News
There’s a lot of sharing in this hobby
You’re all a bunch of amateurs (French for “lovers of”), although I must admit I’ve never met as professional a bunch as you. This notion of professionalism – doing business ethically, morally and courteously – is widespread in philately. And while some hobbyists might eventually become true “professionals” in every sense of the word, all... Continue reading →
Stamp collecting has many faces
Many people picture stamp collectors as old men, often socially challenged, sitting alone with their stamps. The hobby often tries to counter that vision with such exciting appeals as “stamp collecting is educational.” True, perhaps, but not rather exciting. The other approach is to try and make stamp collecting glamorous, with tales of the great... Continue reading →
New longest-reigning Queen prominent on Canadian stamps
This Permanent-rate stamp (Scott #2518) was issued in 2012 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
She’s arguably the most well recognized woman of the modern world, much of which she has ruled – at least symbolically – since 1952, when she first ascended to the throne. Over the past 63-plus years, she has been – at one time or another – the ruler of 40 independent nations. She’s already Britain’s... Continue reading →
Initiatives aim to fire up the hobby
As I write this column in the midst of a heat wave in Ontario, with humidity making the temperatures feel about 40 degrees C, I cannot help but feel a “heat wave” is in the works as I think about what’s ahead this fall for Trajan Media. While we are trying to enjoy hot summer... Continue reading →
Online auctions still ‘coming of age’ despite benefits
As is the story with much of modern life, the most significant change of recent years has been the growth of the Internet. The philatelic auction business is no different, and as bidding moves increasingly onto the Internet, both consignors and collectors – as well as the auctioneers moving everything across the block – are... Continue reading →
New Canada Post issue celebrates discovery of Erebus
A ceremony held in Halifax on July 22 marked the release of a new $20 Fine Silver coin and three postage stamps commemorating the discovery of the Erebus. Participating in the release, from left to right: Kirk MacRae, a Royal Canadian Mint board member; Peter MacKay, minister of justice and attorney general; Robert Moreau, a director with Collections, Curatorial and Conservation, Parks Canada; and Doug Jones, vice-president, Canada Post.
On July 22, Canada Post unveiled three stamps commemorating Sir John Franklin’s 1845 search for the Northwest Passage and the recent discovery of his vanished flagship, HMS Erebus, in September of last year. The stamps – two Permanent and one international rate – will be issued Aug. 6. The se-tenant – or side-by-side – Permanent... Continue reading →
Embarrassment for Canada Post, a dream for collectors
Thanks to Canada Post, the summer of 2015 will be remembered as a hot one for stamp collectors. While the Crown corporation has been raked over the coals by some for its hoodoo design error, this is stuff that dreams are made of for philatelists. This is a significant error, and for some philatelists, this... Continue reading →