Saturday 30 March 2013

Silver Stamps

Another of my favourite look out for unique stamps are silver stamps. Only problem with silver stamps is that the stamps need to be protected else it will get oxidized and turn black. To prevent oxidization, the stamps need to be sealed in a protective cover.

Category - Touch
Subcategory - Stamps made from different materials - Silver

France 2012 Handball - Silver stamp

After football and rugby issues in 2010 and 2011, the French Post completes its "Sport team" series by issue of a silver stamp dedicated to handball on 11 June 2012. The 5 euro self-adhesive stamp is manufactured from silver and the figure of a handball player is seen.


France 2011 Rugby World Cup - Silver stamp


To commemorate the 7th Edition of the Rugby World Cup, France issued on July 11, 2011 a beautiful silver stamp made of 0.999 silver and housed in a protective capsule to help resist tarnishing.


France 2010 FIFA World Cup - Football Silver stamp

La Poste (France) issued a Silver stamp in plastic on 10 June 2010 on FIFA World Cup 2010 played in South Africa. This 2010 silver stamp made of 99.9% pure silver is also a real pressure-sensitive 5 euro postage stamp, and can be used in France to mail a package.

The stamp shows a football player kicking the ball, with another player looking at him.

The silver stamp comes on a collectible card, which is sealed to prevent oxidation.

France 2008 Marianne Silver Stamp


La Poste (France) presents this 5 euro silver stamp made of 99.9% pure silver on 31 December 2008. This stamp is also pressure-sensitive and can be used in France to mail a package.

Marianne is seen as a proud and determined woman wearing a Phrygian cap. She's the national personification of the French Republic, and a symbol of Liberty. Her image has been used on most definitive stamps issued in France since 1944, as well as on several commemorative stamps.The silver stamp comes on a collectible card, which is sealed to prevent oxidation.

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.



Stamps with Leather

Category - Touch
Subcategory - Stamps with material affixed - Leather

Indonesia 2012 – World Stamp Championship Jakarta – Stamp with puppet piece made of buffalo hide




Indonesia Post issued a special Souvenir sheet on 18 June 2012 during the World Stamp Championship held at Jakarta from 18-24 June 2012 which features Mahabharata characters Bhima, Arjuna, Yudhistra, Nakula, Sadewa, and Pandava Lima from Wayang Kulit which is a unique form of puppet theatre employing light and shadow.

The puppets are crafted on buffalo hide and mounted on bamboo sticks, When held up behind a piece of white cloth, with an electric bulb or an oil lamp as a light source, shadows are cast on the screen, There is a special stamp made up of light hide which is pasted on the stamp design

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.

Cloth Stamps

Another interesting type of stamps where the stamps maybe 
  1. an embroidered stamp made of cloth, 
  2. made of a type of cloth material like silk, khadi
  3. stamp with embroidery / lace affixed



Indonesia 2012 – World Stamp Championship Jakarta – Stamp with Batik Cloth



Indonesia Post issued a special Souvenir sheet on 18 June 2012 during the World Stamp Championship held at Jakarta from 18-24 June 2012 which features batik cloth prints on the stamps while the bigger stamp features a piece of the Batik Cloth.

The form of batik motifs is a reflection of social culture, philosophy of life, customs of people of Sunda, an ethnic group of West Java people. 



Austria 2010 
Embroidered Miniature sheet – Rose 


Austria Post has issued on 17 September 2010, a miniature sheet which has Petit Point embroidered flower “Rose” in the center of the paper sheet.

Petit Point got its name due to the fact that one can only recognize small dots (points) by looking at the embroidery. There is a substantial difference between 'Needlepoint' and 'Petit Point'.

Needlepoint is stitched with thick woollen threads on large canvas, whereas Petit Point is stitched with only one thread on a fine silk gauze. Patterns for needlepoint are printed on the canvas, while Petit Point requires hand painted patterns, which are being used by the artisan to count the stitches and carry them over to the silk gauze. Common Needlepoint work has around 80 stitches per square inch, while most of Petit Point articles have about 1,460 stitches.

The petit point stitch runs on diagonals and crosses over an intersection of one horizontal and one vertical thread making a slanted stitch at a 45-degree angle. The thread count or number of stitches to the inch is very small, whereby the name petit meaning small point. This stitch enables the sewer to create pictures and other objects to its minutest details.


Petit point is part of Viennese culture. Both the imperial and aristocratic classes have this habit of creating stitches as fine and valuable as that of petit point, used with the finest of threads. Austria, this time features another philatelic wealth, the incorporation of petit point on its postage stamps courtesy of Hammerle and Vogel, an embroidery company in Austria.


Thailand 2010 - 

The 25th Asian International Stamp Exhibition - 

Royal Thai Silk stamp

 


As a part of Asian International stamp Exhibition Thai post issued a set of four postage stamps featuring amazing Thai Silk on 04 August 2010. Thai silk has won the hearts of people worldwide for a long time and it has become one of the symbols of the country.

In order to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and to promote and publicize Thai silk and silk product, Thailand Post has requested permission from Her Majesty the Queen to present the Royal Peacock brand, which certifies the high quality of Thai silk, on postage stamps and to use hand-woven silk as part of the stamps. The Royal Peacock brand will be presented in embossed foil in four colours–gold, silver, dark blue and green. A miniature sheet with peacock embossed on golden foil, on a white silk material is also added to the issue.


The Thai silk stamps had been created to celebrate the grand opening of "Bangkok 2010 Asian International Stamp Exhibition ". About 20,000 stamps had been produced, consuming nearly 5,500 metres of Thai silk.


Singapore 2009 – 
Embroidery on miniature sheet – Pigeon Orchid


The Miniature Sheet issued by Singapore Post on 06 May 2009 shows a Pigeon Orchid embroidered in the center of the stamp. The printing process used in the sheet is Offset Lithography with Embroidery.

The Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium Crumenatum)- is the member of the family Orchidaceae. This orchid produces white fragrant flowers with a yellow tinted throat. From the side, the orchid resembles a flying pigeon, and hence, it is also commonly known as The Pigeon Orchid. It is a widely cultivated ornamental and landscape plant in Singapore.


Hong Kong 2013 Lunar Year of Snake Silk Stamp




The use of animals to mark the 12 components of the Lunar New Year cycle is a long-held tradition in China. Frequently used as the theme for Chinese arts and crafts since ancient times, the 12 Chinese zodiac animals have profound significance in Chinese folk handicrafts. 2013 sees the arrival of the Year of the Snake. This issue is the second Lunar New Year special stamp issue in the fourth series released by Hong Kong Post. The special stamps use different types of traditional Chinese arts and crafts to signify the theme of the Year of the Snake. The silk stamp sheetlet issued by Hong Kong Post on 26 January 2013 has been produced with 100% genuine silk made in Italy.


Hong Kong 2012 Lunar year of Dragon Silk Stamp





"Year of the Dragon" is the first special stamp issue of the fourth Lunar New Year Animal series. Almighty and commanding respect, the dragon is not only a totem for superior status, but also for the Chinese race. Featuring a silk stamp sheetlet filled with Chinese elements perfect for this auspicious season. The silk stamp sheetlet issued by Hong Kong Post on 14 January 2012 has been produced with 100% genuine silk made in Italy.

Micronesia 2011 – Lunar Chinese New Year 2012 – Year of Dragon Embroidered Stamp




Issue date 07 November 2011

The Federated States of Micronesia issued an embroidered Dragon Stamp to commemorate the Chinese Lunar Dragon New Year of 2012. The stamp is self adhesive.

India 2011 - Indipex 2011 Mahatma Gandhi – Stamp with Khadi Cloth



In 2011, India Post released a stamp printed on khadi (Indian handspun and hand-woven cloth). A first such stamp in the country, it bears the image of Mahatma Gandhi.

The stamp was issued on 12 February 2011, the inaugural day of week-long world philatelic exhibition - Indipex 2011.


Poland 2008 - 450 Anniversary of Polish Post  Coach Painting Silk Miniature  Sheet



Stamp block printed on Silk issued by Polish Post on 19 December 2008 to commemorate 450 years of Polish Post 1558 – 2008. The Stamp presents a horse messenger on the background of a renaissance panorama of Krakow city (end 16 century).

It is the second issue (first issue 400 anniversary of polish post) featuring a reproduction of the painting ‘Na Kieleckim Szlaku’ (On Kielce Route) by Apoloniusz Kedzierski and this painting is found in the Museum of Postage and Telecommunications.


Austria 2008 
Embroidered Stamp – Clusius Gentian



Austria Post issued the second Austrian cloth stamp on 19 September 2008 made of threads, embroidered into the design of the Clusius Gentian, another alpine flower.The Gentian stamp, like the first embroidered commemorative “Edelweiss”, is a product of the Austrian embroiderers Hammerle & Vogel. The commemorative stamp will be sent around the world, telling the stories of embroidery and Alpine plants, The thread and the colour follow the natural shape of the Clusius Gentian (Gentiana Clusii), discovered around 100 BC by King Gentius of Illyria. The embroidery edge mimics stamp perforation.


China 2008 - Images of Zhuxian Town New Year Woodprints Artificial Silk Minisheet  



China Post issued a minisheet on 15 January 2008 made of artificial silk featuring the New Year woodprint images of Zhuxian Town 
1.Gate Guardian General (Chinese Door God) Standing with Cane.
2.Give Her Son a Lecture(There is a book on the mother´s hand).
3.Come Back With Fruitful Result.
4.Chivalrous Women.


Zhuxianzhen New Year Woodprints get its name as it is mainly produced in Zhuxian Town, 23 kilometers from Kaifeng, capital city of central China's Henan Province. The place began to produce New Year pictures in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), and prospered in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. There were more than 300 workshops in Zhuxian Town at its peak. At the end of the Qing Dynasty, the production of woodprints began to decline in Zhuxian Town, but the workshops moved to the city of Kaifeng, where the business of woodprints revived, with a number of famous workshops being established.

After the liberation in 1949, some authoritative institutions were established in Kaifeng, dedicated to protect and collect this traditional woodprint craft.The themes of Zhuxianzhen woodprints mainly vary from portraits of martial and intellectual gods to portraits of spirits. The themes are classified into three categories; exorcising ghosts and conferring blessings; propitious gods and customs; theatrical and historical legends.The pictures printed in Zhuxian are very popular due to their bright colors, exaggerated images, rough lines and full compositions.

Every year on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, Zhuxian holds a New Year Picture fair to commemorate its anniversary. It is also the day to start the printing of its New Year pictures.


Austria 2005 Embroidered Stamp – Edleweiss

Austria Post issued a cloth stamp on 19 July 2005 made of threads, embroidered into the design of the Edelweiss, the well-known alpine flower. The embroidery edge mimics stamp perforation. First embroidered stamp from Austria.The stamp was issued in honor of the Austrian embroidery industry, which dates back to the eighteenth century. The stamp has a self-adhesive backing, but can even be worn if so desired. Stamp made in Lustenau, the metropolis of the Vorarlberg embroidery industry.




Switzerland 2001 – 
World first Embroidery Stamp



The world's first 'Embroidery' stamp is issued on 7 February 2001, to commemorate the event of the "Swiss National Philatelic Exhibition, NABA-2000" was issued by Helvetia (Swiss) Post. It has a giant size of 59 x 48 mm with a denomination of 5.00 Euro, which was the 2001 rate for a domestic registered letter. The embroidery stamp was designed by Mr. Peter Hostettler of Bischoff Textile AG of St. Gallen, Switzerland. For the embroidery work a glossy Satin Polyester fabric has been used and the actual  embroidery work on this material is in two shades of Blue color.

Poland 1958 - 400 Anniversary of Polish  Post  Silk MS



The first Polish Silk was issued on account of the 400th jubilee of the Polish Post on 12 December 1958 - a non-serrated anniversary issue in a stamp block, denominated at PLN 50, featuring a reproduction of the painting "Na kieleckim szlaku" (English -  On the Kielce Route) by Apoloniusz KÄ™dzierski, composed with deep blue lines on a light purple background. The original painting, missing during the years of World War II, belongs to the Museum of the Post and Telecommunications.


Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.

Stamps with Pearls

Category - Touch
Subcategory - Stamps with Materials affixed - Pearls

UAE 2005 Pearl Diving Tools Souvenir sheet with half pearls on stamps


  

Issue date 24 December 2005

Emirates Post has issued special stamps in five denominations on 'Tools used in Pearl Diving'. The stamps have been issued in the denominations of 50 Fils, 125 Fils, 175 Fils, 275 Fils and 375 Fils. Along with the stamps, a limited number of unique Souvenir Sheets priced at AED 100 has been issued, with a half piece of pearl placed at the corner of each stamp.

Each of the stamps highlights tools like the nose clip, the leather gloves used for protecting the fingers from the sharp edges of the oyster shells, the basket used for collecting the oysters the boulder used for accelerating the diver's descent into the sea and the diver's outfit.

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.



Friday 29 March 2013

Stamps with Beads

Category - Touch. 
Subcategory -Stamps with Materials affixed - Beads

Singapore 2008 – Peranakan Beads MS


Singapore Post have issued a beautiful pouch shaped miniature sheet featuring the world's first beaded stamp on 08 April 2008. The stamp has been intricately hand pasted with 'caviar beads' which has been inspired by the exquisite bead work representing the distinctive aspect of the Peranakan culture. The Peranakans, reputed for their creativity, have use brilliantly colored miniscule glass beads to create intricate designs on anything from slippers to tobacco pouches.

To view other stamps in this category click on the following link -
 Odd Shaped Miniature Sheet



Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.


Wednesday 27 March 2013

Stamps with Crystals

Among my first collection of unique stamps were the miniature sheet with 'Swarovski Crystals' on the miniature sheet. These type would fit in the 'TOUCH' category and can be generally categorized as 'Stamps with Materials affixed' - Materials being Crystals. Enough of blabbering - onto the good stuff. I loved the idea of materials affixed on the stamps and that was what attracted me to collection of unique stamps.

Category - Touch
Subcategory - Stamps with Materials affixed - Crystals

Hungary 2011 – Holy Crown of Hungary with Glass Crystals MS







Magyar Posta celebrates Hungary’s new Fundamental Law by issuing a special commemorative stamp block on 25 April 2011.

On 25 April 2011 the President of the Republic of Hungary signed Hungary’s new Fundamental Law, which replaces the 1949 constitution that came into force at a time when the country was deprived of its self-determination. The new Fundamental Law is the foundation of all the country’s law and the symbol of a truly free and democratic Hungary, through which a transitional period has been brought to an end. It is a covenant between Hungarians of the past, present and future, and points to the paramount need for spiritual and intellectual renewal. The new Fundamental Law respects the achievements of the country’s historic constitution and the Holy Crown, which embodies the continuity of Hungary’s one-thousand-year-old constitutional state and national unity.

On Magyar Posta’s numbered philatelic specialty the Holy Crown of Hungary printed in 23 carat gold leaf rising from the plane of the paper is featured. The border is adorned with a work by Miklós KöllÅ‘, the statue of King Saint Stephen from the dome hall of the House of Parliament, as well as its vaults. When placed under UV light, the inscription in Hungarian “May there be peace, freedom and concord” is visible. On the special stamp block with red numbering, cut glass crystals sparkle in the place of the precious stones decorating the Holy Crown. Only 20,000 version with crystals.


Thailand 2010 - 
60th Royal Wedding Anniversary Swarovski MS 






Thailand Post Co Ltd has officially launched two special stamps for sale on 28 April 2010 celebrate the 60th anniversary of the royal wedding of Their Majesties the King and Queen and the royal coronation of HM the King. Each stamp is embellished with six Swarovski crystals while portraits of Their Majesties the King and Queen are in a heart shaped frame.

The pink stamp depicts a royal portrait of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, taken during their Royal Wedding Ceremony on 28 April 1950 while the yellow stamp celebrating the royal coronation depicts portraits of Their Majesties the King and Queen in golden dresses of the Chakri Dynasty at their current age.


This miniature sheet was sold in a special box as seen above

Austria 2008 - UEFA EURO CUP 2008 - Coupe Henri Delaunay - with Swarovski MS



Issued by Austria Post on 05 June 2008. When the whistle for the kick-off of the UEFA EURO 2008™, the largest sporting event ever taking place in Austria, is blown on 7 June 2008, the 16 participating football teams have ultimately only one goal -- namely to become European Champion. After the final on 29 June 2008 in Vienna, the winning team will receive the coveted Henri Delaunay Cup (named after the former UEFA Secretary General). This valuable trophy made of sterling silver weighs 8 kg and is 60 cm high, with the names of the European Champions engraved on the back. The stamp shows the Cup against a blue background, and is decorated with four particularly large original Swarovski crystals.


Austria–Hong Kong Joint Issue 2006 Fireworks interpreted in Swarovski Crystals MS - Austrian Issue


Issued Jointly by the Austrian Post and Hong Kong Post on 22 August 2006. Watching a fireworks display is a captivating experience shared by people from different cultures whether on New Year's Day, on national holidays or on other occasions, a fireworks extravaganza is always synonymous with celebration and exaltation.

Austrian Post issued a set of two EUR 3.75 stamps on fireworks (featured here) while Hong Kong Post issued a set of two HKD 50 stamps on a miniature sheet with "Crystal Fabric".

The first stamp shows a panoramic view of Victoria Harbor  Hong Kong, one of the most famous natural harbors in the world. Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula, on either side of the harbor  are glamorously lit. With the night sky splendidly illuminated by colorful fireworks, this dazzling city certainly lives up to its reputation as the "Pearl of the Orient".

The second stamp features a fireworks display in the Vienna Prater, Austria, a hunting preserve for the aristocracy opened to the public in 1766. The stamp is dominated by a Giant Ferris Wheel, the most visible landmark in Vienna, erected in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I. The jolly mood of the park is perfectly reflected by the bursting fireworks. 

"Crystal Fabric" is a  textile fabric covered (hot fixed) with many tiny Swarovski Crystals. Crystal fabric has been applied to the two stamps on the Sheetlet (Both Austrian and Hong Kong issue) to highlight the gorgeous bursts of fireworks.  This unique material makes light refraction possible and produces a glittering effect that cannot be found in other ordinary stamps.

Austria 2004 Swarovski's Crystal World MS

Issued by Austria Post on 20 September 2004 in cooperation with Swarovski Crystals. It was the first time crystals have been applied to a commemorative stamp. The Austrian company 'Swarovksi' is world famous for its famous crystals and crystal art. 

The first stamp shows a diamond with 6 glittering crystals while the second stamp shows the Swarovski logo - The Swan, also with 6 glittering crystals. The stamps have been mounted on the stamp sheet and further mounted behind a blue card with a background which illustrates the Giant of the Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Worlds) which was designed by Austrian Artist Andre Heller. The block of stamps were designed by Viennese graphic artist Renate Gruber.


Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.

Tuesday 26 March 2013

The Beginnings

My love for collecting stamps started when I first saw my dad's stamp album. It began with collecting stamps from envelopes sent for greeting cards during Christmas and Chinese New Year. But the love faded in later years. 

The next tryst came when I started a subscription for canceled first-day covers (FDC) with the Mumbai G.P.O (previously known as Bombay General Post Office). That also lasted for 3 years as was getting fed up with the number of issues on Indian personalities (mostly dead political ones). Last saw that the FDCs were in a yellowing state and the plastics I saved them in had an oily feel to them. Recently the plastics were replaced. (Update - Sold my 3 years collection of Indian First Day covers through a Philatelist friend - though did not get much value to me and hope it brings joy to the person who will acquire it. Reason - could not carry it me before moving to Canada).

I started my collection of Miniature sheets (MS) from India when I realized that the number of issues was small (it was less than 100 i.e. the 50s in 2007) in number. Hence easier to start again on a smaller list. Along the way, India Post released the Jasmine scented miniature sheet in 2008 which was unique though later got the Sandalwood scented MS (2006 issue) and Rose scented MS (2007 issue). (My collection for Indian Miniature Sheet is on hold - as need to get back to India to update my subscription to an International account with the Mumbai G.P.O).

Then the internet revolution took place in India and my interest in unique stamps took off. I had decided to stick to Miniature sheets only and keep off only odd-shaped ones. I also decided to keep off the Bhutan-issued ones as the 3D ones were in plenty and came back to Bhutan-issued stamps only because of the CD issues. Also avoided the triangle, round, and oval-shaped temptations though could not resist the heart-shaped and polygonal ones. (Update - could not resist picking up the round ones and odd-shaped ones on the way)

My start-up started with exhibitions held occasionally in Mumbai but really took off when Ebay.in started in India. Google also happened to be a source of vast information on unique philately stamps and miniature sheets being issued worldwide. (Update -Now my source has changed to Ebay.ca / Ebay.com along with Delcampe.net. Still looking out for a decent local Canadian stamp exhibition to visit as currently busy fulfilling worldly family duties of weekend grocery shopping and visiting relatives.)

Along the way, my knowledge was further enhanced on the internet, and helped me to continuously update myself on various classifications based on the number of issues in various categories. (I have kept it simple to 4 senses but then the vision blurs when there are multiple senses involved in an issue - even though Sight is the primary sense you could feel other senses becoming more prominent). 

Update - Have become aware of various classifications of Joint Issues, various types of printing methods, and how some limited editions stamps are too expensive to acquire and some expensive silver/gold stamps are not for use as postage stamps last but not be forgotten my lesson on Souvenir Ceramic stamps. Bought some unique Ceramic stamps which were issued during World Stamp Exhibition in Thailand and found out that they were just refrigerator magnets. The replica of old stamps were of very good quality..only if they were of the postage kind...I would have been over-thrilled..but it sits in my collection as the souvenir kind. 

Next lesson learned - in my collection of Stamps with wood chips for the 2005 Bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar, came across a stamp issued by the British Virgin Islands which was similar in design except it did not have the wood chips from the HMS Victory wood. Disappointment turned to Joy when I realized it to be unique also - The only stamp issued without a wood chip in the same joint issues. This realization of looking for unique stamps in another way came when the US Post re-issued the Miniature sheet on the Inverted Jenny - with the biplane right side up (rumor has it that only 100 sheets were printed).

Update 12 Jan 2020

The first agenda is an update on Unusual Stamp collecting for my blog

- Odd-shaped stamps/ Odd Shaped miniature sheets are no longer considered an unusual variety (I stopped collecting these a few years back considering monetary reasons first due to various issues by a far enormity of countries issuing these stamps and the huge frequency of issues. The odd-shaped stamps on my blog appear occasionally due to a lot ordered and some stamps having the odd-shaped with other uniqueness). Note this is a personal decision and persons interested in the category continue their passions. Let no one determine what best to collect. It's your decision finally.

- Stamps with thermography-printed dust are not considered unusual by some members of the Unusual Stamps collecting Community. This is also a personal decision issue as I do collect these stamps and it will appear on my blog because of the fine line between the stamps printed with thermographic particles and Stamp printed with types of rock dust (being it with sand particles/meteor dust/coal dust etc).

- 3D Holographic stamps with minor parts of the hologram is also not unusual. Also on my agenda to collect. With malice towards none, please feel free to collect what you wish, only that these will not be updated on my blog. Once again it's a personal choice.

- Private issues by some countries. Recently we had a spate of wood sheets with stamps issued as a private issue by some African Countries which were issued to a dealer in China, with few numbers and high demand, these private issues were priced high. As a personal choice, I will be purchasing these private wooden issues unless issued by the actual postal authorities. As a personal choice I will be continuing to collect the privately issued Stamps with Crystals (for those in the Know - private stamps issued by Liechtenstein) as part of a subscription service and these will be updated on my blog.

- Glow in the Dark under UV. Some stamps which have the Postal Logo or Serial Numbers seen under glow in the dark with UV light are already not updated on my blog as I do not collect these stamps but the ones with other special features are collected by me and updated on my blog. Do message me if I miss something, as the number also is increasing, and difficult to track each and every issue.

- Stamps with Augmented Reality. As a personal choice I have stopped collecting this category as the AR link associated with these stamps is no longer working and the number of stamps issued by one country is just enough to buy the YEARBOOK at the end but then the AR link associated with these stamps disappear and hence the beauty of these stamps are lost.

- Stamps made of Gold. As a personal choice, I have stopped collecting this category as I personally feel these stamps are too expensive to be used as stamps and if someone does use these stamps for postage, there is no guarantee the sender will ever receive them. I have a weak spot for Stamps made of Silver which I will continue to collect. So it is a personal choice and stamps made of Gold will no longer be updated on my blog. 

Update 01 January 2023
Stopped updating Crypto Stamps on my blog as of a personal opinion that they do not fall into the category of unusual stamps anymore (Please do not stop yourself if you continue to collect this category)


Remember let no one tell you what to collect. If you have the means please go full ahead. No one is telling you to stop enjoying what you so desire.

Will probably start blabbering about my collection soon...

Links used

WNS Stamps - http://www.wnsstamps.post/en

Armenia - https://www.haypost.am/en/Philatelia
                  https://www.stamps.am/all-issues

Austria - https://onlineshop.post.at/onlineshop/

Belgium - https://eshop.bpost.be/nl/philately/postzegels?page=1

China - https://www.xabusiness.com/

Estonia Post - https://pood.omniva.ee/en/

Faroe Islands - https://en.stamps.fo/

Finland Posti - https://verkkokauppa.posti.fi/PublishedService?theme=9&frontpage=true


Guernsey - https://www.guernseystamps.com/

Hongkong
https://www.hongkongpoststamps.hk/eng/stamps/latest_stamp_issues/index.htm

Isle of Man - https://www.iompost.com/

Japan - http://yushu.or.jp/english/e_sdate/

Jersey - https://www.jerseystamps.com/

Luxembourg - https://www.postphilately.lu/

Macau - https://philately.ctt.gov.mo/

Mongolia - https://mongolstamps.com/

Netherland - https://collectclub.postnl.nl/postzegels/postzegeluitgiften.html

New Caledonia - https://caledoscope.opt.nc/en

Palestine Post - https://secure50.securewebsession.eu/palstamps.eu/

Phillipines - https://www.phlpost.gov.ph/stamp-releases.php

Portugal - http://www.ctt.pt/femce/category.jspx?shopCode=LOJV&categoryCode=3002&showAll=1

South Korea - http://www.koreastamp.go.kr/
http://koreastamp.epost.go.kr/sp/eg/speg0301.jsp

Spain - https://filatelia.correos.es/es/es/rincon-correos/filatelia/productos/sellos

Singapore Post - https://shop.singpost.com/

Russia - http://www.rusmarka.ru/en/catalog/marka.aspx

UAE (United Arab Emirates) - https://www.emiratespostshop.ae/

Ukraine Post - https://postcardsua.com/collections/stamps

USA - https://store.usps.com/store

Uruguay - https://www.stamps.uy.post/

Vanuatu - https://www.vanuatupost.vu/philately/stamps

Glossary of Stamps terms

Monday 25 March 2013

Introduction

Philaquely Moi is basically a play of the words Philately + Unique with Moi (French for Mine) which merely indicates - 'My Unique Philately Collection'. 

Philaquely Moi blog was basically started to express my interest for Unique and Odd Philately items and to showcase my collection of odd and /or unique philately items stimulating the 5 Senses of Sight, Smell, Touch, Hearing and Taste. The primary sense is Sight as only through Sight you can truly appreciate the beauty of the philatelic items.

In this age of emails, personal postage mails have become rare but most country's postal department are defying the trend through the issuance of interesting postal products which are keeping a few enthusiast's interests alive. 

Due to large number of odd shaped philately items, I have mostly tried to stay away from these items, though there are some in my collection which has other distinct features other than just being odd shaped.

Some noting/information are taken from the world wide web and for any incorrect information authors/administrators may please excuse and may contact me for any correction.

The following blogs may contain details of the uniqueness of the philatelic item and descriptions of why the item were issued.

To better understand the various types of unusual stamps I have taken the liberty to categorised them which can be seen under the Visitor's Flag counter. Click on the label category to include all updates in that category.

Hope you enjoy my blog..and do visit again for new updates.

I am interested in exchange of mint unique stamps/miniature sheets in your country and I will send stamps/miniature sheets of India/International of your interest in exchange. You can contact me at kcsquare.in@gmail.com

Regards...