Canadian stamp dealers are facing a significant new challenge as a 50 per cent U.S. tariff on Canadian-origin stamps and other philatelic material threatens sales into one of their most important markets. The Canadian Stamp Dealers’ Association (CSDA) says the impact could be substantial. Based on responses from its members, U.S. customers account for about... Continue reading →
H. Long’s colourful hand-painted cachet commemorates the 300th anniversary of the Battle of Dollard des Ormeaux, incorporating Indigenous imagery, a French fleur-de-lis and period weapons. The cover bears Canada’s five-cent Dollard des Ormeaux commemorative and an Ottawa first-day cancellation dated May 19, 1960.
A group of 21 colourful first-day covers dating from the late 1950s through the mid-1960s has revealed much more than an assortment of unusual hand-made cachets. Tucked inside several of the envelopes were handwritten notes, preliminary designs, extra stamps and other pieces of ephemera offering clues to a decades-old collecting friendship. The covers were created... Continue reading →
Ed Kroft, right, receives a commemorative presentation during the FIP Macao 2026 World Stamp Exhibition. Kroft represented Canada as commissioner at the international exhibition, held June 26 to July 1 in Macao, China. (Photo submitted)
Canadian exhibitors are proving that the country’s philatelic scholarship, research and collecting expertise can stand alongside the best in the world – and one of Canada’s leading philatelists hopes their success will inspire more collectors to take their exhibits beyond the national level. That message is at the heart of a feature in the latest... Continue reading →
Three examples of the so-called Riel Essay, from left, in black (B-2), green (G-2) and red (RW-2) on wove paper. These examples are courtesy of the Castel collection.
For nearly a century, collectors accepted the colourful "Riel Essay" as an unissued stamp essay prepared for Louis Riel's provisional government during the Red River Resistance. The remarkable label appeared in catalogues, exhibits and collections, becoming part of Canadian philatelic lore. But what if the accepted explanation didn't stand up to closer scrutiny? Continue reading →
Royal Philatelic Society of Canada President Peter MacDonald welcomes members and visitors during the opening ceremonies of Royal 2026 Royale, held in May in Waterloo, Ont. (Photo by Mike Walsh)
New Royal Philatelic Society of Canada president Peter MacDonald says the country's oldest national philatelic organization is entering its second century with a clear sense of purpose and an eye toward long-term sustainability. Elected in May, MacDonald believes the society's future will be shaped by thoughtful planning, meaningful member services and strong governance. Continue reading →
Newfoundland’s famed ‘Galway’ cover realized $252,000 to lead all lots in Eastern Auctions’ June Camellia sales. Bearing a unique strip of three two-pence scarlet vermilion Pence stamps, the cover is regarded as the most important classic item in Newfoundland philately.
Fresh-to-the-market rarities from one of the finest collections of British North America philately ever assembled generated more than $3 million in sales at Eastern Auctions' latest Camellia collection offerings. The June 19–20 Canada Part II and Newfoundland Part I sales attracted more than 300 registered bidders from across North America and Europe, with nearly every... Continue reading →
As philatelic organizations navigate changing demographics and digital communication, the Philatelic Collaboration Crew is encouraging clubs and societies to work together to help shape the future of the hobby.
As exhibitors competed for top honours and collectors searched for elusive treasures at BOSTON 2026, another important discussion was taking place behind the scenes: how can organized philately adapt to changing demographics, evolving technology and the expectations of future collectors? Continue reading →
The legendary ‘Galway’ cover offered as Lot 550 is regarded as Newfoundland’s most prestigious cover, bearing a unique strip of three of the 1857 two-pence scarlet vermilion on an 1859 cover to Sheldon, Devon. The famed cover carries provenance from legendary collections including Alfred H. Caspary, Lars Amundsen, Chan Chin Cheung and William H. Gross. It has a pre-sale estimate of $250,000-plus.
One of the headline features in the latest issue of Canadian Stamp News (Vol. 51 No. 5), released June 2, is our in-depth preview of Eastern Auctions' landmark Camellia Collections sale of Newfoundland philately. The June 20 auction, titled Pence to Airmails Newfoundland – Part I, is expected to rank among the most important Newfoundland... Continue reading →
Lot 65 features the famed ‘Caspary’ mint example of Canada’s 1851 12-penny black. Retaining full original gum and remarkable freshness, the legendary stamp will be offered publicly for only the second time since the landmark Alfred Caspary sale in 1956.
Eastern Auctions’ second instalment of the landmark “Camellia Collection” sale is shaping up as one of the most important Canadian philatelic auctions offered in decades, featuring legendary treasures exhibition calibre postal history and major proof material unseen publicly for generations. Continue reading →
Lot 289 (inset) is a silk armband worn by G.W. Ross during the 1939 royal visit, identifying his role in the Royal Train postal service. He can be seen wearing it in an original photograph (not included with Lot) taken inside the Post Office car of the train.
A remarkable archive from one of Canada’s most historic royal events is about to come to market, offering collectors a rare inside look at the postal operations aboard the 1939 Royal Train. The small group of material, assembled by Major G. W. Ross, the train’s postmaster, is set to headline an upcoming Garden City Philatelic... Continue reading →