When it comes to preserving your stamp collection, one of the easiest and most effective methods is using stamp mounts. These simple tools protect your stamps from wear and tear, ensuring they remain in pristine condition for years to come.
King George V’s fascination with stamps earned him the nickname the “Collector King,” and his legacy is still cherished in the world of philately today. By the time of his death in 1936, King George V had amassed a collection that spanned 328 red stamp albums.
A perforation gauge is a tool used to measure the number of perforation holes along the edge of a stamp within a space of 2 centimeters. It provides a precise measurement of a stamp’s perforations, which can differ between issues and even between varieties of the same stamp.
The term “Back-of-the-Book” refers to stamps and postal items that are not considered part of the regular postage issues. These are typically found in the back section of stamp catalogs, hence the name.
A stamp stock book is a specially designed album that features pages with horizontal strips or pockets made of glassine, clear plastic, or paper. These strips hold stamps in place without the need for hinges or mounts, allowing for easy insertion, removal, and rearrangement. The pages are usually bound in a sturdy cover, providing protection for your stamps while keeping them organized and accessible.
The first UN stamps were issued on October 24, 1951, commemorating the organization’s sixth anniversary. These stamps were produced at the UN Headquarters in New York City, making them the first stamps issued by an international organization. The idea behind these stamps was to promote the UN’s mission and raise funds for its activities.
A postal card is a type of stationery issued by postal authorities, distinct from postcards in that the postage is pre-printed on the card itself. This made them an economical and convenient option for sending quick messages, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when they were most popular.
In the United States, the tradition of commemorative stamps began with the Columbian Exposition Issue in 1893. This series of 16 stamps was released to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World. Known simply as “the Columbians,” these stamps featured a range of denominations and depicted various scenes from Columbus’s voyages.
Plate Number Coils are a type of stamp produced in rolls, or coils, for use in vending machines and large-scale mailing operations. What sets them apart from regular coil stamps is the tiny plate number printed on the stamp itself. This number indicates the printing plate used in their production, making each stamp a unique piece of postal history.