According to Stamps.org, for example, the 1857 3 skilling stamp from the Banco Yellow of Sweden has a catalog value which is $2,000,000. The United States 1868 1 cent Z Grill stamp is reported to have sold for a value of $935,000 in the year 1988. Assuming that you do not own one of these million dollar stamps, how much is your stamp hobby worth?

Many stamps are only worth equal to their face value or less. Some, however, are worth more. A stamp’s value is going to be based on a number of factors, including the age of the stamp, the rarity of the stamp, whether the stamp is new or used and the condition of the stamp.

• Older stamps tend to be worth more value than newer stamps. The most valuable stamps are older than 40 years of age.
• How many of the stamp is currently in circulation? A stamp that is limited edition in nature is going to be worth more than a stamp that was released in mass circulation. If there are ten or less of a stamp, it may be truly valuable.
• New and unused stamps are worth more than stamps that have already been used on a piece of mail.
• Stamps that are in excellent condition will be worth more than stamps that are in poor condition. You should be checking for imperfections such as color problems, brightness problems, ink smears and tears in the stamp.

In order to value your stamp hobby, you should buy a book that lists the stamps and their values. Make sure that you are figuring in the condition of your stamp when using these valuation books. You also need to take care to be as objective as you possibly can. Only a professional is going to b able to give you an exact answer on the value of your stamps, but these books are also quite helpful. Check online or in your yellow pages to find a professional stamp appraiser if you want to know what your stamp hobby is really worth.

Photo Credits: karen horton

Originally posted 2009-07-26 05:35:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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There are plenty of ways to store your valuable stamps without putting them on display - But what if you want them to be on display so that you can enjoy them and take pride in them – But you want to keep them safe at the same time? Most collectors of valuable stamps tend to prefer for them to be kept in stamp albums, which are reliable in terms of storage and display, there are other options that are available to you and that typically provide a greater level of flexibility when it comes to storing the variety of different items that you are collecting.

Having a good display is vitally important if you are serious about enjoying your valuable stamps. Your valuable stamps should absolutely be a source for entertainment as well as pleasure since you have put a lot of time and work into acquiring them. To get the most out of your collection of valuable stamps, you will need clear plastic sheeting, stamp pages, paper or cardboard, a scanner and printer and clear book folders as well.

You should be growing with your collection of valuable stamps, rather than just trying to grow your collection. This means that your method of storing your stamps and displaying your stamps needs to grow and evolve along with you. You should not end up finding yourself buried in stamps with no place to store them or display them. Instead, your method of storage should also be growing along with your collection so that there is always a place waiting for a new stamp.

The real key to storing your valuable stamps is to know how you want to display them. When you have a solid idea of how you feel your stamps will be most visually appealing, you can create a display or storage method that coincides with that belief. This way, you can create a unique method of storage and display that meets your unique and individual needs. Commercial and store bought options very rarely are able to achieve this. Let your collection grow, and collect all of the valuable stamps that you can get your hands on, but you must absolutely make sure that you have a storage and display method that accommodates them if you want to get the most that you possibly can out of your collection.

Photo Credits: yorkville

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It should definitely be noted that the collection of collectible postage stamps differs greatly from the formal study of collectible postage stamps, which is a concept known as philately. Therefore, not all postage stamp collectors are philatelists, and not every philatelist is a postage stamp collector.

The History of Collectible Postage Stamps

The first ever postage stamp was issued back in the year 1840 in Britain. The stamp, which is known as the Penny Black, pictured an image of Queen Victoria, and it was printed without any perforations, which meant that it needed to be cut out from a single sheet in order to be used by the owner of the stamp.

Postage stamp collecting finally became a hobby in around 1860, and then around the 1920s is when the hobby really began to pick up steam. Stamps that were issued during this period of time do not generally carry very much value because they are still quite widely available today.

Collecting Facts for Collectible Postage Stamps

There are errors that are made when stamps are printed, and this will result in stamp images that are upside down or off center for example, and these collectible postage stamps tend to be the ones that greatly increase the value of the stamp. There are many collectors out there that are specifically looking for collectible postage stamps that contain these types of printing errors since they are rare and likely to fetch a higher price.

Many people that collect collectible postage stamps tend to focus on one specific type of stamp, like those issued by a certain nation for example. Some of the most popular collectible postage stamps are European stamps and Asian stamps for example because they feature stunning artistic qualities. There are other types of collectible postage stamps as well including commemorative stamps, revenue stamps and pictorial collectible postage stamps for example.

Photo Credits: aldo c zavala

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Not only stamp collectors, but also fans of comedy in general and Bob Hope in particular anticipated the stamp’s release.

The history of the Bob Hope stamp release and the first day cancellation caricatures is an interesting one that bears repeating.

The best first day cancellations do what is fairly difficult to accomplish when designing a postmark – capture the essence and personality of the subject in a way that attracts and interests collectors, but make it so that it can be reproduced in a small enough size and simple lines that are needed for a cancellation.

Many wondered if it would be possible to capture the larger-than-life personality of an American icon like Bob Hope in such a cancellation.

The research team studied reams of material in developing the Bob Hope stamp cancellation. In the process of this research, the team came upon drawings of Hope by a popular artist, Al Hirschfeld.

The team thought the drawings captured Hope and his personality well, but discarded them because they assumed the legal issues including copyright would prohibit their use. They put the drawings aside for a time, and moved on with researching other possibilities.

However, once a member of the team decided to give it a try, they found success. In short order, all obstacles were removed, and the caricatures were incorporated into the cancellations.

Stamp collectors and Bob Hope lovers alike are delighted not only with the Bob Hope stamp, but also the cancellations which, in this case, an important completion to the image on the stamp itself.

The drawings add the touch of whimsy and delight to the stately portrait of a smiling but subdued Hope. In the combination, you see not only Hope the ambassador of good will and humor, but Hope the cutup on the Road to Morocco or wherever else he was traveling that day.

On Friday, May 29, 2009 the stamp was officially launched. The date was chosen because it would have been Hope’s 106^th birthday. He died at the age of 100 in 2003. His wife, Delores, celebrated her 100^th birthday the Wednesday before the ceremony, but she was not able to travel to the release ceremony.

The Bob Hope stamp first day ceremonies were held on board the USS Midway in San Diego. Hope was well known for his charitable performances for the troops in cars since WWII. He’s the first citizen to receive a Congressional recognition as an honorary U.S. Armed Services veteran, event though he never officially served in any branch of the military.

He performed twice on the USS Midway during his military visits.

Collectors can purchase the first day issue of the stamp through July 29. The stamps can be purchased at their local post office, the Post Office web site (www.usps.com) or over the phone at 1-800-STAMP-24.

The stamps should be placed on envelopes addressed to the collector or others, placed in a large manilla envelope, then mailed to

Bob Hope Stamp

Postmaster

PO Box 85530

San Diego, CA  92186-5530

The envelopes will be postmarked with the first day postmark and mailed to the recipients with no additional charge.

Photo Credits: dbking

Originally posted 2009-06-02 10:46:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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One of the first places that you may want to try out when it comes to collecting rare stamps online is an online auction site. Not only are there online auction sites that cater to all needs such as eBay, but there are also online auction sites that are specifically tailored to the needs of people learning about collecting rare stamps online. You should be able to browse online looking to see what types of rare stamps you can find that will fit in not only with your taste but also with your budget as well.

You should have no trouble finding a wide variety of different websites online that teach you all about collecting rare stamps online. This is because it has become really popular for people to collect rare stamps. When you are ready to collect rare stamps online, there are a couple of different considerations for you to make:

- * First and foremost, what types of stamps are you interested in collecting? If you like to collect stamps that have animals on them, or that hail from a certain period of time, or that come from a certain country, then collecting rare stamps online that are the complete opposite of what you normally collect is not going to help you in any way, shape or form. Make sure that you are keeping your collection goals in mind, because collecting expensive rare stamps is not the reason why you should be collecting in the first place.

- * Next, you are really going to need to consider your personal budget when it comes to collecting rare stamps online. You are not going to want to spend more money than your budget can allow on stamps because you want to have a rare piece in your collection, if it means not being able to collect the other stamps you want with time. You need to budget for all of the stamp purchases that you plan to make when you are going about collecting rare stamps online.

A great place to get started when it comes to collecting rare stamps online is the rare stamp store, found at http://www.rarestampstore.com. There are plenty of unique rare stamps here for you to consider working into your budget.

Photo Credits: gruntzooki

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- Choosing recent stamps when you buy postage stamps online tends to make it easier for you to get your hobby started. This is because more recent stamps are generally more readily available as well as less expensive, and they can also generally still be found in high quality condition as well.

- You are going to want to decide when buying postage stamps online if you are interested in collecting cancelled stamps or mint stamps. Mint stamps are pristine stamps that have never been used, and they are generally capable of earning you more money when you sell them. Cancelled stamps on the other hand have been used and have been stamped already by the post office have already served their purpose, which is something that some collectors are going to prefer.

- When you buy postage stamps online, you are only going to want to buy a complete stamp. If you find that one particular stamp is proving to be difficult to find, then you are going to risk having to buy another complete set later on in order to get the single rare stamp that you are looking for.

- You should be aiming to focus on one particular type of stamps when you are buying postage stamps online. Some collectors begin their collections by buying only a specific type of stamp, such as stamps that feature planes or birds. Other collectors decide to find stamps that come from a specific country or a specific state. Some collectors on the other hand only collect stamps that come from a particular time period.

Regardless of whatever types of stamps you decide that you want to collect, it is important that you know that stamp collecting should be about enjoyment first and foremost. You should enjoy collecting your stamps rather than thinking purely about making any money on this particular hobby. Stamp collecting can certainly be profitable, but it should be enjoyable first and foremost and only profitable after the fact. When it comes to buying postage stamps online, you should focus on finding the stamps that you enjoy first and foremost, before you focus on the stamps that will earn you a serious profit. This is going to ensure that you always get enjoyment out of the hobby, even if it does not always turn a profit for you.

Photo Credits: yorkville

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Collecting first day cover stamps is a popular subset of stamp collecting in general. Those who look for these types of stamps are an enthusiastic and passionate group, many even belonging to societies designed to promote first day covers and first day cover collecting.

First day cover stamps are stamps that were used on their first day of issue that were canceled with a mark that announces the stamps first date of issue. Often first day covers were issued on a date that has some significance with the subject of the stamp. Those types of covers are typically more valuable than others. The “city of issuance” or the city in which the stamp is first issued and sold usually has some tie to the subject of the stamp, as well.

The difference between collecting stamps and collecting first day cover stamps is quite marked. To collect first day covers, you must acquire the entire postcard or envelope on which the stamp was used, rather than the just the stamp itself. The object is to have the envelope completely intact so that the entire cancellation stamp is visible. While many stamps are canceled carelessly, first day covers are typically very straight and aligned so that all the writing is easily visible and readable.

First day cover stamps are the actual newly issued stamp that’s used on the envelope. The first day cancellation is the cancellation marked used, which will state the first day of issuance and the city of issuance. While some first day cancellations are little more than the standard bar lines with the city and the date, some were elaborate pictorial cancellations.

Some more terminology you should known when collecting first day cover stamps deal with the difference types of cancellations used. A show cancellation is a pictorial cancellation that has some tie to a stamp show or other related event. A bullseye cancellation lacks the long straight or wavy bars that extend over the stamp and much of the envelope. These are round cancellations that bear the date of stamp issue, the city and zip code. Some bullseye cancellations are known as “sock-on-the-nose” cancellations, because they were designed to be centered properly.

Round date cancellations are like a bullseye cancellation but much larger, and typically not used for first day of issue cancellations but are sometimes used on stamps depicting special events. Two types of machine cancellations are Model D and Imprinter cancellations, each made from a metal die and rubber die, respectively. Hand cancellations are some of the most desired by collectors, because the stamp was done by hand, typically because the first day cover stamps were considered artistic and unique, and too nice to be canceled by a mere machine!

Online auctions are a great place to find first day cover stamps, whether you’re searching in general or looking for a particular cover. If the photo isn’t large enough for you to read the cover, ask the seller for a better shot so you can be sure of what you’re getting.

Originally posted 2008-10-22 05:00:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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• Australia Stamp King George V Stamps -> Australia The first proper Australian stamps appeared in 1913, with the stamps Australia King George V varieties appearing about 6 months after the first stamps showed up in January. While some Australian stamps were originally issued in 1902, it was 1913 before stamps for the Commonwealth of Australia......

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• Collecting Signed Sports Memorabilia If you are interested in sports, then there is a growing business trend that you should be aware of, which relates to buying, collecting and selling signed sports memorabilia. This is a sound investment that would be well worth considering if you are into sports, but the first consideration that......
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Stamps -> Stamps -> Asia

The first India stamps were called Scinde District Dawk, getting their name from the place of their first use in the Sindh district of India. Typically the paper stamps were on some shade of white paper with the design stamped in blue ink, and the wax discs were usually made from red wax. The Scinde District Dawk stamps were only used for about 2 years before the British Eash India Company suppressed them, so these early stamps are the most valuable.

These early India stamps were used for the first time in 1852, when India was attempting to reform its postal system. Messages had been carried on foot for centuries by runners, but over the previous year the use of horses and camels to transport messengers more quickly had become the standard. With the postage reform, the stamps were used to show that postage had been paid, an innovation that was set to allow the British East India Company to earn more profits because messages would be delivered more quickly.

Anything that would speed the delivery of messages and goods would benefit the ruling power in India at the time, the East India Company. While deliveries were still snail-slow by today’s standards, they did improve with the new postal system allowing a message to be delivered in a month or two, rather than 5 or 6. In 1854 the East India Company attempted to make a new stamp the standard postage, but the citizens wouldn’t embrace the new design. A later India stamps design featured Queen Victoria as well as the East India marking and was used until 1858 when India rebelled against the company.

In 1931, India stamps began features other things besides monarchs and profiles, instead bearing images of fortresses and even animals. Another exciting facet for stamp collectors are India’s commemorate stamps, like the stamp commemorating the 1950 inauguration of India, and stamps that honor Mahatma Gandhi.

India stamps are popular with world stamp collectors because the earliest stamps produced in this country typically cost less than the first stamps produced by most other countries. And the early hand-embossed stamps are not so rare that you’ll likely never find one. In fact, early stamps are still discovered from time to time even by the most casual collector, making a great addition to any comprehensive stamp collection. Later India stamps bear some of the most beautiful stamps designs in the world.

As when buying any stamps, be sure the India stamps seller is knowledgeable about the stamps, whether you’re buying from a shop or an online auction on eBay or other auction site. If the picture on the stamp isn’t clear, ask the seller to provide another, clearer picture. Be sure to ask questions about the condition of the stamp, like whether it’s been damaged, whether the back is gummed and what condition the gumming is in, if the stamp has been canceled and if there are any imperfections or creases of which the seller is aware.

Originally posted 2008-11-18 14:00:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• 1909 Lincoln Stamp Set Stamps -> United States -> Collections, Lots The 1909 Lincoln stamp set represents the first time the United States Post Office had issued stamps that didn't promote or commemorate a current event. The public complained about the change in stamps in 1908 to Washing and Franklin stamps, because Lincoln had......
• Buying your Postage Stamps Online With the wide availability of different stamps from all over the world, there is an enormous selection from you to take from when it comes to buying postage stamps online. The following tips should help you when it comes to expanding your stamp hobby by purchasing and even selling your......
• Valuing of Old Postage Stamps If you are interested in collecting stamps, then you probably already realize that stamp collecting is something that can be very valuable for a number of different reasons. Some old postage stamps are valuable simply because they are the only one of their kind, while others are valuable because they......
• Stamps of Greece   Stamps -> Europe -> Greece Stamp collectors who collect world stamps usually have a fondness for the stamps of Greece, with the bold designs, and the history they represent. The first stamps of Greece are called Hermes head stamps, because they feature a profile of the Greek god Hermes......
• Setting Up a Postage Stamp Collection Many people come by the idea of setting up a postage stamp collection in different ways. Some people come across a single stamp that inspires them while others fall in love with the hobby after someone they know exposes them to it. No matter how you came by the concept......

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• Coca Cola Collectibles Collectibles -> Advertising -> Soda-> Coca-Cola By far, one of the most endearing collectibles that has become popular over the past few decades are Coca Cola collectibles. This company has done a great job of coming up with many ways to create valuable and memorable products that are highly sought......
• Avon Collectibles Collectibles -> Decorative Collectibles -> Decorative Collectible Brands-> Avon The Avon Company has been a respected institution in the United States since 1886, and their line of decorative collectibles contain some of the most sought after pieces on record. The company first began producing Avon collectibles in the mid-1960’s and......
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Stamps of Newfoundland were first issued in 1857, with the country continuing to issue its own stamps until 1949. Newfoundland has over 300 of its own stamp issues, making this a popular category for collectors who need to impose boundaries in their collecting to reign themselves in a bit from wanting to buy everything. These stamps are sought out by collectors because of their beauty and uniqueness.

Few countries show their entire histories in their stamps like Newfoundland. A study of the stamps of Newfoundland can reveal all the major events in the country’s history until Newfoundland became part of Canada in 1949. Every major milestone in the nation’s development is featured on stamp, making these stamps unique and interesting.

The earliest stamp was a Pence issue. Of all the early stamps of Newfoundland, the 12 pence orange stamps of 1860 rank as some of the most valuable because only 1000 were produced. One went at auction for 5 figures. It’s no wonder that counterfeiters sought to fool the public by counterfeiting this “rare” stamp. When one would appear, people bought them for top dollar, making counterfeiting a profitable venture.

The first people to appear on the stamps of Newfoundland were Queen Victoria together with her husband, Prince Albert, 8 years after the first stamps were issued. The Queen is white against a pale reddish background. Forty years after the first stamps were issued, Newfoundland printed its first commemorative stamps, marking the 400th anniversary of Cabots’ discovery of the country in 1497. The date of the stamp issue also marked the 60th anniversary of Victoria’s coronation. The themes on the stamps were popular activities at the time—hunting and fishing, logging and even mining.
A dozen stamps of Newfoundland were issued in 1919 to honor soldiers and sailors from WWI with stamps following that honored the first non-stop transatlantic flight, and the first airmail stamp. These airmail stamps are valuable to collectors and can to for hundreds to thousands of dollars at auction. Besides the investment value, the stamps are colorful, beautiful and unique and would be fabulous in any collection.

You can find a huge variety of stamps online in auctions like eBay. The drawback is that you can’t see the stamp in person before you purchase it. A reputable and concerned seller will offer up-close and detailed pictures of any item for sale including stamps of Newfoundland, and will take more pictures when asked to make sure they represent the item correctly to you.

You’ll want to ask about the gumming on the back, if there is any and what condition it’s in—original condition gumming is the most valuable on stamps of Newfoundland and any type of stamps, in general. Ask about tiny tears on the stamp and any perforation damage or irregularities. Do a little research into this nation’s stamps, because you might just come across one worth hundreds of dollars or more that’s for sale for less than a hundred because the seller isn’t familiar with stamp values.

Originally posted 2008-12-03 14:00:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Old Postage Stamps Stamps -> United States -> 19th Century Unused One of the best ways to get interested in stamp collecting is to take a look at some old postage stamps. These are truly unique items and although they may not be as glitzy or as useful as today’s stamps, there are......
• Condition Guide of Stamp Collectibles Condition The condition of stamp collectibles is a description of a stamps paper, gum (when dealing with mint stamps), and ink characteristics. The most adequate description of a stamp should be concise but still use as many words as necessary to properly describe the stamp. For example, a early British......
• Duck Stamps Stamps -> United States -> Back of Book-> Duck Stamps If you are a lover of wildlife, or simply enjoy collectible stamps, the US stamp collection called the Duck Stamp is a terrific stamp to consider learning more about. These are not actually valid for postage, and were first released......
• Stamp Booklet Stamps -> Europe -> Germany & Area A stamp booklet is now a popular way for countries to sell postage stamps because they're smaller and easier to handle that a sheet of stamps or loose stamps. In the United States however, the booklet has given way to a folded sheet......
• India Stamps Stamps -> Stamps -> AsiaThe first India stamps were called Scinde District Dawk, getting their name from the place of their first use in the Sindh district of India. Typically the paper stamps were on some shade of white paper with the design stamped in blue ink, and the......

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The 1909 Lincoln stamp set represents the first time the United States Post Office had issued stamps that didn’t promote or commemorate a current event. The public complained about the change in stamps in 1908 to Washing and Franklin stamps, because Lincoln had been on at least one currently produced stamp since 1866. Since 1909 was an important Lincoln date—he would have been 100 years old had he been alive in 1909, the Lincoln commemorate stamp was created that year, along with the 1909 Lincoln penny, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birthday, as well.

Rep. Albert F. Dawson of Iowa was the one to introduce the resolution that would create the 1909 Lincoln stamp set. Because Lincoln’s birthday was only a month away at the time, the proposal which allowed for several different stamps was narrowed down to just one stamp, the two-cent Lincoln. The engraver, C. A. Huston, took the two-cent stamp that was used at the time, added ribbons and an inscription, and a photograph of a plaster cast of Lincoln’s face. While the release date was scheduled to be Lincoln’s birthday, some post offices released them earlier. While an earlier postmark is rarely found these days, when they are those stamps are a great addition to a collection.

A 1909 Lincoln stamp set is a popular item for stamp collectors with some varieties of the set considered more collectible than others. While many people who aren’t familiar with the intricacies of stamps and stamp collecting might barely be able to tell the difference between one Lincoln stamp and another, the are subtle differences that can make the stamp more or less valuable to collectors.

One of the most collectible varieties from a 1909 Lincoln stamp set is the imperforate stamp. These were stamps that had to be cut out to be used, as opposed to stamps with perforations between them. Imperforate stamps were given to vending companies who supplied their own perforations. These private perforations along with imperforate stamps are highly collectible, even with other stamps from that time period.

Of the 1909 Lincoln stamp set, the blue paper stamps that were given separate Scott numbers are also more valuable than most. Several things about the stamps were unique at the time. An imprint with a small solid star which was used for identification purposes at the time is rarely seen in any other stamps but these.

When buying stamps of any kind on eBay, there should be a very clear closeup of the stamps so that you can see tiny details like any rough edges, and where the cancellation mark clearly covers the stamp, if there is one. Whether the stamp has been mounted and the condition of the back of the stamp are important considerations. As the seller questions about how the stamp has been displayed and handled so that you know its exact condition before you make a purchase. This will help ensure that you’re pleased with tour new 1909 Lincoln stamp set.

Originally posted 2008-10-25 14:00:51. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Condition Guide of Stamp Collectibles Condition The condition of stamp collectibles is a description of a stamps paper, gum (when dealing with mint stamps), and ink characteristics. The most adequate description of a stamp should be concise but still use as many words as necessary to properly describe the stamp. For example, a early British......
• U.S. Air Mail Stamps Stamps -> United-States -> Postage Collecting US Airmail stamps has become such a popular hobby, by both those who collect all sorts of stamps and those who are just interesting in United States airmail stamps, that there are clubs and associations based on just that hobby. The American Air......
• How to Store or Display your Valuable Stamps If you are collecting valuable stamps of any type, then you need to have a good understanding of how to store and display them. Your collection of valuable stamps is going to require a lot of attention as well as care. If you are investing time and money into the......
• India Stamps stamps -> Stamps -> Asia India stamps were first used in 1852, and were known as the Scinde Dawk stamps, during the country's postal system reform. This came after centuries of messages being carried in India on foot by runners who followed paths, and about a year of horses......
• Ireland Stamps Stamps -> Europe -> Ireland When postage stamps were first issued in 1840, Ireland was still a part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Ireland used the stamps created by Britain until the Irish government took power in Ireland in 1922. Then they printed Irish text over the British......

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