Levi KeswickKey takeaways:
- The Queen Victoria 12 pence 1851 stamp is the most valuable Canadian stamp, having sold for $224,250.
- Rarities and printing errors contribute to the high value of certain Canadian stamps.
- Stamps can serve as historical artifacts, reflecting key moments in Canada’s past.
A Look into Canada’s Philatelic Gems
Canada’s postal history is rich with fascinating stories, beautiful designs, and rare specimens that have captured the attention of collectors worldwide. In this article, we will delve into the world of Canada’s 50 most valuable stamps, exploring their historical significance and the reasons behind their high value.
Queen Victoria: The Reigning Champion of Canadian Stamps
Undoubtedly, the most valuable Canadian stamp is the Queen Victoria 12 pence 1851 stamp. The high value of this stamp is due to its scarcity; only 1,450 were sold out of the 51,000 that were printed. The unsold copies were destroyed in 1857, making it an incredibly rare find for collectors. In 2013, a mint condition stamp with gum sold for a staggering $224,250.
The Rarity of Laid Paper: Queen Victoria 2 cents 1868 Stamp
Another highly sought-after Canadian stamp is the Queen Victoria 2 cents 1868 stamp printed on laid paper. Only three of these stamps are known to exist in used condition. The discovery of a mint condition stamp with original gum could be worth up to $1,000,000. One of the known used stamps with intact perforation sold for $215,000 in 2014.
A Tragic Tale: The London to London Flight 25 cents 1927 Stamp
A tragic story surrounds the London to London Flight 25 cents 1927 stamp. Only 100 of these stamps were printed, but most were lost when the plane carrying them crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. Today, only 13 singles are known to exist, valued at around $100,000 in mint condition with gum. A unique cover featuring this stamp sold for $125,000 in the early 2000s.
Canada’s First Stamp: The Beaver 3 pence 1851 Stamp
The Beaver 3 pence 1851 stamp holds the distinction of being the first stamp issued in Canada. Symbolizing the people of Canada building their towns, cities, and communities, this stamp is highly valued for its historical significance. In 2014, a mint condition stamp with gum sold for $120,000.
Limited Edition Overprints: Air Mail 60 cents 1927 Newfoundland Stamp
Only 300 copies of the Air Mail 60 cents 1927 Newfoundland stamp were produced, with 33 known to exist in mint condition. The overprint indicates that the stamps were intended for letters flown by famed Italian aviator Francesco de Pinedo. A mint condition stamp from the Drs. Joanne and Edward Dauer Collection of British North America sold for $45,000 in 2014.
Heraldic Beauty: The 1 Shilling 1857 St. John’s Newfoundland Stamp
The 1 Shilling 1857 St. John’s Newfoundland stamp features a design of a rose, thistle, and shamrock, symbolizing the unity of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Released on January 1, 1857, this stamp is one of the first issues of Newfoundland. A mint condition stamp sold for $45,000 in 2014.
Inverted Errors: St. Lawrence Seaway 5 cents 1959 Stamp
One of the most well-known Canadian stamps is the St. Lawrence Seaway 5 cents 1959 stamp, which features an inverted center error. This printing mistake has made it a popular item among collectors. In 2015, a mint condition stamp sold for $13,500 at Vance Auctions in Ontario. More recently, a certified mint, original gum, never hinged copy was sold on eBay for $9,160.79 in 2018.
Other Canadian Philatelic Treasures
In addition to the aforementioned stamps, numerous other Canadian stamps are highly valued by collectors. Some examples include:
- Queen Victoria 2 cents 1868 Large Queen Watermarked mint block, worth approximately $250,000.
- 1988 8 cents Registration sheet of 50 stamps (only 1 known), worth around $225,000.
- Prince Albert 6 pence 1855, worth approximately $50,000 for Scott #5, $42,500 for Scott #10, and $40,000 for Scott #13.
- 1982 30 cents Christmas fold-over pane, valued at $30,000.
- Prince Albert 10 cents 1859, worth around $30,000 for Scott #16.
- Jacques Cartier 10 pence 1855, valued at approximately $15,000 for Scott #7.
- Queen Victoria 6 pence 1857, worth around $13,000 for Scott #9.
A Window into Canada’s History
Canada’s 50 most valuable stamps offer collectors not only a potentially lucrative investment but also a window into the nation’s rich history. From the symbolic beaver on Canada’s first stamp to the tragic tale of the London to London Flight stamp, these philatelic treasures provide a unique insight into the past. As collectors continue to uncover rare and valuable Canadian stamps, the fascinating stories behind these tiny pieces of paper will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire.
