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.

Stamp Collector

GIVE YOURSELF SOME ‘STAMP TIME’…

UKRAINIANS QUEUE FOR HOURS TO BUY DEFIANT STAMP

NEW COLLECTIONS FOR MUSEUM WEBSITE

ROYAL MAIL REVEAL DETAILS OF ‘SWAP-OUT’ SCHEME

YOUR VIEWS ON 'BARCODE' PLANS

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED • We put your questions about the Swap Out scheme to Royal Mail and recevied the following responses from David Gold, Royal Mail, Director of Public Affairs & Policy

IN BRIEF

FANCY A JOB AT THE PENGUIN PO?

FRANK WALTON FRPSL (1955-2022)

Come home safely

Spellbinding stamps

Animal magic

We’re going to Wem-ber-ley!!

Regal countenances

Park likes

IN BRIEF

Visitors from far-off lands • Royal Mail’s ‘Migratory Birds’ issue explores the spring and summer bird visitors to the UK, from seabirds that migrate along the UK’s coastline, such as the Arctic Skua and Arctic Tern, to the exceptionally rare bird of prey, Montagu’s Harrier

What would Arnold have thought? • In his new, regular column on GB stamps, Richard West reflects on the recent introduction of the ‘barcode’ stamps and wonders whether the complex nature of our Machin definitives is a good or bad thing for collectors

AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS • PRICES INCLUDE BUYER’S PREMIUM UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

US-China relations • 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

Gold Coast’s Colonial Years • Ed Fletcher sketches the colony’s history during the years it issued stamps of Victoria, Edward VII, George V and George VI; then looks at recent offerings from UK sellers and dealers; and one or two from further afield

Seventy years of service • This year, Her Majesty The Queen becomes the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after seventy years of service. Many events and activities will be happening to celebrate the anniversary, and a range of new stamps from Commonwealth countries means collectors can play their part

A unique take on a remarkable occasion • Guernsey’s contribution to the Jubilee adds a unique twist to the celebrations, with a clear theme and the addition of collectable black and white versions of the stamps. We spoke to Bridget Yabsley, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post, to find out more about the set

Essential QEII • Plenty has happened over the past seven decades. From the Swinging Sixties to the new millennium, the Queen has seen it all, and the changes that have occurred during her long reign are, of course, reflected on our stamps. Here are seven examples that capture the people and pride of our ever evolving nation

Bull’s eyes and beyond • In 1843, Brazil became only the second country in the world to issue postage stamps, giving today’s collectors a unique period to explore and a host of intriguing designs to collect. David Bailey discovers more in this guide to the country’s first stamps

A 19th-century Jubilee

STAMP QUIZ • Test your stamp knowledge with our monthly quiz

Lovely jubbly!

Life with a model

Stamps for a Red-letter day • Paul Skinner, Curator,...