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.

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Stamp Collector

Welcome to Stamp Collector • INCORPORATING COIN COLLECTOR

stamp update • THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF STAMP COLLECTING AND ORGANISED PHILATELY. SEND YOUR NEWS STORIES TO US BY EMAIL TO: alison.boyd@warnersgroup.co.uk

IN BRIEF

new stamps

IN BRIEF

Mozart and Music • Michael Burzan celebrates the life of Mozart with a look at some of the many stamp issues released in his honour.

Stamp Schedules 2026 • With the new year, postal administrators around the world are announcing their stamp programmes for the next 12 months. Here, we give a flavour of what to expect in 2026. Please note that as always, these issues are provisional and subject to change.

GB Quiz of 2025 11 • See how much you remember about last year’s special issues from Royal Mail with our quiz. You’ll find the answers at the bottom of the page.

Turn of the Millennium • For a 25-month period, Royal Mail’s new issues focussed on the new millennium. However, as Richard West reveals, a couple of events updated the plans.

The Tapling–Ferrary Swap • This month, Devlan Kruck recounts the story of a remarkable Afghan reprint that has had an extraordinary journey.

1956 Polar bear provisional

auction update

price £ watch • YOUR QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO ONLINE SALES, IN ASSOCIATION WITH DELCAMPE.NET

DIARY DATES

A Personal Review • Michael Burzan looks back on the dynamic auction year of 2025, which saw impressive prices achieved and innovations at auction houses.

The Centenary of British Rule • Each of the 12 values in a New Zealand commemorative issue from 1940 marking the centenary of British rule are outlined by David Bailey.

A CELEBRATION OF BRITISH STAMPS!

Ringing in the New Year • A survey by Michael Burzan of bells on stamps has revealed a large number of issues covering all aspects of this fascinating topic.

How to Collect Guernsey • As Christer Brunström explains, the stamps of Guernsey and surrounding islands provide the ideal opportunity to learn about the area.

Norfolk-Suffolk Border • A social and postal story around Redgrave in the Norfolk-Suffolk border area is continued by philatelist and researcher Dane Garrod.

King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy • The history of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, whose reign spanned two world wars, is told through its philately by Alastair Gunn.

First Stamp Booklets • The colourful history of the first stamp booklets is covered by Paula Hammond in this month’s ‘Philatelic Firsts’.

Unusual Messages on Postcards • A selection of postcards employing different methods of communication have given Maurice Buxton some unexpected puzzles to decipher.

The Weirdest Creature Ever? • An unusual prehistoric predator, which was nearly a metre in length and a fast swimmer, has caught the eye of Chris West in this month’s ‘Stamp Story’.

forthcoming events • UK AND WORLDWIDE

back of the book • Stamps are just the start! Our wonderful hobby has many sidelines to pursue. In this popular section of the magazine, we explore the intriguing items that are often listed...