Posts

Showing posts with the label Coil Stamps

The Coil Stamps of the 1967-1973 Centennial Issue

Image
Today's post will examine the coil stamps that were produced for this issue. Generally, coils were only produced for the first, second and third class local, and forwarded letter rates. Prior to this issue, most coils were sold in vending machines, but starting in 1969, with the 6c orange, coils were produced in rolls of 100 and sold to the public in this form, with free plastic dispensers.

The coil stamps were all printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company. They can generally be divided into two groups:


The initial issue printed in imperial dimensions, which consisted of the 3c, 4c and 5c. These were printed in rolls of 500 stamps each, with starter strips at the front of each roll that consisted of 10 blank, stamp sized cream coloured labels.  On the end of the roll, after the 500th stamp, would be an end strip consisting of 10 stamp sized blank, coloured labels. The colour could vary (yellow on the 3c and pale red on the 4c for instance). The denomination of the stamp was usuall…

The Postes-Postage Issue of 1949-1953

Image
Overview

After World War II had ended, there was a strong desire to modernize stamp design. In the late 1940's the prevailing design trend was minimalist with sleek lines. This trend was very prevalent in the architecture of the period, and in product design. So it made sense that this design aesthetic would extend into the stamp realm as well. Indeed if one looks at the stamps of many countries issued during this time, one will see that many of them share this simplicity in common. Thus, this issue may not be for you if you like very ornate designs, with fancy scrollwork. However, without the distracting influence of all these embellishments, it stands as a showcase of engraver's skill in executing flawlessly five separate portraits of King George VI, all from photographs. The resemblance to the actual king is quite striking, and much better than what was later accomplished on the Queen Elizabeth II Karsh Issue.

This issue is much more straightforward than any issue that came…