Both coins and stamps can be a pleasure to collect. They are small pieces of history that can reflect both the interests of the collector and the unique character of the place they are from. Of course, both coin and stamp collectors began by acquiring pieces intended for official circulation. However, both hobbies have grown into so much more.
THE JOY OF COLLECTING COINS
The history of coin collecting stretches back into antiquity. It is likely almost as old as minting coins for currency. Coins have fascinated people for millennia because although they are very accessible, finding the most interesting ones can be an engaging and educational challenge.
Coins have served as a way to mark history for a long time. For example, the Romans would celebrate victories, rulers and major events with special runs of coins. Today, to support numismatists in Canada and around the world, the Royal Canadian Mint creates all manner of commemorative coins.
Sometimes, the Royal Canadian Mint along with Canada Post will release commemorative sets that include both a coin and a stamp.
These are perfect for both coin and stamp collectors (or people who like to collect both).
2001 Canadian 3-Cent Beaver 150th Anniversary of Canada's First Postage Gold-plated Silver Coin & Stamp Set
This set from 2001 celebrated the 150th anniversary of Canada’s first postage stamp. 1851 was also the first year that postal services ceased being under the direct control of the British government (although the predecessor to Canada Post was not created until 1867).
The set includes a three-cent beaver postage stamp, a three-cent coin and a brass medal. Both the medal and the coin feature beaver designs. The coin is 24-karat gold-plated sterling silver.
2004 $8 Great Grizzly - Sterling Silver Coin and Stamp Set
The grizzly bear is a beautiful and awe-inspiring part of Canada’s nature. In 2008, the mint and post released this set to celebrate this majestic creature. The $8 coin is made from 99.99% silver and features a stunning design of a grizzly. There are also two stamps, with a face value of $8, which feature eye-catching, multi-colour grizzly illustrations. Included in the case, there is a booklet about grizzly bears.
2004 Canada Proud Polar Bear $2 Coin and Stamp Set
Of course, you can’t celebrate Canada’s bears without mentioning the King of the North. The polar bear is the largest bear on earth and a dominant force in the Arctic. This set includes a $2 coin with a truly incredible engraving of a polar bear walking along the tundra on the reverse. There are also two $2 stamps with a colour version of the same design. Included in the collector’s case, there is a booklet on polar bears.
2013 Canada 50-cent Superman: Then and Now Lenticular Coin & Stamp Set
In 2013, celebrating 75 years of Superman, the RCM and Canada Post released this combination set. It includes an incredible 50-cent coin designed by DC Comics/Warner Brothers. The reverse has two full-colour images in a lenticular design (the image is different depending on the angle of viewing). They show both the original man of steel and the more recent design. The set also includes a stamp featuring classic Superman.
EXPAND YOUR COLLECTION WITH STAMPS
Similarly, stamp collecting has existed for about as long as there have been stamps. Even the plainest stamps reflect the values and interests of the culture that made them. In much the same way as coins, stamps are small parts of history captured for posterity.
There are numerous commemorative stamps that mark special years, events or other objects of note. Often, these stamps line up with commemorative coins making collecting both an exciting opportunity.
