CANADA STAMPS

The first Canada stamps, inscribed “Canada” were issued in 1851, with three different values showing the American Beaver, Prince Albert and also Queen Victoria. The 12d black depicting a youthful Queen Victoria is the most famous rarity. However, few have survived and several were destroyed in London during the 1970s when they blew out of a window during a heatwave! During the ‘Colony of Canada’ stamp issuing period 1851–1864, stamps have the same status as the provinces of British Columbia and also Vancouver Island. In addition, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are accepted as the first stamps.

Collections of Canada stamps run seamlessly from the 1864 2c rose-red ‘Colony’ stamp to the ‘Dominion of Canada’ 1868. Small and large Queen stamps with their different printings and papers display a fabulous array of colours and shades. They also include many plate flaws and re-entries recognised by collectors. 

Amongst the most studied in the British Empire philately include the melancholy “Widows Weeds” design of 1893 and the grandeur of the 1897 Jubilee series which riskily places a young and old Victoria alongside each other. In addition, spectacular engravings dominated stamp design through much of the 20th Century.

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