Author Archives: Jim Szeplaki

The philatelic market in Canada has undergone “significant change” over the past year, during which time several challenges have risen, according to the president of the Canadian Stamp Dealers Association (CSDA). The dwindling number of clubs and dealers in certain regions of the country, as well as the increased cost of new issues, factor into... Continue reading →

The Greater Toronto Area Philatelic Alliance (GTAPA), once a key organization supporting stamp collecting in Toronto and beyond, will officially dissolve on Dec. 31. “The GTAPA simply outlived its utility,” explains board member Garfield Portch. This decision was reached at a special meeting of the board of directors on July 24, where representatives from 12... Continue reading →

More than 50 Philatelic Specialist Society of Canada members and guests recently celebrated the national hobby organization’s 70th anniversary at a special dinner. “For me it’s been a learning experience,” Bob Vogel, the PSSC president.since 2019, said in an interview before the event at the landmark Old Mill restaurant in Toronto on October 16. “There’s... Continue reading →

With a welcoming atmosphere, high-quality exhibits, and an unforgettable president’s reception, the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC) convention, held from Sept. 20-22 in New Brunswick’s capital, brought together collectors and enthusiasts from across the country for a memorable celebration of philately. Hosted by the Fredericton and District Stamp Club, this was the first RPSC... Continue reading →

Renowned Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan expressed her heartfelt gratitude for being honoured with a new Canada Post stamp, describing it as a true “pinch-me moment.” During the unveiling ceremony on Sept. 18 at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music in Vancouver, B.C., she shared her pride, saying, “I am a deeply proud Canadian, and I’m... Continue reading →

The first of four parts of the Denninger Collection will cross the block this October, and with it comes one of the most comprehensive assemblages of British North America (BNA) stamps and postal history of all time. Eastern Auctions will offer the more than 250-lot collection in a single session on Oct. 5. Bidding on... Continue reading →

Widely regarded as the “crown jewel of Canadian philately,” the glorious 10-pence blue block is not only one of the most extraordinary showpieces in Canadian stamp collecting but also a premier lot in the fourth – and final – offering from the legendary Ron Brigham collection. According to New Brunswick’s Eastern Auctions, this stunning mint... Continue reading →

Dealers are facing the brunt of the cost with Canada Post enforcing a rule focused on lettermail, specifically pieces of mail with stiff inserts to protect valuable contents such as stamps and coins, mailed to the United States and other international destinations. While the rule dates back to early 2021, when international postal regulations required Canada... Continue reading →

After the cancellation in 2020 and a more than 20-year hiatus since 1999, the Royal *2024* Royale is set to make a triumphant return to Fredericton, N.B., Sept. 20-22. Rob Lunn, chair of the event, described the anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding this significant philatelic gathering. “The club is excited about the opportunity to finally host... Continue reading →

Renowned South African philatelist Jan Hofmeyr, who clinched the prestigious single-frame Champion of Champions award in 2022 at Chicagopex, has now made British Columbia his home. In this month’s Stamp Talks, Hofmeyr shared invaluable lessons he learned while writing Understanding the Grill Stamps of the United States. “One of the biggest surprises to me,” said... Continue reading →