The Earth behind a Lens

A significant selection of geologic postage stamps is presented in this website.

I have attempted to divide the postage stamps in different groups to satisfy the philatelic and geologic criteria and to  introduce the various sections of the geologic philately.

Rocks, Fossils, Minerals, Miners, Mines, Ores, Oil,

Geysir, Volcanic Lakes, Caves.

Stamps printed in excesssive amount

According to the article of the Philatelic Webmaster Organization, some printing companies have made deals with poor countries (mostly in Africa) to print stamps that are mostly targeted to the stamp collecting market.

The stamps are apparently endorsed by the local postal administrations, but are printed in huge quantities (compared to the local needs of the country), and sold mostly to collectors.

The article in particular cites the Swiss printing company "Impressor SA".

I indeed have seen their label on many topical stamps and souvenir sheets related to minerals, from countries like Chad, Comorros, Mali, Niger, Congo... The design of those stamps and souvenir sheets are strikingly similar, and one could wonder if they were not only printed by the same company, but designed by the same company as well. If all this is correct, then one could also wonder how much philatelic value those stamps really have. (Courtesy Stephane Gigandét)

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