History of the World through Stamps

Scott Stamp Catalogues are chock full of information about the process of making stamps, telling you all about forgeries and fakes, values, lithography, foil, gum, etc.  They are also beautiful to browse for the fantastic artwork.  Check out the children’s stamp design contest winners or the stamps of the Bahamas if you want to see some colorful examples.  You can also learn about the history of a place based on its stamps – whether the stamps show scientific discoveries or distinguished people, sports team winners or landmark events, extinct species or famous weddings – these catalogs show you the history of the world.  You can also find the addresses and contact information for Philatelic Societies (philatelic, of or relating to philately which is the collection and study of postage stamps, postmarks, and related materials; stamp collecting) should you decide to become a collector.  Think there’s no money to be had?  You’re probably right but once in awhile a stamp goes for an enormous amount of money, especially if it’s a misprint.  The stamp pictured here is the most famous misprint going for 9 billion U.S. dollars in 2007.  That’s right – 9 billion!  SG