Stamp

While insurance has been traditionally associated with fixed assets and real estate and even one’s life, keep in mind that it can also work for your stamp collection. According to industry bloggers like Carrie Van-Brunt-Wiley and Samantha Alexander, it pays to secure your stamp collection and to do it now. Philately is not just about searching and researching about valuable stamps; responsible philately also means securing your collection so that the future generations (and enthusiasts) can appreciate all these.

The Red Cross and Red Crescent, both symbols used in voluntary health work and humanitarian initiatives, are also highly sought-after subjects for stamps. Stamp collectors and enthusiasts are now starting to appreciate the value and the history that comes with these symbols. It was during the First World War that these symbols were used on mails, primarily for fundraising activities. And since these were for humanitarian purposes, the stamps were accepted and gained traction among the general public.

The many dynasties of China and the Mongol Empire are two of the earliest and influential empires in Asia and the rest of the world, and they made their mark on different fronts. In terms of military might, China and the Mongols are known for their military prowess. In fact the Mongol Empire produced some of the best military tacticians including Genghis Khan. 

The Wilding Series of stamps is actually a series of stamps that show the photographic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II that were printed and in wide circulation from 1952 to 1971. These stamps were rated for their intricate designs, including the use of graphite lines. Also, these stamps featured the phosphor bands that promoted automation. The Wilding Series is cited for its value and through the inclusion of regional emblems.

On May 6, 1937, the German Hindenburg burst into flames while attempting to navigate the runway at Lakehurst, New Jersey. In a matter of seconds, the once-mighty German zeppelin that completed sixty-three flights, including round trip to the United States (1936) met its fiery end. Even though the airship became fiery wreckage, the lives of nearly 2/3 of the crew members were saved.

A storm, undetected by most, has been gathering in Scotland in the past few months, with an ever growing rift appearing within the Scottish Philatelic Society, all because of some cute panda bears. And why?

The year 2013 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of David Livingstone, a famous Scotsman. This anniversary was unfortunately deemed unworthy of a Royal Mail special stamp, disappointing his devotees who had to make do with an expensive commemorative Smilers sheet.

In the world of fine arts, the Mona Lisa has managed to charm collectors and enthusiasts looking to understand history and the kind of arts that prevailed in the past, particularly during Renaissance. The mysterious smile, the expert craftsmanship and of course the story surrounding the portrait and the artist all helped in boosting the standing of the artwork, thus making it as one of the priciest works of art around. But did you know that this pricey artwork has its counterpart in the world of philately?

‘A nation within a city’- this is just one of the many descriptions that one can read about Vatican City. The Vatican is found within the city of Rome, and considered as the smallest nation in the world. This state which is the seat of Catholicism is even smaller than the National Mall located in Washington DC. The Vatican officially gained its independent status from Italy on February 11, 1929 through the Lateran Pacts, and it was at that time when a set of commemorative stamps were issued to mark the event.

Smart phones, e-mails and social networks or even mails with stamps may be the choices when it comes to sharing information and communications, but there was a time when pigeons were the traditional messengers of information. About 2000 years ago, pigeons were used to send information and the practice has persisted through the years, even in the face of emerging technologies in communications. In fact, during World War I, these birds were used as carriers of messages and have helped change the tides of war.

Persian roots and Military Use

The Penny Blue, a one-penny postage stamp released in 1840 has been frequently mistaken as one of the many postage stamps issued by Britain. The wrong impressions often stem from the fact that the stamp carries an image of a regal lady with a crown. The stamp is actually a part of a collection of proof impressions designed and released when Roland Hill was looking for new inspirations for colors that can be used on stamps, as the replacement for the Twopence Blue and the Penny Black.