Bluenose Stamp: Canada's Finest Philatelic Classic
In the world of philately, few items carry as much prestige and admiration as the Bluenose stamp. Issued by the Canadian Post Office on January 8, 1929, this 50-cent definitive postage stamp has earned a reputation as "Canada's Finest Stamp." Despite being released after the turn of the century, it is widely regarded as a classic by collectors worldwide.
The Design and Artistry
The stamp is part of the King George V "Scroll Issue" and is identified as Scott number 158 with a perforation of 12. The imagery depicts the famous fishing schooner, the Bluenose, racing off Halifax Harbour. The design was created by the Canadian Bank Note Company in Ottawa, utilizing a montage of two different images of the vessel.
The visual foundation of the stamp rests on photographs taken by W.R. MacAskill in 1922. To bring these images to life on paper, the vignette—the central illustrative part of the stamp—was engraved by the American Bank Note Company in New York City.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Production and Rarity
The production of the Bluenose stamp involved three distinct printing plates. Plate 1, which held 200 impressions, was discarded and never used due to discovered defects. Plates 2 and 3, each containing 100 impressions, were used to produce a total of 1,044,900 copies.
While over a million copies were printed, specific variations are highly coveted. For instance, imperforate sheets—stamps produced without the typical perforated holes for easy separation—are exceptionally rare. Only two such sheets of 100 stamps are known to exist.
Market Value and Legacy
The Bluenose stamp continues to command significant prices at auction. In 2001, a first day cover (an envelope with a stamp cancelled on its first day of issue) sold for CAN $3,650. The rarity of the imperforate sheets was highlighted in 2017 when one was auctioned for US $52,580, including the buyer's premium.
The stamp's influence persists in Canadian postal history. In 1982, Canada released a "stamp-on-stamp" design featuring the original Bluenose. Later, in 1999, another issue commemorated William James Roué, the naval designer of the original schooner.
Key Facts
- Issue Date: January 8, 1929
- Face Value: CAN$ 50-cent
- Scott Number: 158
- Total Printed: 1,044,900 copies
- Design Subject: The Bluenose fishing schooner
- Engraver: American Bank Note Company, New York City
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country of Production | Canada |
| Series | King George V "Scroll Issue" |
| Perforation | 12 |
| Design Agency | Canadian Bank Note Company, Ottawa |
| Photographer | W.R. MacAskill (1922) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Scott number for the Bluenose stamp?
The Bluenose stamp is identified as Scott number 158.
How many Bluenose stamps were actually printed?
A total of 1,044,900 copies were printed using plates 2 and 3.
Why is the Bluenose stamp considered a classic?
It is considered a classic due to its artistic design, its status as a favorite among collectors, and its reputation as "Canada's Finest Stamp."
What is the most expensive known version of the stamp?
The imperforate sheets are among the most valuable; one such sheet of 100 stamps sold for US $52,580 in 2017.
Who designed the original Bluenose schooner?
The original schooner was designed by naval designer William James Roué, who was commemorated in a 1999 stamp issue.