May 2020

Contents to Volume 50, Number 12

The latest philatelic news from around the world.

More reports from the nation’s Philatelic Societies.

Forthcoming auctions.

News of recent auction results.

Hugh Jefferies completes his five-part survey of surcharges and overprints on Commonwealth stamps with a run through of the many ways in which overprints can be applied.

We explore the history behind Royal Mail’s new ten-stamp ‘Romantic Poets’ issue commemorating the 250th anniversary of the birth of William Wordsworth.

For many years, the unique collection of British Paid postmarks formed by William Hartree laid untouched in The Postal Museum’s collections. Cyril Parsons reveals some of the discoveries he has made while examining this important collection.

John Deering spies on Royal Mail’s recent James Bond issue and takes a closer look at the latest Machin stamps issued to comply with the 2020 tariff changes.

The latest supplement to the Stanley Gibbons Great Britain Specialised Catalogue.

Richard Garcia presents some compelling new research on the often overlooked and sometimes misunderstood Sherifien and Local Posts of Morocco.

Christer Brunstrom takes us on a tour of an intriguing set of stamps designed to advertise Peru’s industries to the outside world.

Michael Baron investigates the philatelic world’s recent love affair with comic book characters and creators.

We see what Jersey Post’s new stamps and miniature sheet, marking the 250th birth anniversary of Ludwig Van Beethoven, has to offer collectors.

Geir Sor-Reime presents his annual review of postal stationery from around the world.

As we reach the 180th anniversary of the Penny Black in 2020, we highlight some of the most desirable stamps and postal stationery material to come from the reign of Queen Victoria.

Hugh Jefferies talks us through his pick of the best Empire stamps from the Queen Victoria period.

The latest book and catalogue releases read and rated.

Throughout the British Empire many countries tried to emulate the Penny Black by using a portrait of Queen Victoria on their stamps. As John Moody finds out, some were much more successful than others.

We take a sneak peek at Stanley Gibbons’ new-look shop at 399 Strand, London.

With the 250th birth anniversary of William Wordsworth being celebrated this year, Jeff Dugdale takes a closer look at how he and other famous Romantic poets have been depicted on stamps from around the world.

In another article looking at stamp issues from ‘dead’ countries, John Moody turns his attention to the Middle East and examines stamps from the British Levant.

Nicholas Oughton concludes his articles on the stamps, cancellations, cachets and postal history connected to Australia and its links with the frozen continent of Antarctica.

Stamps to look out for from the Gold Coast.

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.

We highlight the latest new issues from Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

Win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher.

Alison Boyd investigates the stories behind some of the latest stamp issues from around the world.

Hugh Jefferies offers more collecting advice from the Catalogue Editor’s chair.

Your 15-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.