Category Archives: Errors Oddities Freaks (EOF)

Is Stamp Collecting Still Alive? A Timeless Hobby Making a Quiet Comeback

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In a world dominated by emails and instant messages, it’s easy to assume that stamp collecting belongs to another era. But recently, I came across an article by Mike Rivkin that reminded me of something powerful: stamp collecting is still very much alive, and perhaps more meaningful than ever. A Brief Look Back: The Origins of Stamps The first postage stamp, the famous Penny Black, was issued in 1840 in Great Britain. It introduced the revolutionary idea of prepaid postage, … Continue reading →

Discover the Recondite World of Stamp Collecting

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The Hidden Beauty of Philately: Discovering the Recondite World of Stamps There is a quiet moment familiar to many stamp collectors : you’re sitting at your desk, a small stack of stamps in front of you. At first glance, nothing seems particularly remarkable, just colors, patterns, and familiar themes. But then… something catches your eye. A subtle variation, a detail you hadn’t noticed before. A difference so small, it could easily be overlooked.And yet, in that moment, everything changes. Welcome … Continue reading →

Hornswoggle – Big Lesson for Stamp Collectors

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When a Little Deception Becomes a Big Lesson for Collectors In everyday language, the word hornswoggle means to trick or deceive someone through clever persuasion. In stamp collecting, the word carries a playful yet meaningful lesson. Many collectors can recall a moment when a “rare bargain” turned out to be a modern reproduction or an over-hyped issue. Rather than embarrassment, these experiences often become valuable turning points. Being hornswoggled once teaches us to verify authenticity, consult catalogs, and seek community … Continue reading →

Paraphrenia and the Passion for Philately

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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 →

Banned postage stamps: The Word of God – South Africa

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On November 19th, 1987, a 40c postage stamp called  ‘The Word of God’ written in Greek and Hebrew was issued by South Africa. The stamps were withdrawn because of religious objections (see story below) , although examples are known to have been sold to the public at some smaller post offices (see footnote after SG 628). A complete sheet of 25 (5×5) with control numbers in upper right corner, unmounted original gum, a very rare  INTACT SHEET is being offered … Continue reading →

Stamp Design Error in GB Historic Scotland Scottish Archeology Booklet

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GB Historic Scotland Scottish Archeology Stamp Design Error I just published an article on our ‘Everything Scotland‘ blog about the Ring of Brodgar design error. Below is an excerpt: I was tidying up some philatelic files and came across this beautiful booklet of ten (10) postage stamps depicting Scottish archeological sites, issued by Great Britain, for exclusive sale by Historic Scotland. I don’t remember at which property I bought same as there are over 300 properties in the care of … Continue reading →

Las Vegas Statue of Liberty Shown in Error on USA Stamps

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I came across Reuters web site today and thanks to Jonathan Allen ‘s reporting, found out that a stamp collector advised USPS that their recent First Class Coil stamp issue, picturing the USA Flag and Statue of Liberty, showed the Las Vegas replica statue instead of the New York’s landmark…! ..       “The USPS has previously issued 23 other stamps featuring the Statue of Liberty, and officials said all of them show the actual statue — they think.” (Source: Reuters.com) What a great start for a … Continue reading →

The Fascinating Saga of Germany’s Audrey Hepburn “Error” Stamps

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  Take a close look at the above photograph…    Now, examine carefully the stamps below:   Notice a difference? Yes, you got it  🙂 Audrey Hepburn is pictured with a woman’s cigarette holder instead of the sunglasses on the original photo !! How come ? Read on… Sean Ferrer, Audrey Hepburn’s son, will tell us more… “In the original photo, she’s got sunglasses hanging from her mouth, but they (Germany Postal Administration)  had flipped the negative and replaced the glasses with … Continue reading →