Stamp Hunting: Canada

Ahead of the launch of the Stanley Gibbons 8^th Edition Canada & Provinces catalogue release later this month, we delve into the history and background of stamp issues showcased in this comprehensive publication.

The following excerpt article was first published in the Gibbons Stamp Monthly August 2024 issue. A full range of articles can be accessed using a subscription to the Gibbons Stamp Monthly.

Nimrod suggests some stamps to look out for from Canada.

We begin with the 1868-90 ‘Large Queen’ issue (SG 46/71) and particularly with the stamps listed on watermarked paper (55b, 57da, 58b, 59a, 60b, 61ab). These have long been considered the domain of specialists only, but more and more general collectors are starting to realise the scarcity of these items which should result in the used prices receiving a healthy increase. One of the most beautiful of the ‘Large Queens’ is the 15c. clear deep violet on thick paper (67), which is a remarkably difficult stamp in fine used condition.

The 1870-90 ‘Montreal’ printing of the ‘Small Queen’ issue (72/89) has seen an increase in demand recently, thanks to several high-calibre collections coming to market. Both shades of the 2c. (77, 78) are likely to increase for mint, while the listed 3c. stamps (79/84) are likely to see some rather dramatic increases to the mint prices. The ‘Straw in hair’ variety on the 5c. (85a) has been somewhat underrated for some time now, especially in used condition. Later ‘Ottawa’ printings on poorer quality paper appeared in 1889-97 (103/111). I especially like the ‘Vampire bite’ variety on the 3c. (105a) which can be difficult to detect on used stamps. Look out also for the 6c. pale chestnut (108) which should see reasonable rises to both the mint and used prices. In 1893 a new 8c. value was added to the series (117/120), all of which are worth acquiring in mint condition.

The 1897-98 ‘Maple Leaves’ set (141/149) is proving tricky to assemble in used condition with the three highest values (147/149) particularly elusive in fine condition. This issue suffers from very variable centring, but it is certainly worthwhile seeking out nicely centred, dated copies. The ‘Maple Leaves’ were replaced by the ‘Numerals’ issue in 1898-1902 (150/165), but of these only the 20c. (165) is likely to prove problematic.

Moving on to the Edwardian period and I would expect to see price rises for both the 1903 (173/187) and 1908 Quebec Centenary (188/195) sets in used condition. Of the former the 20c. and 50c. values (185/187) are clearly the most difficult, while for the latter set the 15c. (194) is proving to be very scarce. Centring is often a problem with the Quebec Tercentenary issue, and stamps that are very off centre (perforations close to or touching the design on one or more sides) should be heavily discounted.

I’m often told that King George V stamps of Canada are difficult to sell, but for stamps in really fine condition I’ve found that there is a ready market. This should be borne out by the 1911-22 ‘Admirals’ set (196/215), for which I expect to see a healthy rise in the mint set price, the 1915 ‘War Tax’ set (225/227) which is somewhat underpriced in both mint and used condition, and the 1922-31 set (246/255) which remains popular in mint condition. The later pictorial sets of 1928-29 (275/285) and 1930-31 (288/303) are highly attractive and are likely to continue to rise in mint condition. The major re-entry on the 1935 50c. (350a) can be difficult to spot, especially in used condition, but is nevertheless worth looking for.

Most of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II period stamps are likely to remain flat for the time being, with supply generally matching demand. Two exceptions are the 1946-47 Peace Re-conversion (401/407) and 1950 portrait (without ‘Postes/Postage’) (424/428) sets in used condition which are less common than was once the case.

Back of the book issues have been neglected for some time, so it is likely we will see at least some price rises here. For the Registration stamps of 1875-92 (R1/R11) the 2c. rose-carmine (R4) remains the standout value both mint and used, while the 2c. and 5c. perf 12×11½ (R10, R11) are much scarcer in used condition than the catalogue price currently suggests. Amongst the Special Delivery stamps I expect most, if not all, to see rises to the used prices, but it is Official stamps where a great deal of change is likely to come especially for those issues with the type O1 ‘OHMS’ perfin. It is worth pointing out that these should really only be purchased with a recent certificate of authenticity as forgeries are known.