A stamp is a small fragment of paper, illustrated on one side and adhesive on the other, we have all purchased for a few cents, at one point or another, to send a postcard or a letter. In reality, this small commodity in appearance has generated great passions in many illustrious personalities.
The most important collection in the world belongs to the British Royal House. Beginning with Prince Alfred, numerous Kings and Queens have been active collectors of rare stamps. This initial collection was passed to Edward VII, Prince Alfred’s brother who in turn, ceded it to King George V. At this point, the royal collection had become immense, containing 328 albums bound in red leather. George VI further expanded the collection by adding his albums, bound in blue leather to which Queen Elizabeth II has adjoined hers, bound in green leather.
King Carol of Rumania
Another famous stamp collector was King Carol of Rumania who led an intense and exciting life.
In addition to his passion for women, smoking, alcohol and poker, he assembled an impressive stamp collection with the crème de le crème being a Swedish 3 Skilling stamp, famous for having been printed in the wrong colors. In 2010, this specimen sold for 2 million Euros at auction!
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
The 32nd President of the United States of America, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was another highly enthusiastic stamp collector who often talked about his passion during interviews and official State visits. He carefully curated the creation of stamps for his nation. In honor of the leader of the free world’s passion, some postal administrations even issued stamps portraying the President with his stamp collection.
Giulio Andreotti
Few people are aware that Giulio Andreotti, seven times Prime Minister of Italy, was passionate about stamp collecting. Nominated member of the Philatelic Consultation board, an organ that supervises the emission of stamps, he focused his attention on letters of the Papal State.
Regents and Presidents are not the only illustrious stamp collectors. Many eminent bankers, business and industry magnates have also played important roles in keeping the market alive, bidding against one another for exceptional specimens at international auctions.
Record postage stamp
The stamp that detains the highest price of adjudication to date is the famous British Guiana 1c magenta, recently acquired by an internationally renowned fashion and shoe designer for US $9,500,000.