‘A nation within a city’- this is just one of the many descriptions that one can read about Vatican City. The Vatican is found within the city of Rome, and considered as the smallest nation in the world. This state which is the seat of Catholicism is even smaller than the National Mall located in Washington DC. The Vatican officially gained its independent status from Italy on February 11, 1929 through the Lateran Pacts, and it was at that time when a set of commemorative stamps were issued to mark the event. It was on August 1, 1929 that the government of Vatican City issued its first batch of stamps.
In 2008, Vatican City once again observed another landmark celebration, the 80th anniversary of its birth as an independent state. Another series of Vatican... Read More
Stamp Magazine
Smart phones, e-mails and social networks or even mails with stamps may be the choices when it comes to sharing information and communications, but there was a time when pigeons were the traditional messengers of information. About 2000 years ago, pigeons were used to send information and the practice has persisted through the years, even in the face of emerging technologies in communications. In fact, during World War I, these birds were used as carriers of messages and have helped change the tides of war.
Persian roots and Military Use
What makes pigeons effective carriers of information is their honing capabilities. A pigeon can be transported from a certain place, and when it's released from the cage, it will instinctively return to its cage that it considers her... Read More
The Penny Blue, a one-penny postage stamp released in 1840 has been frequently mistaken as one of the many postage stamps issued by Britain. The wrong impressions often stem from the fact that the stamp carries an image of a regal lady with a crown. The stamp is actually a part of a collection of proof impressions designed and released when Roland Hill was looking for new inspirations for colors that can be used on stamps, as the replacement for the Twopence Blue and the Penny Black. The decision to change the colors of the stamps had already been approved, and the color of the ink for use in cancellations had been identified as black. While it was already agreed upon that the two pence value will still sport the color blue, the authorities still planned on using a different ink... Read More
The French were once one of the leading powers and explorers. Starting in the 18th until the 19th century, they expanded their ‘spheres of influences’ outside of the continent. But starting the 1960s, the territories began to reclaim their independence. The French influence may have waned in terms of administration, but its contribution to world arts and affairs persisted in many spheres, stamps and philately as well. The market is loaded with French stamps including mint inexpensive stamps that are accessible for all types of collectors and enthusiasts. The challenge is to spot these on collections since French colonial stamps are arranged in order, before France. For example, French Morocco comes before France in many stamp listing and collections.
The... Read More
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