1898 Imperial Penny Postage Map Stamp (Canada)

Imperial Penny Postage, 2 cents, December 1898 Look for the words XMAS 1898 under the map. Postmaster General William Mulock wanted a commemorative design for Christmas to mark a cut in letter postage, and the result is often called the world's first Christmas stamp, though even its admirers hedge that claim. It is also a small lesson in printing. The black map and frame were engraved, then the ocean color and the red of the British Empire were added by typography, so the shades of the sea make a satisfying specialty. Ordinary used copies are easy to find, which makes this one of the most rewarding historic stamps a beginner can own.