• Egypt: As the origin of obelisks, Egypt has featured these monuments on various stamps, celebrating their ancient heritage.
• France: The Luxor Obelisk, located in Paris’s Place de la Concorde, has been depicted on French stamps, emphasizing its historical connection to Egypt.
• United States: The Washington Monument, an iconic obelisk in Washington, D.C., has appeared on U.S. postage stamps, symbolizing national pride.
• Italy: Rome, home to several ancient obelisks, has issued stamps showcasing these structures, reflecting the city’s rich history.
• United Kingdom: “Cleopatra’s Needle,” an obelisk situated on London’s Victoria Embankment, has been featured on British stamps, highlighting its Egyptian origins and British heritage.

The Obelisk of Theodosius

1917 Mesopotamia Scott N1

This stamp features an ancient Egyptian obelisk originally erected by Pharaoh Thutmose III (1479–1425 BCE), the sixth pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th dynasty. The obelisk once stood south of the seventh pylon in the Great Temple of Karnak.

In 390 CE, under the orders of Roman Emperor Theodosius I (reigned 378–392 CE), it was transported from Egypt to Constantinople and installed in the Hippodrome to commemorate the emperor’s 20th anniversary on the throne. Originally 30 meters tall, this red granite obelisk now stands at 18.5 meters.

The Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue has it indexed under the country of Mesopotamia; Scott #N1.

Mesopotamia, situated in Western Asia, is bordered by Syria and Turkey to the north, Persia to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south, and Transjordan to the west.

During World War I, this region was occupied by Great Britain. Subsequently, it was recognized as an independent state and placed under a British Mandate. In 1932, the mandate ended, and the territory gained admission to the League of Nations as the Kingdom of Iraq. Today, postage stamps of Iraq are in circulation.

The Luxor Obelisk

1947 France Scott# 584

The Luxor Obelisk, located at the center of the Place de la Concorde in Paris, is made of yellow granite, stands 23 meters tall, and weighs over 250 tons. Originally erected by Pharaoh Ramesses II, it once stood at the entrance of the Luxor Temple in Egypt.

In 1829, the Ottoman viceroy of Egypt gifted the obelisk to France. It was transported to Paris in 1833 and installed at its current location in the Place de la Concorde in 1836.

France issued this postage stamp, Scott #584, on May 7, 1947, to commemorate the 12th Universal Postal Union (UPU) Congress held in Paris from May 7 to July 7.

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Egyptian obelisk of Seti I

2011 Italy 150th Ann Italian Unification

At the center of the Piazza del Popolo in Rome stands an Egyptian obelisk originally erected by Pharaoh Seti I of Heliopolis, a ruler of Egypt’s Nineteenth Dynasty and the father of Ramesses II. Brought to Rome in 10 BCE, the obelisk was initially installed in the Circus Maximus.

All these stamps serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of obelisks and their global cultural impact.

The Benefits of Organizing a Topical Stamp Collection – Hobby and Profit

Organizing a topical stamp collection is an engaging activity with numerous benefits for enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike. Whether you’re collecting for personal enjoyment or as a savvy way to earn profits, here’s why this niche focus can be so rewarding:

1. Personal Enjoyment and Enrichment

• Deep Dive into Interests: Topical collections allow you to explore subjects you’re passionate about, such as animals, historical landmarks, space exploration, or art.
• Creative Expression: Arranging stamps by theme encourages creativity. Designing album pages or displays based on a topic adds a personal touch to your collection.
• Educational Value: Researching stamps enhances knowledge about history, geography, and culture. A collection on obelisks, for example, could lead you to learn about ancient Egyptian architecture, global monuments, and international art.

2. A Community of Enthusiasts

• Networking Opportunities: Topical collectors often participate in clubs, exhibitions, or online forums to share insights and trade stamps. This community fosters friendships and enhances the hobby.
• Prestige in Exhibitions: Topical collections have unique appeal in stamp exhibitions. A well-organized thematic collection can win awards and gain recognition.

3. Profit Potential

• High Demand for Unique Themes: Topical stamps are sought after by collectors focusing on specific themes, which creates a niche market. Rare or unique items can fetch high prices.
• Ease of Marketing: With a well-curated topical collection, you can market to targeted audiences, such as space enthusiasts, bird watchers, or art collectors.
• Investment Opportunities: Topical stamps often increase in value over time, especially when tied to enduring themes or significant events.

4. Organizational and Analytical Skills

• Enhances Attention to Detail: Sorting, cataloging, and displaying stamps by theme develop meticulous organizational skills.
• Historical and Market Analysis: Identifying rare stamps or predicting trends requires analytical thinking, which can be intellectually stimulating and lucrative.

5. A Gateway to Storytelling

• Creating a Narrative: Topical collections often tell a story. For instance, a collection on “World War II” stamps can narrate the war’s timeline and global impact.
• Engaging Exhibits: Sharing your collection in museums, schools, or blogs provides a platform to educate and inspire others.

6. Accessibility and Scalability

• Beginner-Friendly: Starting a topical collection is simple and inexpensive. Over time, it can grow into a more specialized and valuable collection.
• Scalable Hobby or Business: Whether you’re collecting for personal satisfaction or growing a side hustle, topical stamp collections can scale to match your ambitions.

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Getting Started

To organize a successful topical stamp collection:

1. Choose a Theme: Pick something that excites you, such as aviation, famous personalities, or environmental conservation.
2. Research: Use catalogs and online resources to learn about stamps that fit your theme.
3. Organize: Sort your collection chronologically, geographically, or visually to enhance its appeal.
4. Connect: Join philatelic societies or online groups to trade stamps and learn from others.
5. Market Your Collection: If your goal is profit, use platforms like eBay or Delcampe to reach collectors globally.

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Whether it’s the joy of storytelling or the thrill of finding rare treasures, topical stamp collecting offers endless opportunities for personal growth and financial success.

Happy stamping!

Stampy