Author Archives: Jim Szeplaki

A new philatelic resource is set to make its debut – and Canadian Stamp News has your first in-depth look. In our latest issue, we preview the soon-to-be-released Trajan Canada Specialized Stamp Catalogue, a full-colour guide edited by well-known philatelic writer and editor Robin Harris. Continue reading →

A seemingly small postal error has captured national attention – and now, it’s capturing the imagination of Canada’s philatelic community. A misdirected mail-in ballot from the April 2025 federal election, returned due to a postal code misprint, could become one of the most significant modern-era covers in Canadian postal history. Continue reading →

This year marks a golden milestone for one of Canada’s most iconic national emblems: the beaver. It’s been 50 years since Parliament officially recognized Castor canadensis as a symbol of Canadian sovereignty – though its significance stretches far deeper into the country’s colonial and philatelic past. Continue reading →

Canada’s oldest company, the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), continues to live on through the world of philately. From commemorative stamps and first-day covers to rare postmarks from remote trading posts, HBC’s role in Canada’s postal history remains a fascinating chapter for collectors and historians alike. Continue reading →

At this year’s ORAPEX exhibition in Ottawa, exhibitors weren’t just showcasing their material – they were gaining invaluable feedback from some of the most experienced judges in philately. Leading the session was Chief Judge Ed Kroft, who offered candid, practical advice on how collectors can improve everything from title pages to treatment and presentation. Continue reading →

As the world’s first postage stamp, the Penny Black turns 185 this May, collectors and letter writers alike are honouring its legacy in a unique, heartfelt way. The U.K.-based Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society (HLAS) is encouraging thousands of its members—across 38 countries including Canada—to mark the occasion by simply writing and mailing a letter. Continue reading →

As sweeping new U.S. tariffs ripple through global trade, Canadian stamp dealers are bracing for serious consequences. The latest measures—announced on April 2 under the “Reciprocal Tariff Policy”—impose a 10 per cent duty on imports from nearly every country in the world, along with additional duties of up to 50 per cent on goods from... Continue reading →

Collectors now have a fresh, all-Canadian reference to help decode the language of philately. Trajan Publishing has released its Illustrated Philatelic Dictionary, a nearly 100-page, full-colour softcover book packed with terms both traditional and modern—available now at CoinStampSupplies.com. Continue reading →

Collectors and postal historians alike will find much to admire in Eastern Auctions’ upcoming sale, slated for April 9-12, where a remarkable 1,150 lots of Canadian and colonial stamps and postal history will cross the block. The four-session sale opens with a standout offering—what’s believed to be the most comprehensive collection of Alberta postal history... Continue reading →

A Canadian philatelist has made history, earning international recognition for his outstanding contributions to the world of competitive stamp exhibiting. Presented at a prestigious global exhibition, this honour marks a first for North America and cements his legacy in philatelic circles. His decades of dedication, leadership, and expertise have shaped international exhibitions and left a... Continue reading →