Category Archives: Top Story

The 89th Convention of The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC) is right around the corner. Organized by l’Association des numismates et des philatélistes de Boucherville (ANPB) and the Fédération québécoise de philatélie (FQP), the convention will be held May 25-28 at Hôtel Mortagne on 1228 Nobel St. in Boucherville, Que. Admission and parking are... Continue reading →

One dealer is especially excited for spring’s arrival thanks to a recent pickup from his local postal clerk. George Kaltenecker, owner of the Toronto-based Covernutz, recently purchased one of Canada Post’s 2015 Pansies souvenir sheets from a postal clerk in the Greater Toronto Area. Each sheet features the dramatic misperforation that was originally discovered upon... Continue reading →

Working about 24 months in advance from concept to completion, Canada Post’s Stamp Advisory Committee has the sometimes-arduous task of reviewing and recommending ideas for Canada’s stamp program. While it can be a daunting responsibility, it’s one that’s also cherished by those who are lucky enough to participate in it. “We’re very honoured to be... Continue reading →

Long-time philatelic dealer Isidore “Issie” Baum has announced his intention to sell his topical business, Wonderful World of Stamps, which he started more than 30 years ago. “If somebody walked in and wanted to buy my business, I’d sell it tomorrow,” said Baum, adding “2016 ended with a bang.” Although he feels like he’s in... Continue reading →

The Garcelon sale brings to a close a stamp story that started in 1932 when Ralph O. Garcelon, a collector who discovered he liked buying and selling stamps more than collecting them, opened up the Garcelon Stamp Company, in St. Stephen, N.B. At first he worked out of a room on the family farm, but... Continue reading →

There’s arguably never been a better time to be a topical exhibitor. As noted by CSN Consulting Editor Ian Robertson in his recent story on the Royal Mail’s unveiling of a 10-stamp issue featuring David Bowie, these kinds of stamps are popular around the world. “Commemoratives featuring entertainers are popular and several small countries have... Continue reading →

Canada Post recently issued its annual Black History Month stamp, and this year’s commemoration focuses on a historical figure who continues to fascinate and confound scholars. Little is known about Mathieu Da Costa, but from the few records that remain, historians conclude he was a free man who earned a living as an interpreter for... Continue reading →

The final chapter in a Canadian stamp story will come to a close Feb. 25, when Eastern Auctions sells the final inventory of the Garcelon Stamp Company of St. Stephen, N.B. The business, familiar to most old-time collectors, was formed in 1932 by Ralph O. Garcelon, a collector who discovered he enjoyed buying and selling... Continue reading →

In a case of déjà-stamp – you thought you’d seen them before – the UNESCO set of five P-denominated 85-cent definitives released on Jan. 11 repeat the designs of the five larger-format 2014 commemoratives that feature photos of World Heritage Sites in Canada. They are: Canyon cliffs at Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo Jump, Alta.; the harbour at Lunenburg,... Continue reading →

There is a rush on by some dealers and collectors seeking a new series of illustrated “experimental” computer-vended Canadian postage labels. They are being sold from recently-installed dispensers installed on kiosks at three 24-hour “Concept Store” postal stations in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. Like the previous program launched in late 2012 and cancelled seven... Continue reading →