Stamp Collector

Stamp Collector gives you all the information, news, expert advice, market insight and inspiration you need to build your stamp collection and get the most from your hobby. Every issue features the latest prices, expert collecting advice, in-depth guides giving you the lowdown on classic stamp sets, new stamps, postal history, first-day covers and much more. Our stamp stories shed light on intriguing stamps and why they were produced, and our stamp sidelines pages provide an insight into postmarks, first-day covers, Cinderellas, Post & Go and Europa stamps.

This is How The Stamp Trade Works • Philatelic Expert Lets You into his Selling Secrets so you can benefit from a totally different (and New) Selling Experience

Stamp Collector

Can’t get to the shops? • Thousands of collectors receive Stamp Collector straight to their home every month, why not join them?

Welcome • STAMPEX IS BACK, AND IT’S BETTER THAN EVER!

STAMPEX THIS MONTH AND LONDON 2022 COMING SOON! • The wait has been a long one, but it will soon be over with Stampex International returning this month and the London 2022 international exhibition set to open its doors from 19 to 26 February, both at the same venue in London. You can find out much more about Stampex with our pull-out guide starting on page 41, and read on for the latest updates from the London 2022 organisers…

THIS MONTH’S WEBINAR • Everything you didn’t know about the world’s most famous collectors

Industrial issues • Both the ‘Industrial’ and ‘Electric’ Revolutions are celebrated on a new set of stamps and a miniature sheet from Royal Mail, featuring distinctive artwork that reflects the innovative era

MARKET INSIGHT

STAMP DETECTIVE • Our philatelic private eye spies another stamp set that’s likely to go up in value

LATEST INTERNET SALES • Your quick reference guide to recent online sales, in association with delcampe.net

Values from Egypt’s early Sphinx and Pyramid series? • We have the historical background to these fascinating issues, and a survey of recent sales and auction prices to help you spot a future bargain, writes Ed Fletcher

COLLECTORS’ CORNER

STAMP QUIZ • Why exactly did some of our post boxes turn gold back in 2012? What happened to stamp-issuing entity Heligoland? And how much do you really know about floating post, pigeon post, or pony post? Find out in this month’s philatelic exam

Your chance to Win a Penny Black! • We’re excited to bring you details of our biggest one-page stamp competition yet, giving you the chance to win a Penny Black stamp, worth over £300, courtesy of Andrew Vaughan Philatelics

A unique Peruvian export • No philatelist would want to link this rare 1858 Peru cover franked with a ‘Medio Peso’ error of colour, with something as pungent as bird excrement, writes Devlan Kruck. But the fact is without ‘guano’ – the waste from seabirds and bats – there is more than a splattering of a chance we’d not have such a wonderful cover to ogle at

Austria 1946, St Stephens Cathedral Restoration Fund • The intricate engravings on this memorable Austrian set reflect a nation in sombre mood, still recovering from the ravages of a world war and turning to history and religion to reassert its identity. David Bailey investigates in his regular guide to a classic set to add to your album

Stampex is back! • After two successful ‘virtual’ editions, the UK’s national stamp exhibition returns to the Business Design Centre for the first ‘physical’ show since 2019. With a host of new initiatives and familiar faces that many of us have not seen in some time, the four-day event will be a very welcome philatelic celebration. Find out more in our pull-out guide

STANDHOLDERS

The art of philately… • Another highlight of Stampex will be an...