A Passion for Stamps: My Journey with a Renamed Country
Stamp collecting has been one of my lifelong passions. My fascination with stamps began in a place where not only did I spend about two weeks, much of it in a hospital, but also where I discovered the beauty of a country's heritage through its stamps.
Discovering a Country Through Stamps
While traveling through a foreign country, I perused a stamp shop catalog one chilly day. Little did I know, it would lead me down a rabbit hole of collecting stamps from a particular country. I have always been drawn to the history and geography of the British Commonwealth, and the journey of a renamed country captivated me.
The Journey with Zimbabwe
One of the most compelling sets in my collection is that of Zimbabwe. It started off as Southern Rhodesia, under the reign of King George VI. It then became Rhodesia and Nyasaland under the rule of Queen Elizabeth II. There is a unique stamp that was printed twice: first as Rhodesia, then as Zimbabwe. This collection tells a story like many others, showcasing the political and social changes over time.
What initially attracted me to this collection was the intrigue of overprints. Overprints are stamps that have had additional text or images printed on them, often to indicate changes in currency, rulers, or other significant events. This feature can offer fascinating insights into the historical context of the stamps.
From a Gift to a Quest
Interestingly, the collection didn't start as my own quest. I catalogued all the stamps that were given to me by a friend, who was clearing out a pile from a cupboard. This set initiated my journey into the British Commonwealth, particularly focusing on renamed countries.
The Rarity and Enjoyment Factor
The total number of stamps was a mere few hundred, which was certainly doable. The most expensive stamp in the catalog was an overprint variant issued to commemorate a visiting monarch. This set the standard for what I was looking for in future collections.
Inheriting a Legacy
My journey in collecting stamps has been enriched by the legacy of my grandfather, who passed down a vast collection of stamps from renamed countries such as Siam, Burma, pre-Castro Cuba, and more. Despite inheriting thousands of stamps, the task of cataloging them has been a lengthy and time-consuming endeavor.
The British Commonwealth has a rich history, and each country within it tells a unique story through its stamps. Whether it's overprints, renamings, or other special features, the journey of each country is reflected in its philatelic artefacts. Collecting stamps not only feeds my historical curiosity but also serves as a gateway to exploring different cultures and histories.
Keywords: stamp collecting, British Commonwealth, overprints