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Celebrating First Human in Space
On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space — a monumental moment captured in stamps around the world. Discover how nations commemorated his legendary flight through beautifully designed postage stamps and why Gagarin remains a favorite among topical stamp collectors.
Continue reading →Must-Have Books for Stamp Collectors and Postal Historians
Looking to deepen your philatelic knowledge or explore the fascinating world of postal history? These two must-have books is perfect for stamp collectors of all levels. From beginner guides to in-depth historical references, discover the essential reads to enrich your collecting journey.
Continue reading →The Iconic 1939 Canal Zone Stamps
Discover the enduring appeal of the 1939 Canal Zone stamps — a historically rich and visually striking series that continues to captivate collectors. Learn what makes Scott #120–135 so iconic, and why these stamps remain highly sought after in the world of philately.
Continue reading →Rare Specimens of Stamps at Jampex 2025 Exhibition
The recent “Jampex 2025” exhibition in Jamshedpur offered philately enthusiasts a remarkable journey through India’s postal history. Held at Tulsi Bhawan and organized by the Jamshedpur Philatelic Society alongside the local postal department, the two-day event showcased over 100 frames of stamps, including several rare specimens. Noteworthy exhibits featured the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black, and Independent India’s inaugural postage stamp. The display also included valuable lithograph one anna and four anna Indian postage stamps. Visitors were … Continue reading →
Goodnight Moon SpongeBob SquarePants Stamps
Eight United States stamps celebrating Margaret Wise Brown’s 1947 bedtime Story Goodnight Moon will be issued in a pane of 16 later this year. The pane includes a large label featuring the cover of the book. By Charles Snee (Linn’s News) The United States Postal Service announced Jan. 13 that it will issue stamps for the bedtime story Goodnight Moon and the children’s animated series SpongeBob SquarePants. Eight stamps illustrating pictures by Clement Hurd from Margaret Wise Brown’s beloved children’s book will be … Continue reading →
Aeolipile – The Steam Engine’s Role in Postal History
Aeolipile: The Unexpected Connection Between Steam Power and Stamp Collecting When we think about stamp collecting, our minds often drift to the intricate designs, historical snapshots, and cultural narratives each tiny adhesive square contains. But today, let’s explore a surprising parallel between stamps and an ancient invention you may not know about—the aeolipile. What Is an Aeolipile? The aeolipile, or Hero’s engine, was an ancient steam-powered device invented by Hero of Alexandria in the first century AD. It’s considered the … Continue reading →
Paraphrenia and the Passion for Philately
Paraphrenia and the Passion for Philately – A Story Told Through Stamps Stamp collecting, or philately, is often regarded as a serene and scholarly pursuit. For many, it is a hobby that blends history, art, and personal fulfillment into a single, tangible collection of tiny treasures. However, for some enthusiasts, the love of postage stamps borders on an obsession so consuming that it might be likened—tongue firmly in cheek—to a kind of philatelic paraphrenia. This word, which refers to a … Continue reading →
Stamps as Carracks Vessels of History
Philately: Setting Sail on the Carrack of Discovery In the vast sea of hobbies, philately is a noble vessel, charting courses through history and culture with the precision of a seasoned navigator. For centuries, collectors have embarked on journeys of discovery, much like the mighty carracks of old, exploring uncharted waters and bringing back treasures that tell the stories of far-off lands. Stamps may be small, but they carry with them the weight of empires, the artistry of nations, and … Continue reading →
Obeliscal in Stamp Collecting
Exploring Obelisks in Topical Stamp Collecting In stamp collecting, an obeliscal design often refers to stamps featuring structures with the iconic shape of an obelisk—slender, tapering monuments with a square base and a pyramidion at the top. Some of the most famous obeliscal subjects found on stamps include the Washington Monument in the United States or the Luxor Obelisk in France. While organizing my international stamps collection, I discovered a stunning Egyptian stamp showcasing an obeliscal engraving of the Karnak … Continue reading →
Stamp Collecting As An Orvietan For the Soul
For the dedicated philatelist, the chaos of daily life finds its antidote in the delicate art of stamp collecting. Each tiny piece of paper carries not only history but also a sense of quiet purpose. Like an orvietan for the soul, the act of sorting, categorizing, and admiring stamps serves as a counter-poison to the fast-paced, digital whirlwind we live in. The tactile nature of handling stamps, the hunt for a rare issue, or the satisfaction of completing a set—these … Continue reading →
Jollop and the Joy of Stamp Collecting
Jollop and the Joy of Stamp Collecting – A Curious Blend of Discovery In the whimsical world of stamp collecting, there’s always something new to learn and explore. Yesterday’s Word of the Day, jollop, caught my eye and made me think about how this unusual term could relate to our beloved hobby. Traditionally, jollop refers to a potion or concoction with magical or healing properties. But can it have a place in the philatelist’s lexicon? Let’s explore! What is Jollop? … Continue reading →
Stamps as Gateways Jeff Magnus’ Journey Through History and Culture
[IN THE NEWS] Philatelic Journeys – Uncovering History with Jeff Magnus Beyond the Adhesive: The Cultural Odyssey of a Stamp Collector From the distinctive portraits of historical figures to the vivid sceneries of distant places, each postage stamp in Jeff Magnus’ collection narrates its own tale. Spanning over fifty years, this enthusiast stamp collector and member of the Janesville Stamp Club has gathered much more than mere adhesive-laden pieces of paper. For him, seeking out rare stamps has been … Continue reading →
The Porridge Stamp Story
Stamp Collecting and Culinary Arts: The Porridge Connection On a particularly inspiring day, triggered by an amusing yet enlightening email from our dear Scottish friend, Iain, I found myself diving into the niche world of topical stamp collecting, specifically under the theme of Food and Beverage. Iain’s heartfelt correction of a porridge recipe mistake led me down this path, showcasing not just the cultural significance of porridge but also its commemorative journey onto a postage stamp. Porridge, a staple in … Continue reading →
Boston Connection Thematic Stamps Contest
Boston 2026 World Stamp Show is pleased to announce details of its first in a series of contests open to all stamp collectors. Topical collectors, here’s the perfect contest for you to show your skills! Please read on for information about a topical contest sponsored by the Boston 2026 International Stamp Show committee. The December 31st deadline is approaching! Dawn Hamman, American Topical Association President, ended an email to Boston 2026 officers by writing, “There are a lot of good … Continue reading →
India’s Tribute to its Saint & Poets : A Stamp Collecting Gem
Stamps of Distinction: Celebrating India’s Poetic and Spiritual Legacy India’s 1952 ‘Saints and Poets’ collection is a beautifully crafted and vibrant set. While I appreciate each stamp, the 12 annas featuring the illustrious Bengali genius, Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), holds a special place for me. Stamp collecting is a journey through the annals of history, culture, and art. Every stamp tells a story, and sometimes, these stories are groundbreaking. Such is the case with India’s 1952 ‘Saints and Poets’ series. … Continue reading →
Digital Philately : Taking the Hobby to New Heights
Digital Philately – Leaving a Legacy for Future Philatelists with Darin Cherniwchan Entertaining Philatelic Programs for Your Enjoyment American Topical Association (ATA) popular Zoom programs are back once again, with great selections. 🎟️ You may register now in the Events section of the ATA website, and join us for an hour of education and entertainment. October 10, 2023 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET In an era where the digital realm dominates our daily lives, the timeless hobby of stamp … Continue reading →