional Philately, with the theme”Nature & Nurture,” Social Philately, Postal History and Juniors.

Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the beauty and benefits of the hobby of stamp collecting. Admission to the exhibition is free.

Stamp collecting accessories can be acquired, including Exhibition card (and others) and personalised stamps.

The EcoGozo-cofunded book “”Isle of Joy” (based on philatelic representations of Gozo) will be launched on this occasion.

Canada Post issues 2011 edition of bestseller Collection Canada

2011-11-08T17:08:00.000-05:00

The perfect holiday gift for that "hard-to-buy-for" loved one now available in Chapters Indigo stores

OTTAWA, Nov. 8, 2011 /CNW/ - Canada Post has issued the 38^th edition of Collection Canada, a highly visual 90-page coffee-table book featuring every Canadian stamp design issued this year. Each year, more than 25,000 copies are sold worldwide, making it a five-time Canadian bestseller.

Popular and highly collectible, these annual yearbooks gather all of Canada Post's definitive and commemorative stamp designs from the year into a single, richly illustrated and beautifully designed hardcover volume to celebrate another chapter in Canada's philatelic history.

"Stamps are works of art, and Collection Canada 2011 reflects that in proud detail, making it the perfect coffee-table or showpiece book in any home," says Jim Phillips, Director of Stamp Services. "There is something for everyone - a fairy-tale wedding, heroes and stars, paintings and architecture, science and nature - all of it a reflection of our vast, beautiful country."

Every year, collectors and other Canadians appreciate the diversity of stamps that cover a range of fascinating people, places, events and institutions. This wealth of Canadian philately, combined with the talents of those involved in writing and designing the book, results in evocative language, fascinating stories, striking imagery, modern-age design and cutting-edge printing. That's what makes Collection Canada a perennial Canadian bestseller.

Collection Canada can be purchased at Canada Post retail outlets and this year, for the first time, at Chapters Indigo stores across Canada. Copies can also be ordered online at canadapost.ca/collecting.

Boscastle Supplies in the leading supplies of Stamp albums and Acessories

Smithsonian Postal Museum to Offer Stamp Collecting Merit Badge Programming for Boy Scouts

2011-11-07T20:23:00.000-05:00

When you think of Boy Scout merit badges, Camping, Emergency Preparedness, and Swimming badges may be the first to come to mind. While we don't plan to build a pool or allow campfires in our galleries, the Postal Museum Education Department will offer Boy Scouts the opportunity to work toward the Stamp Collecting Merit Badge in 2012.

Boy Scouts completing the merit badge will be real philatelic experts. According to the requirements, Boy Scouts must define topical stamp collecting and show examples of everything from overprinted stamps to first day covers.

The final project can include showing a collection of over 200 stamps from around the world or a map-based display of international stamps.What better place to work on this project but the Postal Museum? And this opportunity won't just be open to scouts; contact us for information on how to participate.

Interested in this opportunity? Contact Erin at NPMprograms@si.edu for registration information.

Try www.boscastlesupplies.com to buy a new Harris USA Liberty stamp album - an ideal gift for any boy scout!

Unitrade Canada 2012 Specialized Canadian Stamp Catalogue - Just Released October 2011 - New!

2011-11-06T10:28:00.000-05:00

Includes Provinces:

FEATURING THE ESTABLISHED SCOTT NUMBERING SYSTEM
USED THROUGHOUT NORTH AMERICA

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Complete Canada and BNA listings
• Current market prices, by grade, in Canadian funds
• Scott Catalogue Numbers
• Complete Booklets
• First Day Covers
• Plate and Inscription Blocks
• Precancelled issues
• Issue dates
• Prisoner of War Free Franks
• Postal Stationery
• Spiral Bound, English-only edition in full colour

Buy a copy of the Unitrade Canada 2012 Stamp Catalogue at www.boscastlesupplies.com

Canada Post 2011 Christmas Stamps and Christmas Postal Deadlines Schedule

2011-11-05T15:21:00.001-04:00

Is it starting to seem like Christmas is right around the corner? That might be the case, especially with three key holiday symbols popping up in the last 24 hours. 1.) Today was Calgary’s first snowfall. 2.) I saw my first 2011 “holiday section” in a department store last night (although my friends ensure me these sections have been on display for days/weeks.) 3.) Canada Post sent the newsroom an e-mail with its 2011 holiday stamps.

For fans of philately and stamp collecting, here’s a look at two of Canada Post’s 2011 Christmas stamps. The artwork is taken from the beautiful stained-glass windows of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Kingston, Ontario.

And, if you’re looking for an update from Canada Post on its holiday mailing deadlines, check out the following info.

From Canada Post:

(Ottawa) – A country as diverse as Canada means that holiday greetings are sent literally around the world, and Canada Post reminds everyone that it is already time to think about planning international holiday mailings. There are several mailing options to ensure delivery in foreign countries in time for the holidays and each product has its specific mailing deadline.

Holiday cards and packages can be sent through Canada Post to anywhere in the world and Canada Post has a service to suit everyone’s needs and budget. Holiday greetings can be sent via Letter-post, Surface Parcel, Air Parcel, Xpresspost™ and Priority™ Worldwide.

The earliest suggested deadline for the most economical parcel service is October 12 for Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand. Parcels for Central and South America, Asia and Australia should be sent by October 18; and October 25 for Carribean and European destinations. Parcels shipped to the US should be sent by December 8. Canada Post does offer priority services for those who cannot meet these early-bird special rates.

Below is a summary of all international mailing dates:

Holiday Cards		Holiday Packages
Mailing to…	I’m ready early	I want the most economical service…	Took me longer than I thought…		I’m at the last minute…
Mailing to…	Letter-post	Surface Parcel	Air Parcel	Xpresspost™	Priority™ Worldwide
Africa	November 22	October 12	November 22	December 1	December 15
Asia	November 29	October 18	November 29	December 6	December 17
Australia	November 29	October 18	—	December 6	December 16
Caribbean	November 29	October 25	November 29	December 6	December 17
Central/South America	November 29	October 18	November 22	December 1	December 17
Europe	November 29	October 25	November 29	December 6	December 17
Middle East	November 29	October 12	November 29	December 6	December 17
New Zealand	November 29	October 12	—	December 6	December 16
USA	December 13	December 8	—	December 16	December 20

Canada Post has a solution for domestic mailers as well, a package sent via Priority™ Next A.M. will be accepted up to December 22. Regular Parcels going across the country need to be in the mail system by December 12. Greeting cards going outside a province should be mailed by December 15; within a province by December 16; and local greetings should be in the mail by December 19.
Even though there is still plenty of time to send holiday greetings and gifts within Canada, last year Canada Post delivered over a million cards and packages during the holiday season. It really is important to mail holiday items in time to avoid disappointment.

Order you stamp supplies early and in time for Christmas delivery from www.boscastlesupplies.com

Source: http://blogs.calgaryherald.com/2011/11/04/its-starting-to-feel-like-christmas-seasonal-stamps-arrive/

"The Adventures of Tintin" exhibition opens at Singapore Philatelic Museum

2011-11-04T09:06:00.000-04:00

SINGAPORE: Rarely seen original stamp artworks of the comic series, "The Adventures of Tintin", will be on display for the first time at the Singapore Philatelic Museum from Friday till May next year.

The character Tintin was created in 1929 by famous Belgian comic artist Georges Remi, also known as Hergé.

The exhibition aims to celebrate the works of Hergé, explore the influences in his work and career, and the development of characters in the comic series.

It will feature a full range of Tintin postage stamps issued by Belgium, France, the Netherlands as well as from the Permanent Collection at the museum. The exhibition will also feature rare stamps, colour trials and other philatelic materials from the Museum Voor Communicatie in the Netherlands and L'Adresse Musée de La Poste in France.

The exhibition coincides with the release of the animated movie "The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn".

"The Adventures of Tintin" series of comic books has sold more than 200 million copies worldwide.
Need a new stamp album or tongs for your stamp collection - try www.Boscastlesupplies.com

Source:http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1163297/1/.html

History in miniature - Stamp Collecting

2011-11-02T17:04:00.000-04:00

WITH the art of letter-writing seemingly consigned to the dustbin of history by global internet usage, you could be forgiven for thinking that the sound of the death knell for stamp-collecting cannot be far behind.

But for philatelist and director of the Cyprus Postal Musuem Ploutis Loizou, nothing is further from the truth.

“Seventy per cent of collectors are actually under the age of 40,” he says.

The museum, housed in a traditional house in Nicosia’s old city, is a treasure trove of Cypriot history which, according to Loizou, is still highly relevant.

Loizou has put his life and soul into making the museum an alluring place ever since it fell under his auspices in 2004. Originally set up at a different down town location in 1981, it took a lot of work to get the new space organised when Loizou took over. But it was a labour of love for Loizou who has collected stamps ever since he was a young boy when relatives in Africa would send letters back home.

“Imagine how I felt when we would see stamps with elephants and tigers on them when I was eight years old!” he reminisces. As years went by and his stamp collection grew, little did he know that he would one day be surrounded by not hundreds, but thousands of stamps lined up in glass cases along the whitewashed walls.

“This is our history, it’s all here,” he says passionately as he gets up to take me into one of the exhibition rooms that take visitors back in time.

“Look at this, take a close look,” he says. Before me is a ‘Penny Red’ stamp boasting a portrait of Queen Victoria with a characteristic overprint of the word “Cyprus”. Dating back to 1880, it’s the first official stamp to have ever circulated in the country, issued by the British shortly after their arrival on the island in 1878.

Ploutis then engages in a full blown explanation of how the post worked before this date. Apparently Cyprus philatelic history began in 1343, with the first known letter sent from Famagusta to Constantinople. Foreign mail was carried by the captains of various ships and the foreign consulates in Larnaca. Inland mail was carried by privately hired muleteers. In 1837 Austrian Lloyd opened an agency in Larnaca and a post office was immediately established to carry mail via the shipping company’s steamers. At this point, blue and black imprints were simply used to mark the letters. Once the British took over, the Austrian post office immediately closed down and British stamps came into circulation shortly after.

But what’s perhaps most interesting, are the images that the stamps begin to portray as the years go by. “Although for a great number of years they only depicted British monarchs - albeit always overprinted with the word Cyprus - the stamps later take on a more local character as the British begin to include scenes from the island,” explains Loizou. “And these stamps were so successful among collectors that they kept on releasing more.”

He points to a series released in 1928 to mark the 50th anniversary of British rule as one of his “absolute favourite” with their images of Bellapais, Richard the Lionheart and the Larnaca Tekke.
Once Cyprus gained its independence in 1960, Cypriot philately really came into its own. We soon enter a different room which sheds light on a definitive set of three stamps bearing the map of Cyprus and commemorating the proclamation of the republic. “Stamps show you the history of your country and of the whole world,” he proclaims. He goes on to highlight stamps used to commemorate a number of important events including a Kennedy series issued in his honour for speaking out about “self determination for Cyprus” in a speech given in 1956.

The issue of a refugee stamp depicting a crouching lady behind barbed wire priced at 10 mills after the 1974 invasion is an obvious indication of political unrest. Other more modern issues show the wild flowers of the island, birds of prey, sporting events and political milestones.

One of the latest additions now circulating is a rather innovative scented ‘Rosa damascena’ stamp aimed at giving the receiver of the letter a whiff of the roses of Cyprus. And when it comes down to the design process, apparently it’s a long ordeal, with the modern day issues resting on the creativity of a group of young artists who take part in specialised seminars to learn about new technology and techniques. Sketches are then prepared months in advance before the final image goes to print, with about four to five series issued each year.

In the final room of the museum, you’ll come across scales used to weigh letters in days gone by, charming old bicycles, typewriters and sticks of original red brick wax used for sealing packages.
And with the man in charge himself excited about delving into every little detail about what’s on show, it comes as no surprise that he is keen on anyone interested in valuing their stamps or starting a collection to get in touch with him.

At this point I wonder how many people really take stamp collecting seriously on the island. “Oh there are thousands of collectors,” he replies.

And the government is trying to encourage an interest in stamps with schoolchildren now given packages on stamp collecting with a slogan reading “miniature treasure that grows with time”. And with that, Loizou pulls out a number of thick books that point to the history of the island through stamps.

“The adventures of people on the island, the great figures of history, the culture, the tourist attractions we have, our monuments. It’s all here,” he beams.

Out comes another bulky book, but this time, it’s a price catalogue. Turns out that the Penny Red, the very first stamp issued here by the British in 1880, could be worth a staggering €50,000. In an era that’s now taken over by computer and mobile communications, maybe it’s high time we paid more attention to that good old fashioned pen and paper.

The Cyprus Postal Museum, 3B Ayios Savvas St, across from Ayios Savvas Church, Old Nicosia. Monday-Friday 9am-3pm. Saturday 9am-1pm. Tel: 22-304711

Stanley Gibbons Opens new Office and is Welcomed to Hong Kong

2011-10-31T14:58:00.002-04:00

News-Antique.com - Oct 31,2011 - The Stanley Gibbons Group plc, the AIM listed Company which trades in rare stamps, rare coins and historical documents and signatures for collectors and investors marked the opening of its new Asia office with a champagne reception for clients and dignitaries at the British Consulate General in Hong Kong last week.

Assistant Trade Commissioner, Claire Ip, speaking on behalf of the UKTI said, “We in UKTI Hong Kong have been working with Stanley Gibbons since 2008 and we are delighted to see that they have now established an office here. This demonstrates their commitment to what is a very important market. We look forward to continuing to work alongside Stanley Gibbons in the future to help build on their success”.
Deputy Trade Commissioner John Woodruffe gave a short speech at the reception welcoming the Stanley Gibbons Group to Hong Kong which was followed by a presentation by Stanley Gibbons CEO, Mike Hall, who spoke about Stanley Gibbons plans for the future.
The reception marked the culmination of more than twelve months preparation by the Group, who have also recently launched a China Rare Stamp Index which tracks the change in prices of rare Chinese stamps and shows an average annual growth of 44% between November 2006 and April 2011.

Examples of rare stamps and autographs traded by the Group were on display throughout the event including a signed, hand-written Mozart manuscript, original Einstein letter and Bruce Lee martial-arts manual.
The Hong Kong office is a major step forward in the Group’s plans for international growth. It also places Stanley Gibbons in a strong position to buy rare Chinese stamps to satisfy increased market demand both in Britain and in Asia as well as satisfying demand in the region for stable, tangible investments and trophy assets from a highly reputable source.

Visit www.boscastlesupplies.com for your stamp collecting supplies.