2002 Canadian Stamp Issues: A Comprehensive Philatelic Review
The year 2002 was a prolific period for Canadian philately, featuring a diverse array of releases that celebrated national identity, sporting excellence, and artistic achievement. From the commemoration of the Golden Jubilee to the high-energy imagery of the Winter Olympics, these stamps serve as historical markers of the era's cultural priorities.
The production of these stamps involved several prestigious printing houses, most notably Ashton-Potter (both USA and Canada branches), the Canadian Bank Note Company, and Gravure Choquet Inc. The technical specifications varied widely, ranging from traditional perforated edges to modern diecut, imperforate designs.
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Key Facts
- Diverse Themes: Issues covered sports (NHL, Olympics), arts, traditional trades, and royal celebrations.
- Major Printers: Ashton-Potter (USA) Limited was a primary producer for many early 2002 releases.
- High Volume: The Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee stamp saw a significant print run of 15,000,000 units.
- Technical Variety: Stamps featured various perforation gauges (e.g., 13.5, 12.5 x 13) and diecut formats.
Commemorating Tradition and Royalty
The beginning of January 2002 saw a surge of releases focusing on Canadian heritage and the monarchy. The Traditional Trades series highlighted essential crafts including Jewelry, Basket Weaving, and Sculpture, with designs by Monique Dufour and Sophie Lafortune. These were produced as diecut, imperforate stamps, meaning they were cut to shape without the traditional rows of small holes.
Simultaneously, the crown was honored with a 48-cent stamp commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Saskia van Kampen and Stuart Bradley Ash. Other early releases included the iconic Maple Leaf and the National Flag, both maintaining a 48-cent denomination.
Sports and Global Events
Sports played a central role in the 2002 philatelic calendar. In January, the NHL All-Stars series was released, featuring legendary players such as Tim Horton, Guy Lafleur, Howie Morenz, Glenn Hall, Red Kelly, and Phil Esposito. Each of these 47-cent stamps was printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited, with a consistent print run of 1,500,000 per player.
The excitement of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games was also captured in a series of stamps. These focused on specific disciplines: Short Track Speed Skating, Curling, Freestyle Aerials, and Women's Hockey. These issues, designed by Sunil Bhandari and Matthew Wearn, utilized a 13.5 x 13 perforation.
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Art, Education, and Culture
Throughout the year, Canada's intellectual and artistic contributions were highlighted. The Canadian Universities series honored the University of Manitoba and Trinity College, both celebrating 125-year milestones. In the realm of fine art, the Masterpieces of Canadian Art Series featured Alex Colville's 1964 work, "Church and Horse," printed in a limited run of 4,000,000.
The year concluded with a series of thematic releases in October and November, including tributes to Canadian Teachers, the Toronto Stock Exchange, and Communications Technology. The holiday season was marked by a series of Christmas stamps featuring Aboriginal Art in three different denominations (48 cents, 65 cents, and $1.25).
Summary of Notable 2002 Issues
| Issue Date | Theme | Denomination | Quantity | Perforation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Jan 2002 | Queen Elizabeth II: Golden Jubilee | 48 cents | 15,000,000 | 13 x 12.5 |
| 3 Jan 2002 | Year of the Horse | 47 cents | 11,000,000 | 13.5 |
| 12 Jan 2002 | NHL All-Stars (per player) | 47 cents | 1,500,000 | 12.5 x 13 |
| 25 Jan 2002 | Olympic Winter Games (various) | 47-48 cents | 1,250,000 | 13.5 x 13 |
| 22 Mar 2002 | Masterpieces of Canadian Art | $1.25 | 4,000,000 | 12.5 x 13 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 2002 stamp had the highest production volume?
The Queen Elizabeth II: Golden Jubilee stamp had the highest recorded quantity, with 15,000,000 units printed.
Who were the featured athletes in the NHL All-Stars series?
The series featured six hockey legends: Tim Horton, Guy Lafleur, Howie Morenz, Glenn Hall, Red Kelly, and Phil Esposito.
What does "diecut, imperforate" mean in the context of these stamps?
Diecut, imperforate refers to stamps that are cut into their final shape using a die, rather than having the traditional rows of perforated holes used for tearing stamps apart.
Which artists contributed to the Traditional Trades series?
The series was designed by Monique Dufour and Sophie Lafortune, based on photographs by Richard Robitaille and works by Anne Sportun (Jewelry) and Simon Dick (Sculpture).
What were the denominations for the Aboriginal Art Christmas stamps?
The Christmas (Aboriginal Art) stamps were issued in three denominations: 48 cents, 65 cents, and $1.25.