Philately Knowledge

Deliberate Errors in Stamp Collecting: When Mistakes Are Made on Purpose

Stamp collecting, or philately, is a fascinating world filled with rare finds, historical significance, and unexpected anomalies. Among the most intriguing aspects of this hobby are deliberate errors—mistakes in stamps that were intentionally created by postal administrations or unscrupulous printers. While genuine errors often increase the value of a stamp, deliberate mistakes have been used […]

Deliberate Errors in Stamp Collecting: When Mistakes Are Made on Purpose Read More »

The Birth of the Two Penny Blue

Following the success of the Penny Black, the Two Penny Blue was introduced to cover the postage cost for double-weight letters or for unstamped mail sent collect. Designed to encourage prepayment of postage, it bore the same iconic engraving of Queen Victoria but distinguished itself with a striking blue hue and a higher denomination. Despite

The Birth of the Two Penny Blue Read More »

Canal Zone – The Thatcher Ferry Bridge Omitted: A Courtroom Drama in Philately

Stamps with errors often have fascinating stories, but few match the legal twists and turns of the Thatcher Ferry Bridge Omitted stamp from 1962. What began as a simple printing mishap turned into a courtroom battle that solidified its place in philatelic history. Recently honoured with a 24kt gold replica by Antigua & Barbuda, this

Canal Zone – The Thatcher Ferry Bridge Omitted: A Courtroom Drama in Philately Read More »

New Zealand – The Maori Art Stamp of 1906: A Colour Error That Made History

What began as a simple colour adjustment turned into one of New Zealand’s most famous philatelic stories: the Maori Art stamp of 1906. Issued to commemorate a major industrial exhibition, this claret-coloured rarity owes its fame to a fascinating twist of fate. Recently celebrated with a 24kt gold replica by Antigua & Barbuda, the Maori

New Zealand – The Maori Art Stamp of 1906: A Colour Error That Made History Read More »

Mexico – The Amelia Earhart Overprint: A Tribute to a Pioneering Aviator

Few names resonate in aviation history like Amelia Earhart, the fearless pilot who broke boundaries and inspired millions. Her daring achievements earned her a place not just in aviation lore but also in philately. In 1935, Mexico issued a rare, overprinted airmail stamp commemorating her “Goodwill Flight”—a limited release now considered a prized rarity. Recently

Mexico – The Amelia Earhart Overprint: A Tribute to a Pioneering Aviator Read More »

The Inverted Jenny: America’s Most Famous Stamp Error

No discussion of rare and legendary stamps is complete without the Inverted Jenny, a captivating printing error from 1918 that became one of the most iconic treasures in philately. A sheet of these stamps, featuring an upside-down airplane, was discovered entirely by chance. Recently honoured with a 24kt gold replica issued by Antigua & Barbuda,

The Inverted Jenny: America’s Most Famous Stamp Error Read More »

The Black Honduras: The World’s Rarest Airmail Stamp

The Black Honduras of 1925 is one of philately’s most elusive and fascinating treasures. Widely regarded as the world’s rarest airmail stamp, this deep-blue, ten-cent rarity tells an extraordinary tale of aviation history, makeshift payments, and sheer chance. Commemorated in a 24kt gold replica issued by Antigua & Barbuda, this stamp continues to captivate collectors

The Black Honduras: The World’s Rarest Airmail Stamp Read More »

The Inverted Locomotive of 1901: A Rare Error in American Philately

Errors in printing often turn ordinary stamps into legendary treasures, and the Inverted Locomotive stamp of 1901 is no exception. This remarkable stamp, part of the Pan-American Exposition series, features one of the most celebrated printing blunders in philatelic history. Recently honoured in a 24kt gold replica by Antigua & Barbuda, this rare gem continues

The Inverted Locomotive of 1901: A Rare Error in American Philately Read More »

The Canadian 12-Pence Black of 1851: A Rare Jewel in Philately

Among the most celebrated stamps in philatelic history, the Canadian 12-Pence Black of 1851 stands out as an icon of rarity and historical significance. Recently commemorated in a 24kt gold replica stamp issued by Antigua & Barbuda, this legendary stamp holds a unique position in the world of collectors and enthusiasts alike. The Story of

The Canadian 12-Pence Black of 1851: A Rare Jewel in Philately Read More »

Paquebot Mail: A Unique Legacy of Oceanic Postal History

  The Universal Postal Union (UPU), established in 1874, revolutionized how mail was sent worldwide. Among its many discussions was the intriguing challenge of managing mail posted at sea, which led to the development of what is now known as “Paquebot Mail.” This fascinating system is not just a relic of postal history but a

Paquebot Mail: A Unique Legacy of Oceanic Postal History Read More »