Canada Post’s new Halloween stamps may have a few tricks — and treats — hidden in their designs, according to a specialist collector who reports discovering additional details under ultraviolet light.
The three jack-o’-lantern stamps, issued Oct. 13, feature a Mummy, Witch and Monster, each created from an actual hand-carved pumpkin. While the colourful designs are intended to capture the spirit of Halloween, a report published by the philatelic blog Philaquely Moi suggests there may be more to see than initially meets the eye.
In the Oct. 13 posting, the collector-focused website reports portions of the carved pumpkins illuminate under ultraviolet light, while images resembling Halloween treats become visible around the borders of the stamps.
The observations, published on a website devoted to glow-in-the-dark and ultraviolet stamp effects, introduce an additional collecting angle to an issue already distinguished by its elaborate pumpkin carvings and atmospheric photography.
Canada Post’s official announcement describes the three designs and their production, but does not identify ultraviolet-reactive printing or hidden images as features of the issue.
Canadian Stamp News has reached out to Canada Post seeking confirmation of the reported effects, including whether special inks were intentionally incorporated into the designs and whether the images are visible only under ultraviolet light or continue to glow after illumination. A response is pending.
Nevertheless, the observations offer collectors an interesting reason to take another look at the stamps, particularly those who enjoy examining security features, unusual printing techniques and special effects.
Ultraviolet light has long played a role in philately, helping collectors examine fluorescent and phosphorescent materials used in postal production. Special inks and coatings can also produce visual effects not readily apparent under ordinary lighting.
In this instance, the reported hidden details would complement the Halloween theme, turning an ordinary examination of the stamps into something resembling a seasonal treasure hunt.
The original designs were created by Kristine Do, with pumpkins carved by Zac Flavelle, photography by Maya Visnyei and prop styling by Catherine Doherty.
The Mummy features a bandaged pumpkin with glowing eyes, while the Monster has a stitched face and an illuminated grin. The Witch is distinguished by a crooked nose and a setting filled with Halloween imagery.
The issue was printed by Colour Innovations and released in booklets of six Permanent domestic-rate stamps, with two examples of each design.
An official first day cover was also issued, featuring a jack-o’-lantern-shaped cancellation from Smoky Lake, Alta., known as the Pumpkin Capital of Alberta.
Canada Post’s online store lists a production quantity of 180,000 for the stamp booklet product and 5,000 for the official first day cover.
A close-up of one of Canada Post’s 2026 Halloween stamps under ultraviolet light reveals a glowing jack-o’-lantern face, fluorescent border and small candy-shaped images along the edges. The unusual effects were documented by the philatelic blog Philaquely Moi, while Canadian Stamp News awaits confirmation from Canada Post about the printing techniques used. (Photo courtesy of Philaquely Moi)
The reported ultraviolet details were described in the Oct. 13 Philaquely Moi posting, which examines unusual stamps and special philatelic effects.
Collectors interested in examining the stamps themselves may wish to compare their appearance under ordinary lighting and a suitable ultraviolet lamp, taking care not to look directly into the light.
The observations add another dimension to the Halloween issue, which Canadian Stamp News covered when the stamps were released Oct. 13.
With Halloween approaching Oct. 31, the possibility of hidden treats offers a timely reason for collectors to revisit one of Canada Post’s more playful stamp issues of 2026.
Have you examined Canada’s new Halloween stamps under ultraviolet light? Did you discover any hidden images or unusual effects? Canadian Stamp News would like to hear from readers who have examined the stamps, particularly those who can provide photographs of what they found. Share your observations in the comments below.