Author Archives: Jim Szeplaki

One of Canada's most celebrated 12-penny black covers, along with important philatelic collections unseen for decades, will return to the auction market Nov. 20 when Eastern Auctions presents the third instalment of the Camellia PLC Collections. The 325-lot sale features exceptional Pence, Cents and Large Queen material assembled over six decades, including significant holdings once... Continue reading →

Canadian philatelist Sam Chiu celebrated his birthday in memorable fashion, presenting decades of research into Chinese postal history at the prestigious Royal Philatelic Society London. Continue reading →

The latest issue of Canadian Stamp News (Vol. 51 No. 13), released Sept. 22, takes collectors behind the printed image to explore two fundamental elements of stamp production: the paper itself and the way stamps are separated. In the second part of his Royal Philatelic Society of Canada Stamp Talks presentation on “Common Technologies for... Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 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 →