Philately is the study of postage stamps and postal history. It also refers to the collection, appreciation and research activities on stamps and other philatelic products. Philately involves more than just stamp collecting or the study of postage; it is possible to be a philatelist without owning any stamps. For instance, the stamps being studied may be very rare or reside only in museums.
Stamp collecting is the collecting of postage stamps and related objects. It is an area of philately, which is the study or study and collection of stamps. It has been one of the world's most popular hobbies since the late nineteenth century with the rapid growth of the postal service, as a never-ending stream of new stamps was produced by countries that sought to advertise their distinctiveness through their stamps.
The British Guiana 1c magenta is regarded by many philatelists as the world's most famous rare stamp. It was issued in limited numbers in British Guiana in 1856, and only one specimen is now known to exist. It is the only major postage stamp ever issued that is not represented in Britain's Royal Philatelic Collection.
Topical or thematic stamp collecting is the collecting of postage stamps relating to a particular subject or concept. Topics can be almost anything, from stamps on stamps, birds, trains and poets on stamps, to famous physicians and scientists, along with historical people and events on stamps, which is often a standard theme for many stamp issuing countries.
Stuart A. Weitzman is an American shoe designer, entrepreneur, and founder of the shoe company Stuart Weitzman. Weitzman has designed footwear for Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. In 2014, Weitzman paid a world record $9.48 million for the British Guiana 1c magenta stamp. In May 2017, Stuart Weitzman Holdings, LLC, appointed Giovanni Morelli as Creative Director and Weitzman stepped down from his role. Weitzman has confirmed ownership of the only legal 1933 $20 St. Gaudens gold coin also known as the "Double Eagle". He later sold the coin at the Sotheby's June 8, 2021 auction, selling that day for $18,872,250 to an anonymous buyer.
INTERPHIL, or the Seventh International Philatelic Exhibition, was the seventh decennial philatelic exhibition for the United States held under the auspices of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP). It was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from May 29 to June 6, 1976.
The Hong Kong Philatelic Society was established in 1921 and is the oldest philatelic organisation in Hong Kong. Members were mainly Europeans before the war and after 1946, more and more Chinese became members and the Society has grown in stature. Currently, the Society has over 350 local and overseas members.
Peter P. McCann, of University Park, Florida, is a philatelist who has supported the hobby of philately on a national scale. For his varied services to the American Philatelic Society (APS) over several decades, he was awarded in 2008 the Luff Award for outstanding service to the society.
A philatelic exhibition is an exhibition of stamps and postal history where stamp collectors (philatelists) compete for medals. The displays are shown in glass frames, and the exhibition is normally accompanied by stamp dealer bourses and post office stands where stamps and other philatelic items may be purchased.
The London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition, 8–15 May 2010 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, was a major international stamp exhibition that was granted FIP patronage.
Indipex 2011 was organized by India Post, Government of India in collaboration with the Philatelic Congress of India (PCI) under the patronage of the Federation Internationale de Philatelie (FIP) and the auspices of the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP).
The London 1980 International Stamp Exhibition was an international stamp exhibition held under FIP patronage. It was held at Earls Court from the 6–14 May 1980.
The Philympia 1970 International Stamp Exhibition was an international stamp exhibition held under Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP) patronage. It was held at the Empire Hall, Olympia, London from 18 to 26 September 1970. Special three-colour postmarks were used on each of the eight days of the exhibition. A 66 ft (20 m) octagonal tower of British stamps designed by Andrew Chadwick of Hulme Chadwick & Partners with graphics by Barry O'Dwyer, was the main feature.
Wolfgang C. Hellrigl was an expert on the philately of Nepal and Tibet who in 1994 was invited to sign the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists.
London 2015 Europhilex was an international stamp exhibition held 13–16 May 2015 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. The exhibition has been granted patronage from the Federation of European Philatelic Associations (FEPA) and the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP).
Irwin Robert Weinberg was an American philatelist and stamp dealer who formed the syndicate of Pennsylvania businessmen who bought the British Guiana 1c magenta, one of the rarest stamps in the world.
Finlandia 2017 European Stamp Exhibition was an international stamp exhibition held 24–28 May 2017 at the Tampere Hall in Tampere, Finland. The exhibition was granted patronage from the Federation of European Philatelic Associations (FEPA) and the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP).
Stampa is an annual Irish national level stamp exhibition and trade show currently held at the Griffith College Conference Centre, South Circular Road, Dublin, usually in October. The three-day event is organised by the council members of Stampa and has been held each year since 1972.
The Stockholmia 2019 Internationell Frimärksutställning was an international stamp exhibition held from 29 May–2 June 2019 at the Waterfront Congress Centre in Stockholm, Sweden. It was held to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Royal Philatelic Society London. The exhibition was granted patronage from the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP).
