Canadian Stamp Collecting Facts

by Don Tanner

Since its inception on May 6, 1840, “postage stamps”
have been a part of history. It's one the best lines of
stamp collecting that collectors have enjoyed to this
day.

Since the time postage stamps were created, the idea
of collecting them came into view right after they were
circulated into the market. This is because some people
have grown a fondness to these artistic creations.

For this reason, stamp manufacturers have realized the
values that stamps bring. That is why Canada decided
to make their own stamps. These stamps were previously
created to reflect the historical background.

From the well-known maple leaf coin down to the
historical stamps, Canada has remarkably created a
culture of its own.

From this, Canadian stamp collecting started. From the
commonly used stamps up to those that are classified as
rare and hard to find. Stamp collecting in Canada is
definitely a rewarding hobby.

So, if you are a Canadian citizen or not, and are
interested in starting a Canadian stamp collection, here
are a few pointers that you need to know before you
start collecting these miniature masterpieces:

1. The ability to sort stamps.

Every stamp collector, whether a Canadian or not, should
learn how to sort different kinds of stamps. It would be
better to sort them first before you keep them in your
album for record keeping.

The sorting process will be based on the type of stamp
collecting that you are interested in. For instance, if you
want to collect stamps by topic, say, historical facts, start
from there.

You can even sort them according to their classifications
like separating the special delivery stamps to those of the
revenue stamps, and the list will go on.

2. Learn how to remove stamps from the envelope without
damaging them.

If you have decided to start Canadian stamp collecting, it is
extremely important that you know how to peel off these
stamps from the envelopes without damaging even the
slightest corner of the stamp.

To do this, you must learn the proper way of soaking. In this
process, you will be able to peel off the stamp without any
damage to the stamp.

This is relatively easy because all you have to do is to cut
the portion where the stamp is placed, taking extra care
not to cut the stamp itself. Then, soak them in a basin of
water, stamp side up. It would be better if you will use
some tepid water, not hot, as this will ruin your stamps.

Do not be in a hurry when soaking stamps. You might have
the propensity to soak too many stamps in one batch. The
idea here is to give the stamps extra room to drift up to the
surface of the water. Once they begin to resurface, try to pull
them out carefully and then peel them off. Once you see that
they are ready to be detached from the paper, remove them
and any traces of adhesives at the back, then, place them
between “two paper towels” to dry.

Keep in mind that if you have a lot of stamps to soak, change
the water every two sets to ensure that the stamps will
peel off easily. This will save time and preserve any
identifiable marks within the envelope. It is best to keep
the stamp as it is placed on the envelope. This will make
your stamp collection more valuable.

3. Use the right mounting tools

The next thing to learn is how to place your stamps in the
album. It's definitely a NO-NO to place your stamps in the
album using a glue or any other kind of adhesive.

Mounted or hinged is the best way. The choice is yours, but
either will do. These options are available from any stamp
dealers in your community. Just try to choose the one that
will work best for your collection.

The above methods boil down to the fact that starting a
Canadian stamp collecting, or any other, is not complicated
once you know these three pointers. The idea of stamp
collecting is to keep all of your stamps organized. Once
you have familiarized yourself with Canadian stamp
collecting, you are definitely on your way to a gratifying
pastime.

Tips on Canadian Stamp Collecting

by Don Tanner

Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies
among Canadians. Canada has a great respect for
stamp collecting which dates back as early as the
17th century.

Canadian Stamp collecting is no different than stamp
collecting of other countries. The only difference is
that, most Canadian stamps depict intense social
issues and is one of the hallmarks of Canadian stamp
collecting.

These social issues translate to understanding among
various social events in the community, the country, and
the world as a whole. Canadian stamps tell stories about
these events without bias, they promote understanding
and resolution.

This apparent uniqueness among Canadian stamps is what
makes Canadian stamp collecting an enjoyable one.

To appreciate the value of Canadian stamp collecting this
article uses the Cardinals in exposing various information
regarding collecting inventories and start possessing some
of the most-sought after stamps of the world.

The Cardinals

The purpose of this article is to enrich reader’s views
regarding stamp collecting, especially collecting stamps
the Canadian way and how this information will affect
you in your future decisions regarding this hobby.

Possession is the rule of the game. Most people would
have to spend thousands, while others could spend
more, just to get the latest releases and “antic stamps”.

An auction was held in New York for the mint collection
of Sir Gawaine Baillies of British North America.

More than 1400 stamps dating from 1851 to 2000, were
featured in this auction and the estimated revenue for this
grandiose stamp sale reached more than $23 million.

With this information at hand, it is best to answer the
following cardinal questions and provide substantial
justification as to how, why, when, where, and what you
can get form this wonderful hobby.

What

First, one must realize that philately should not be
treated as a hobby alone. Stamp collecting provides
you skills which will help you connect to the history
of a specific location, person, animal or thing.

The type of stamps a person collects will speak on a
larger part of behavior, personality, and personal
standing on almost all issues. Stamps depicting floral
and scenery are peace loving, while people who love
collecting psychedelically colored and abstract-themed
stamps are revolutionary and argumentative.

Why

Stamps, especially, Canadian stamps are on of the best
there is in the world. Possession of Canadian stamps puts
you on top of other stamp collectors. Not just because they
are one of the most popular but they are some of the
oldest there are in North America and the rest of the world.

Where

Canadian stamps are mostly auctioned and showcased
in expositions and museums throughout America and Europe.

They are among the most-sought after stamps in Europe
and America. The legacy and memory that these stamps
provide will entangle your love of history to that of stamp
collecting.

If you are a beginner, it is always good to go over some
reference catalogues (those that are considered standard
by the Canada Philatelic Society) such as Unitrade
Specialized Catalogue of Canadian Stamps and Darnell
Stamps of Canada.

Various portals in the vast World Wide Web and the
net alone, are enough to give you information on stamp
collecting, selling, dealerships and maintenance or caring
tips, especially for Canadian stamps.

Internet channels such as the Canadian Stamp News
are also a wonderful resource if one is looking for
information, tips, literature, history, significance and
news related to stamp collecting, recent ad future auctions,
happenings in the world of philately and club functions
and events.

When

Age is no boundary in collecting stamps. Perhaps, among
all hobbies in the world, stamp collecting is one of the
most interesting and most flexible and can be taken on
as an additional hobby among adults and children alike.

Collecting stamps can be fun and exciting but the pursuit
can be most challenging if you are to start out on your own.
Dealers can help you with tips and information on how
you can start your search and start building your collectibles.

Collectibles can be a good investment if you are a serious
collector. You can collect something that you take an interest
in or something which reflects your personality. Remember
that people who are passionate about what they do are the
most successful.