Canada

Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, and Canada is no different. The collection and study of stamps is known as philately. Stamps are typically made in square or rectangular shapes. However, they are also issued in other shapes like circle, triangle and pentagon. Some countries like Tonga and Sierra Leone even issue stamps shaped like fruits. Certain countries also make stamps for avid stamp collectors rather than for postal use. Such stamps make for generous contributions to government revenues. Collecting old stamps and often rare stamps can easily fetch a fortune. Stamps in Canada were first made in 1851 and the money used was British money that cost somewhere around half a penny to twelve pence. They did not feature any perforations. These old Canadian stamps are now most sought-after collectible stamps.

In earlier times, some provinces made use of their own postage stamps as they were not yet part of Canada. Canadian stamps were chiefly used in Ontario and Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and some other territories. The stamps of Canada typically featured a picture of the King or Queen of England. They also featured wildlife pictures of the country, as well as images of national heroes and important people to honour them. There are many Canadian stamp dealers and stamp clubs online where one can buy and sell Canadian postage stamps.