A Guide to Canadian Stamps

Although mail was first sent by Canadians as early as the 16th century, approximately 100 years before British colonists made their mark there, it was following the French and Indian War that a proper civilian postal service was begun. In 1763 William Foxcroft and Benjamin Franklin set up a run from New York to Québec. The following year post marks were being used throughout North America. Canadian postage stamps were first used in 1851. The province of Canada, following its confederation, was divided into the provinces of Québec and Ontario. These provinces were at the heart of the remaining British possessions and issued stamps between 1851 -1867. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, which were both provinces having their own stamps joined Québec and Ontario in the new Dominion of Canada in 1867. Great Britain ceded Rupert's land and the Northwestern Territory to the new country in 1870. British Columbia and Prince Edward Island joined with the Confederation in 1871 and 1873.

Canadian Provincial Stamps

Some of the most rare and valuable Canadian stamps were issued during the period 1851 to 1867. The province of Canada's un-perforated 1851 three penny beaver was the first stamp of Canada. Other issues from that year include the twelve penny Queen Victoria and the sixpenny HRH Prince Albert. These early stamps from 1851 were printed on laid paper which had a tendency to fall off the envelopes, which of course makes these early Canadian postage stamps even more rare. Indeed the twelve penny Queen Victoria stamp is worth tens of thousands of dollars today. Rare province of Canada stamps issued in the 1850s and 1860s and printed on wove paper are worth anything from a few hundred dollars to several thousands.

Early issues from New Brunswick were fairly bland, and included images of the Irish shamrock, the Scottish thistle and the English rose repeated twice. Nova Scotia issued stamps with similar designs but instead with a single rose and also with the addition of the Mayflower which is connected with the province. Following the appointment of Charles Connell as Postmaster general, New Brunswick's pre-Confederation stamps became much more distinct. In 1860 they began using decimal denominations similar to the United States and in the same year Charles Connell released a five cent stamp with a picture of himself rather than one of the British Royal family. This created quite an uproar and he was forced to buy back and destroy this line of stamps. As a result there are few of these stamps surviving and they currently have a value of around $15,000.

Stamps from the Dominion of Canada.

In 1868, the Dominion of Canada released the 'large Queens', its first postage stamps. Some of the low denomination stamps at this time were printed on laid paper where as others (especially the higher denomination stamps) were printed on wove paper. Two years later the 'small Queens' were issued.

Several of the rarest and most collectable Canadian postage stamps include those from the first series of Canadian commemorative stamps. These were issued in 1897 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada and also Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. In the same year Canada started incorporating the Maple Leaf into a frame surrounding a portrait of the Queen.

In 1927 Canadian postage stamps became bilingual which reflected the Anglo-French heritage of the country. Since then wildlife continues to feature on Canadian stamps. This tradition began in 1851 with the release of the three penny beaver and continues today.

If you're looking to buy Canadian stamps and live locally you will find that specialty shops still thrive in most of the major cities. If you prefer to buy online there are several good online stores offering an extensive range of rare and collectable stamps for both the beginner and expert Canadian stamp collector.

Jared Bannister is a long time stamp collector and writes about this topic and many others. To learn more about Commonwealth Stamps and stamp collecting in general please follow the links to my website.

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Beginning Your Hobby With Collectible Stamps

Many people spend fulfilling years in pursuit of collectible stamps. Some of these stamps are extremely rare and can be worth thousands. You can stumble across these stamps anywhere--from old collections sold at garage sales, in antique stores, at auctions, and in your relatives' attics.

The two major components you need are: stamp equipment and a knowledge about what you should look for. Beginners should get their practice with modern stamps that have a limited print. In this way they can start with something that will one day be worth a great deal, though if it is ruined in their early stages of stamp mounting, they will not have ruined a great piece of history. They can just run to the post office and buy another one.

The penny black is the staple for all collectors. It is the first stamp every in existence and has Queen Victoria on it. Used penny blacks are really common and if the the condition is superb (despite them being used) they can range up to two hundred dollars. The elusive unused penny black can cost you far more.

One should love stamps in the first place and be eager to study them, not just collect them. You will have to if you want to collect anything of value. Checking for damage, watermarks, signs of use, and especially checking for fakes are the only way you can get rare ones. Knowing what to look for and knowing its condition is a good way not to be cheated.

The tools you use are likewise important. They are cheap and readily found, which is another reason why the hobby is so popular. A stamp book is where you keep them. Stamp tweezers are used for the placement of the stamp in the book. A magnifying glass can let you spot defects.

The thing you attach them with is a stamp hinge. Some avid collectors prefer hingeless mounts because it risks even less damage. Never try to lick the stamp to put it in or use glue.

Learn more about Collectible Stamps. Stop by our site where you can find out all about stamp collecting stamps.

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Rare Stamps of Australia

Like most other hobbies, adding a rare piece to your collection is a great joy. This is also true for stamp collectors who specialise in collecting Australian stamps. Their mission is to find and acquire rare Australian stamps. They do not care about the price of the stamps, they just wish to add it to their compilation so that they can boast about having a full set of all the rare stamps of Australia. There are a number of rare stamps of Australia. Here are some of the rarest.

Inverted Swan Stamp

The inverted Swan Stamp was issued in 1855 and aside from being a rare Australian stamp, it was also one of the first stamps to feature the inverted frame error. The stamp depicts a Black Swan, which was the symbol of the continent at the time. The cause of the error was that one of the printing presses was damaged and the replacement frames were placed upside down. Only 15 inverted swans exist and they are valued at around $60,000.

Queensland Six Pence

The Queensland Six Pence is one of the rarest and the most expensive postage impression in the history of Queensland. There are known to be only 16 Queensland six pence stamps in the world and one of them was auctioned for more than $44,000.

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith

In 1931, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, an early Australian aviator, became the first living Australian to feature on a postage mark. A set of these stamps were presented to Sir Charles and were passed on to his widow when he passed away in 1935. A set of the stamps fetched $6,500 at an auction in 2009.

King George V head stamps

Not all King George V stamps are very valuable. Only the King George V postage seal issued in 1913 which is dull seahorse green and the royal turquoise cipher stamp which was printed in 1912 with an inverted watermark are known to be some of the rare ones.

Rare Australian stamps can be obtained by various means. Most common and the easiest way to buy rare Australian stamps is from the internet, though this is quite risky. Your safest bet is to go to speciality shops which will not only sell rare Australian stamps, but they will also have some common and collectible stamps as well. You could also try your hand at an auction, though this may burn a hole in your pocket.

Alec Beaufort is into stamp collecting for over 40 years now. Rare Australian stamps collection is a hobby that his grandfather introduced to him when he was only 9 years old.

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Evaluate your Stamps Collection

In the matter of discovering the expense of your stamp , it might be an extremely troublesome thing to do. On the off chance that you were not lucky enough to have an organization close you to realize that you can trust responses distraction of collecting stamps for you , then you may have the capacity to discover a line of your organization occupant for you . I need to verify that the organization is one exceptionally popular .

Regarding discovering the truth of the degree of your character is , you first need to realize that there is no snappy way is troublesome to focus precisely what amount of nature is value. It is truly tricky to say that the vicinity of the patch for quite a while and that he had never utilized more significant than the ones utilized genuine . Regarding learning of the nature or degree of the gathering may be the best thing to do is to take somebody who has broad information in the subject of this sort on the off chance that you realize that you're certain to get more exact.

Concerning go through with the esteem that might be placed set up in a portion of the most interesting spots. He had a huge amount of stamps and just 've got individuals pretty penny for them. Regarding getting your stamp evaluated need to verify that the patch was not harmed at all . Don't tear or uprooted from the surface , where they were discovered . When you have a gathering , you must guarantee that you get the precise best mind conceivable .

Can survey the stamps could be extremely troublesome in light of the fact that you need to take the time to discover the right master who you can trust and appraiser who has been prepared to know the right data the moment that you have to get an evaluation class best conceivable way.

Responses stamp collecting might be an extremely lengthy exertion. You ought to verify that you take the patch to somebody you realize that you can trust and realize that they know where the stamps so you get the best rate. You will likewise need to verify you don't get ripped off by somebody extravagant charges regarding surveying the brand for you .

There are numerous sites that offer evaluation, however you need to take the time to do a considerable measure of exploration before settling on one organization. You never know who could be the character is thousands or I might be helpful for a couple of pennies . The gathering could additionally joined may not worth much , however you never know until you've done to evaluate know beyond any doubt .