The Ionian Islands hold a special place in philatelic history, being the first Greek territory to issue postage stamps. Their stamps not only tell a tale of postal evolution but also reflect the region’s complex political history, marked by occupations, overprints, and rare varieties. Allan Smith’s presentation takes us through the fascinating world of Ionian…

Tangier, Morocco, holds a fascinating place in both history and philately. This city, once a hotbed of international intrigue and diplomacy, also had a unique role in postal history, with stamps that offer collectors a glimpse into the geopolitical complexities of the time. Sam Vascones’ recent presentation shines a light on these rare stamps, helping…

Canada’s philatelic journey began with a series of stamps known as the “Pence Issue” from 1851 to 1859, preceding the country’s Confederation in 1867. These stamps, numbered 1 to 13 in philatelic catalogs, are prized by collectors for their beauty, rarity, and historical significance. In a recent presentation, Arnie Janson provided a detailed overview of…

In Allan Smith’s presentation on the early stamps of the Middle East, part three focuses on Lebanon, the Alawites, and Latakia. Allan begins by explaining the geopolitical shifts post-World War I, highlighting the division of the Ottoman territories and the establishment of the French and British Mandates. He discusses the initial use of Egyptian Expeditionary…

In Sam Vascone’s presentation on Basutoland stamps, he begins by providing a historical overview, explaining that Basutoland, a former British colony in Southern Africa, gained independence in 1966 and was renamed Lesotho. Sam highlights the initial definitive stamps featuring King George VI and local elements like crocodiles and the Drakensberg Mountains. He details the subsequent…