Is this the Most Beautiful U.S. Stamp?

This 1898 stamp is considered to be the most beautiful stamp ever issued by the United States. Let's explore the 'Western Cattle in Storm' stamp and how it got to be crowned as the top beauty in US #philately .
#ushistory #collecting
This is #philately episode 38
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LINKS
Book - John Luff 'The Postage Stamps of the United States' : archive.org/details/cu3192403...
Book (Scanned chapter) Ralph Kimble 'Commemorative Postage Stamps of the United States':exploringstamps.files.wordpre...
Stamps Magazine Scanned Page 1934: exploringstamps.files.wordpre...
Wiki- Trans-Mississippi Expo: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-M...
Columbian Exposition Stamps: postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibitio...
Western Cattle Stamp:
www.mysticstamp.com/Products/...
www.theswedishtiger.com/292-s...
postalmuseum.si.edu/object/np...
www.linns.com/news/us-stamps-...

[@jamesshattell1425]

I once told a woman I was dating that she was as beautiful as the stamps in my collection. Her response was, " philately will get you nowhere."😮

[@ExploringStamps]

🤦🏼‍♂️ 😂

[@ostevoostevo8989]

Lol

[@kamalabenmayatra6357]

Haha

[@garyholdener2470]

As you pointed out Graham, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I think the western cattle stamp can’t hold a candle to the Canadian Blue Nose. In my humble opinion it wouldn’t make the top ten. Apologies if I offend any philatelists.

[@ExploringStamps]

😆 it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like the Bluenose! Do you have any US stamps in mind that would make the top 10?

[@garyholdener2470]

@@ExploringStamps I'm partial to the Mackinac Bridge stamp issued in 1958.

[@ExploringStamps]

@@garyholdener2470 excellent choice 👏!

[@MichaelBrodie68]

One of my great loves of philately is that one cannot explain why some stamps "talk" to us... I remember walking into the shop of a dealer here in Melbourne, falling in love with Australian commems circa 1913 to 1945. I ended up working my holidays helping the dealer compile and send out catalogues - lovely man. I ended up using my earnings to buy mostly those era commemoratives. Always perfect examples MUH. I'm in my 50's now and have added the love of defins to hard to define, yet enduring joy of philately. Plus, I love the Edward VII Seahorses. And for those interested, the stamps of Tasmania - although we became a federation in 1901, the stamps of the individual States were used until 1913.

[@johncollectsstamps]

What a lovely stamp! Interesting that the American cattle were actually Scottish though! I don't know enough about US stamps to say where this ranks, but I do like it. My all-time favourite stamp, Penny Black aside, is the GB George V 1929 Postal Union Congress £1 stamp, a stamp I don't own, but want to add to my collection some day. The George V "Seahorses" are top ten too for me.

[@ExploringStamps]

Oh the debate between the PUC and Seahorses for most beautiful UK stamp is fierce. I’m too nervous to get in that one right now 😂. Thanks John!

[@danstars1]

Will have to look through my US stamps to see which one I like best, sadly I do not have the "Western Cattle In Storm" stamp.

[@ExploringStamps]

Absolutely! Def take a look and see if you have a better candidate to crown as “most beautiful” 😊 Thanks for watching!!

[@johnlowell5905]

It looks like I have it, but I cut a full size copy from an auction cat for my album. Also for the high denomination Columbians.

[@josephwolfe1833]

I collect both Canada and the US and have mint copies of both the Bluenose stamp and the cattle stamp. I really like both and it's really hard to pick a winner, but I'll go with the Bluenose, but it's really close - two absolutely incredible classic stamps!!

[@ExploringStamps]

A collector of fine art! Yeah I’m with you there, I go back and forth with the Bluenose vs the western cattle, I do have a (big) bias for US, but the Bluenose is just perfect.

[@josephwolfe1833]

@@ExploringStamps That whole Trans-Mississippi series is quite spectacular, probably, as a whole, the most beautiful series ever produced. There are also a few African countries that produced amazing stamps, check out almost any stamp from Nyassa or from The Mozambique Company!

[@ExploringStamps]

@@josephwolfe1833 100% agree with everything you said in this comment. I especially love French territory stamps, their engraving is spectacular.

[@RedDevil5081]

Graham, I think there are just too many fantastic stamps. No single one is the most beautiful. 🍻

[@ExploringStamps]

A title to be shared among many 😊 🍻

[@RobertHowe-zv7gs]

Stamps were much more beautiful long ago ; true works of art !

[@jameswardell1840]

Well, my 2¢? The cattle stamp is certainly a beauty, that entire series is quality in terms of design and printing. But I think the 1901 Pan American series can give it a run for the money, and the National Parks series of 1934 is really one of my faves. As for the Bluenose...as a Canadian I think it's nice, but that whole era of Canadian stamps had real quality of design. Many of the pictorials of the late 1920s and into the 1930s were very beautiful. In fact there are two other ship stamps, the 1933 Royal William ( SC# 204) and the1935 Royal Yacht Britannia (SC#216) which when seen with the Bluenose make a rather beautiful philatelic regatta! You're right, it's all subjective, but that's the wonderful thing about this hobby isn't it? There's always something to please everyone. Great video, as usual Graham!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks James, great comments and I agree with them all. The 1901 Pan American series is excellent, Ted just brought up the 2c train as a top contender. I love the idea of a ‘beautiful philatelic regatta’ 😆 👏 wonderful!! 🇨🇦

[@OrangeNash]

@@ExploringStamps In my opinion, a lot of the early USA stamps are quite plain and don't stand out from any other countries of that era. However, I do agree that this series and the 1901 Pan American stand out as beautiful designs. The 2c Train from 1901 would get my vote as most attractive US stamp! Even though I'm new to this, was going through some US stamps and that 2c Train stood out, it was one I gazed at for a long time! Interesting to know that others see something special in it, too.

[@fareast_de]

Great educational vid on early American stamps with a fantastic editing, thanks for sharing. BTW: both sets (Columbus and Trans- Missisippi) are hard to get in mint pristine condition as a full set. And for a reasonable price as well ! Greets from GER, U.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. Yes they are REALLY difficult to get in pristine mint condition as a full set, I was impressed too see the prices of each of the stamps on the market. Thanks for watching!

[@JessicaCristinaMourao]

Thursday night 🌙 is corncake day watching Exploring Stamps 🎉

[@ExploringStamps]

oh yum 😋. Thursday night is Chicken pie 🥧 and baked beans for me 😅. Hope you enjoy it!

[@lostinstamps]

Amazing study, thank you for a very interesting video!

[@StampmanVideos]

It’s funny that the thought of beautiful stamps brings up a lot of old issues. I like some of the 1934 National Parks ones a lot, like Mt. Rainier’s. A lot of more recent stamps are really cool looking, but they don’t do the sort of painted scene thing of the past that would make me specifically think “beautiful”. The exception might be the Nature of America series, but those rely on a lot of selvage.

[@ExploringStamps]

I was thinking about this as well! While looking for US stamps for the collage towards the end of the vid, I couldn’t find many newer issues that I could associate with the word “beautiful”. Perhaps I score the craftsmanship of a complex engraving higher, knowing that an artist put an immense amount of work into it versus a team of computer graphic designers? or is it just a “classic issues” = beautiful bias that I have?

[@skooter6235]

Great video!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊

[@siam1883]

It took a while to go through my US collection carefully and look for "beauty" and not just my favorite. I settled on the 1934 National Parks 1 cent El Capitan stamp with the blue 5 cent Yellowstone Park issue close behind. The line engraving of that entire set is superb and renders America's national wonders in a stamp size format most remarkably well. Cattle in Storm does have atmosphere and I don't under rate it, although cattle running around Scotland qualifies it as more of an international, rather than an American, classic. Another great video presentation and one that made me revisit my US stamps that I sometimes take for granted.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Chai, 😊glad I sent you on a tour through your US collection. The 1934 National Parks set seems to be a fav for many collectors here, GREAT choice!

[@LouisGedo]

Excellent episode !

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Louis 😊

[@jameslove1092]

Hi graeme. It was made from painting done by a scotsman who stayed 30 miles from my house. Great videos. Best regards from James in Scotland. Keep licking.

[@MichaelMechsner]

Great behind the scenes look. A ton of work. I hope you either LOVE it or it makes $$$ either way, thanks for the insight!

[@randymoore4027]

CE1 & CE2 Special Delivery Stamps, C23 Airmail stamp, 1$ George VI Hong Kong “1946 Victory” stamp!

[@josephwolfe1833]

I was looking through my US collection and I think some of the early revenues, mostly with George Washington's image, with the blue colour especially, are some of the most beautiful engraved stamps that were ever done!

[@ExploringStamps]

Yeah totally. When thinking of revenue stamps, I immediately think of the 1926 1oz Tobacco, there are some real beauties within the rev stamp space.

[@umasankarbanerjee3593]

Excellent video

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@iamcoolkiddo]

Hi Graham, love ur videos. Hope you and Laura are safe, You will not belive which stamps i found last week. Last week i was checking the store room as i searching for my ps2, accidently i stumbled into some albums which were made out of leather. i took them out of the store room and brought it to my room and when i opened them they were hundreds of rare stamps and highly sort-after postal cover. One was from the hindenburg and also in one dark album there was a secret compartment, which contained .............................THE BLUE MAURITIUS STAMP!!!!! At that time i literally fainted. Now to add them to MY stamp collection p.s _ the collection was of my great great grandfather.

[@valuablestampsandcoin]

Always great stamps video sharing 👌🎉

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊 thanks for watching!!

[@chaostheory6238]

I like the Western Cattle in a Storm stamp but I think it's just slightly beaten by the 1934 Yosemite 1 cent stamp. It's just such a beautiful engraving and depicts such a tranquil scene. On top of that i think the light green color really hits it home. The Trans-Mississippi and National parks are truly beautiful commemorative designs in my opinion. I think the national parks series gets bonus points though since they are so easy to acquire. Love your videos by the way. They are so well made!

[@ExploringStamps]

It looks like you are not alone with the National Parks series, several other folks have mentioned them in these comments, and you are 100% right. The Yosemite stamp is gorgeous!! A fine contender for US #1 in beauty. Glad you are enjoying the videos :D. Thank you so much for watching!

[@LorenzoPimentel-fv8fj]

​@@ExploringStamps kq❤ 😊w

[@kamalabenmayatra6357]

Pretty stamp in black, Didn't knew they were supposed to be bi color stamps but it would have also great, but history tells us, some mistakes or decisions are made for the best, so we got the awesome fully Black Cattle stamp! And which is Scottish but American haha

[@keesdewaard206]

Both stamps are in my opinion, indeed very beautiful. Sorry to say that at this moment I cannot really identify a most beautiful stamp for myself and I guess most of us may be biased towards their own country or continent even...However I would love to add both the Bluenose and Western Castle in storm to my collection, one had to have dreams 😉 Thank you for the interesting content again, enjoyed watching very much!

[@hirschy10]

Great information keep it going 😁👍👍.AUAUAU😎

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 thanks Mark!!

[@dennyd4848]

I love the old style behind the way they used to make the printing plates (another good video subject), so many of these old stamps constantly fascinate me - and there are many from all over the world that are my favourites. Being Canadian; I agree on the Bluenose, yet we had many others just as beautiful. Also collecting old US, they have many series just as lovely - I particularly love the Natural Parks series from 1934! 👌 📮

[@adamhuffman3354]

Yes I’m fond of the old printing methods as well. Even certain type in old books too!

[@user-tm9ex9om7j]

Magnificant!!! Thank you!!!

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching 😊

[@danielfell2992]

Great episode Graham. I learned a lot. I wouldn’t call it my top pick for beauty but love the back story.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Daniel! Glad you enjoyed the episode.

[@jimgordon6629]

Hands down the most beautiful US stamp. Worldwide, I would call attention to the 1933 Falkland Islands set, particularly the 4d, which overall I think is the most beautiful set, although there’s something about “Cattle in Storm” that sets it apart. I agree with you about the Canadian stamp. I also love the Cape of Good Hope triangles and many of the French colonials

[@greaterbostonphilatelicsociety]

Loved this! Decided I wanted to get one of these stamps then saw the prices GAK!

[@ExploringStamps]

Yup, the prices can get scary… look up what the ones on cover go for at auction 😱

[@Shadow-1949]

It is a Beautiful stamp . I’m drawn to US airmail . I find them beautiful as well .

[@markbarret6836]

The beautiful 5 cents Rocky moutain beacon airmail.

[@byronsbrain]

Wonderful video, I can't wait to read all the comments!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Karen 😊 there are some interesting contenders listed in the comments.

[@dannysunay4386]

I have never seen any of them in person, but I have to go with a stamp I do have, an old Lincoln stamp I was given for my 18th birthday. The only stamp I own. I like it because of the person it represents and it does not have ink all over it! It is clean!! Thank you grandpa!!! Rest in peace!😊❤

[@kettleofseveralfish]

I don't really have any particular favourite US stamps, but my all time favourites have always been the Latin American History set issued by Cuba in 1992. The colours of the ocean are just so gorgeous.

[@kettleofseveralfish]

(And of that set my favourite is the shipwreck of the Santa Maria)

[@ExploringStamps]

What an interesting and colorful set of stamps! I hadn’t seen these before, thank you for pointing them out, the ocean colors are indeed spectacular 😊

[@martstar1]

I've always thought they looked like Highland cows and turns our they are. The bluenose is a great stamp and would look good on any wall but idk if either I'd call my favourite.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Martin, if you do think of a favorite, do let us know 😊 thanks for watching!!

[@mrbharathkiran.1508]

Nice video

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊

[@isabelleisles7649]

The jury is still out for me... it is quite a lovely stamp, but the MOST beautiful?...

[@ExploringStamps]

Ah, once the Jury comes back, let me know what the decision is, and if there is a MORE beautiful stamp in mind 😊

[@40belowful]

I like the graf zepplin stamps

[@ExploringStamps]

👍👍 you are not alone there!

[@coreychipman]

It is one of the first stamps I would show someone it I was to familiarize them with U.S. stamps. If I owned one.😳Thank you Graham!

[@ExploringStamps]

Absolutely, it’s a wonderful 🇺🇸 stamp to show, thanks Corey 😊

[@HudsonValleyVHS]

Stamps I like most are all B.O.B., Scott R.132 & R.133 look like fantasy peices, Scott F1 is a beautiful registration tape and cheap , C11(cheap), C13 - 15, C23 (borderline free). I prefer early portraits to commemorative with regular postage... But some I enjoy along with the stamp series from the video are actually very common and cheap 565, 566, 569, The 43 -44 Overrun Countries Issues, 772, The 1934 National Park Issues (especially Yosemite and Yellowstone) the Edison Lightbulb Stamp also, I could go on forever.

[@NisargSutaria]

Awesome :-)

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks 🤗

[@jameslove1092]

Hi. I stay about 30 miles from callander. Best regards from james in scotland.

[@ExploringStamps]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 😊 thanks for watching!

[@rogerturner1881]

another wonderful epis,hope you and Laura had a great Easter...Wow that top 10 was a great one, incl the Greek one at #5, set of 4 from 1926 and worth 100 euros in MNH. If #5dr it was in an imperf pair would be 1200 euros. I don't have the set.

[@ExploringStamps]

Those Greek stamps were ahead of their time. 👏. Thanks Roger, glad you enjoyed it.

[@reggersbach24]

I was sure I had seen this but alas it appears I did not. Take heart Graham. I believe that there are stamps that are just appalling examples, but some stamps get more beautiful the longer we collect. I agree with your sentiments about this stunning U.S. Stamp.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Reg!! Yep it’s a stunning US stamp, and I agree, some stamps get more beautiful the longer we collect 😊 thanks for watching!!

[@jetphilatelics]

Another fantastic episode, Graham! I wonder how many other U.S. postage stamps feature Scottish artwork...

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Jack! When I first learned about the Scottish connection, I was a little deflated, but since then I’ve become more fascinated by it and almost love the stamp more because of this weird little fact, glad you enjoyed the episode, thanks for watching 😊

[@Galo1908mg]

Just another great episode! In brazilian philately there is kind of a consensus that the most beautiful stamp ever issued in Brasil is the “Auriverde stamp” or “selo dom pedro II abacaxi”. I tottaly agree

[@ExploringStamps]

Ooo I just looked it up 👀, very elegant 🇧🇷 😊 glad you enjoyed it!!

[@stampcollector0452]

I think US #C23 Airmail is one of the best and I think $1 cattle in storm is #4 out of top 5 if it got a new vote

[@ExploringStamps]

Great choice! We should def have another vote, I’d be curious to see the results.

[@stampcollector0452]

@@ExploringStamps We'll maybe you could run a poll with your platform ! would love to see the results

[@jackmlynek8817]

While there are so many, as a Canadian, I'm partial to the $10 Blue Whale.

[@ExploringStamps]

That is a heck of a stamp! 🐋

[@kelvidaniels9417]

Such a well made and thought out video. Thank you for doing these. (I think its the most beautiful, what beats it?)

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for watching, Kelvi 😊

[@tedlawrence4189]

My fav us is scott #573. The $5 "America" issue in bi-color. My fav. UK is the 5 pound Queen Victoria. I have both in lovely mint condition with the us in nh and the gb og prev.hinged but sound.

[@lucatitoq4781]

For me, the most beautiful US stamps are the three 1930 zepplin stamps (unfortunately I only have the cheaper 1933 30c baby zepplin). This one is still a beauty. great video as always

[@josephwolfe1833]

The 1930 Zeppelin stamps really are spectacular. I have been lucky enough to find the first two used for reasonable prices but so far I haven't picked up the third one. You have to be very careful buying these stamps because a series of slightly larger reproductions exist. The originals are 49.5 mm by 22 mm , the fakes are 54.5 mm by 24.5 mm. Beware!!!

[@ExploringStamps]

Those are heavy hitters, including the Baby Zep which I still don’t have. Great choices!!

[@robertwhitson7471]

My vote is for the Winslow Homer 1962 painting. And what about all those gorgeous French multicolor engravings of great paintings!! Or the British colonial King George definitives that look like miniature postcards.

[@charleswulff3732]

When I look in my stamp albums I see hundreds of stamps that I think are # 1. I am just not going to make that choice as I love so many of them.

[@ExploringStamps]

Very wise of you 😊. Thanks for watching!

[@Pickers__Paradise]

Cool video fellow KZbinr !

[@YorgunDiktator]

İ think homamaker stamp is a good candidate too

[@ExploringStamps]

The 1964 one? Very cool.

[@YorgunDiktator]

@@ExploringStamps yea

[@voneschenbachmusic]

I think there are a lot of modern US issues that may be much nicer stamps but inertia keeps these classic beauties on the top. Personally I like the 29-cent Grace Kelly stamp and a lot of the duck stamp designs much better and different values of the same set.

[@ExploringStamps]

Ooo the Grace Kelly is a beauty! Duck stamps and several revenues come to mind as well.

[@yvescote2808]

Very difficult for me. As a Canadien thé Bluenose is my preferet but I must say it is a difficult choice. On top of that blue is my favorite color!

[@ExploringStamps]

Indeed a tough choice, I’d love to see where the stamps would rank in a new vote. I have a feeling that the Bluenose would top the list again.

[@leslieselby5270]

As a Canadian collector, my vote goes to the 1929 Bluenose. I think my favorite US stamp is the 1969 First Moon Landing stamp.

[@ExploringStamps]

THAT is an excellent favorite to have when it comes to US stamps, It’s significance is as amazing as it’s visual beauty. Thanks Les 😊

[@SomniferousAlmondEyes]

I like any of the vignettes. Colr border with a black and white center. Makes me think of little TV screens to history.

[@ExploringStamps]

Oh yes I can see that 😊, a black and white tv with an elaborate design, 😂 👏

[@iainmalcolm9583]

Although I'm am from Edinburgh I have passed through Callander many time. Whilst it is in a beautiful part of Scotland, It is not in the Highlands but in Central Scotland. It is a beautiful stamp but you can find a cheaper and better picture of Highland Cattle on the UK 1984 cattle series.

[@ExploringStamps]

Well, it’s known as the gateway to the highlands, and it’s highland cattle, so close enough for me. 😊

[@rogerturner1881]

It would be interesting to ask 'which US stamp set is the most beautiful ? Hoping that you'll be soon on another episode.

[@ExploringStamps]

I would also be interested to see the rankings today. New episode coming soon!

[@MrDEWaters]

The 1923 Head of Freedom has also been mentioned as being the most beautiful U.S. stamp.

[@ExploringStamps]

A worthy contender, no doubt!

[@andyhutchins3522]

As an Englishman I am just starting my collection of American stamps and I have to say they are amazing, especially the older stamps. I'm sure you or your viewers would know the answer (I think I do too) to the question "who features the most on U.S stamps over the years, my feeling is George Washington but I'd be interested to know who if it's not him? The oldest I have is an amazing Imperforate Orange Brown type I of George Washington 3c from 1851 but I love all the early years up to the 1950's. I know a lot of people will rave about the 1898 Trans Mississippi Exposition set and in particular the $1 Western Cattle in Storm stamp, or the Pan- American Exposition set of 1901, or the 1918 Curtiss Jenny set, of which I have all three values, sadly no Inverted Jenny, (all great sets) but for me the artwork of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition set and the story telling of the 1925 150th Battle of Lexington-Concord are very hard to beat. Living in the UK access to reasonably priced U.S. stamps is very limited, seems everyone has jumped on the stamp band wagon since Covid and the explosion of stamps online.

[@mikeywestside8509]

Most beautiful US stamp...for me, it would either be the USS Constitution from 2011, or the Golden Spike stamps from 2019.

[@ExploringStamps]

Nice! Some excellent modern taste to add to list. The USS constitution stamp is quite a pretty stamp. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@alanpower2857]

I have this whole set in mint. The $2 seems to oxidize like crazy. I honestly don't have a favourite stamp design. I know which ones cost me the most but it's too hard to pick a favourite.

[@markbarret6836]

I always like the $5 bust of liberty on US capital building.

[@user-dr5tx5kz7l]

For a personal favorite, considering the time frame of 1937, the color Brazil coffee stamp.

[@ExploringStamps]

Ohh wowww 😮, I’ve never seen that one before, what a beautiful stamp!! 🇧🇷

[@Snaveltje12]

Hey Graham, do you have a favorite type of postal cancelation? Around the year 1900, in the Netherlands we used the "kleinrond" (small round) postmark which was small, fit neatly on a single stamp and had a lot of dutch towns and city names represented.

[@ExploringStamps]

Interesting question 🤔 those kleinrond postmarks provide wonderful SOTN ‘Socked in the Nose’ examples. I also am a fan of a handcancel circular date postmark, but I have never thought of which one is a favorite. Thanks for the question 😊

[@Snaveltje12]

@@ExploringStamps Using the kleinrond postmarks I could collect all the dutch places I have lived to this day.

[@ExploringStamps]

@@Snaveltje12 that’s impressive, it gives a fun geographic challenge to your collection, very cool!!

[@josephwolfe1833]

What can be really interesting are some of the areas where the postmark contains a number that tells you where the letter was mailed. A few of the Canadian provinces did that and they make a very interesting side collection. Unfortunately this was done quite early in postal history and sometimes collecting numbered postmarks can be very expensive. I lately invested a lot of money and picked up a complete collection of British Columbia stamps and quite a few had numbered postmarks. Several had #35 which is Victoria and the most common. The numbers go up to 36 and some have yet to be found and some have been found but not identified. Many countries did this sort of thing and might make for an interesting program for you at some point.

[@Snaveltje12]

@@josephwolfe1833 Oh these canadian numerical cancellations are quite nice with the double circle design. In the Netherlands we had the numerical "puntstempel" between 1869 and 1893. The postmark had a diamond shape and made of single dots. Each post office (and not the smaller helper postoffices) had one with their own number.

[@dnile50]

It is. Yes it is. (And I have an excellent used one!)

[@ExploringStamps]

High five to that ✋. Treasure that stamp, it’s a gem!!

[@bobtablackdo8264]

I think the #1 Franklin is one for me

[@johnlowell5905]

I think some of the French colonials are beautiful, especially in the use of color combinations.

[@physics2112]

Like or Dislike: Like. Thank you for this enjoyable video.

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@jimhresco1728]

No doubt a beautiful stamp. For the most ominous I would have to go with the 1861 2c Jackson black #73. 😬

[@ExploringStamps]

It is indeed a dark and intriguing stamp. ‘Black Jacks’ always catch my eye in stamp albums.

[@madanbudhamagar3872]

Hello sir i m from nepal..my brother have a old stamp collections..like old stamp of usa ,old russia stamps,old holland stamp.we have many collection ..how we can sale stamps?.in nepal there is no good value ..plz sir reply

[@PatrickJackman-uo5ht]

Very interesting 🤔I have a Worldwide collection that covers my countries 😎🇧🇸

[@jackmlynek8817]

Hi Graham! I'm first!!!!

[@Snaveltje12]

Got you a first like

[@ExploringStamps]

Woohoo!!

[@robertdragone669]

Thank you for keeping 'stamp collecting mainstream'. I wonder thou; could you teach; academically? I have this passing thought, constantly, about all of the 'experts'. Stamp collecting, is a business, not a hobby. It needs too be treated as such. There must be a responsibility, too the facts. A true peer review, held accountable, by a formidable😊, academic university. Please, lead the way, in a degreed, academic venture. It is 100% necessary, for the continued growth, sustainability, and progress of this type of antiquity.

[@mpojol]

The stamp is beautiful, though the sad part is that the image/artwork was not an original one. If it happened today, an apology won't suffice 😅

[@ExploringStamps]

Absolutely, I immediately think about the Statue of Liberty stamp where they used an artists photo of the Las Vegas one…. It was a huge lawsuit

[@zakshakey4686]

Priceless philatelic comedy that the most beautiful USA issue is based on a Scottish backdrop - I can see a potential British movie in the pipeline here.. maybe someone contact Irvine Welsh... Anyone have his number/email? anyone? anyone? Bueller?🤔 🤣🤣🤣 I think based on the artwork it is very impressive but the story behind a stamp is really what gives it its true value for me.. So for that reason, it is definitely up there with the big hitters..

[@gerryfedde3040]

For decades and decades "Western Cattle in Storm" was my grail stamp, and eventually after four years of trying I snagged one on an auction, only to be a little deflated to learn the cattle making their way through the snow were doing so in Scotland and not in the West. Still, though, it's hands down the most beautiful US stamp whatever the true origin of its subject matter. As to the "Bluenose," I don't get it. I think the C-13 Graf Zep stamp skimming over the ocean has it beat and, for me, the rendition of the choppy water below the dirigible is the most realistic depiction of a sea you'll find on any stamp.

[@ExploringStamps]

Ah same here, I was initially deflated when learning about the cattle, but I have since grown more of a liking to it as it’s a bit of a quirky little fact 😆. The Graf Zepps should def be in that list, and could probably stand up to the Bluenose… but don’t tell any Canadians that I said that 🤫

[@jackmlynek8817]

@@ExploringStamps Boo!

[@jasont659]

Personally I've never been as crazy on that series. The etching always seemed more blurred to me than some of the definitive stamps near the same period. And some of those you have the outer red with black centers that even over time just pop. I feel like the Norse-American stamps had cleaner lines (of course few years later the Blue Nose stamp came out). I also feel there is too much busy movement in the borders which like the Columbus series kind of washes out the image some. Maybe if they did the actual dual color, I might like this series better. Of course if you are looking at more recent-ish, there are stamps such as the Plant for a more Beautiful America. Which that is one of the top rated ones also. Sometimes some of the early commemorative stamps I feel like they tried too much. Not saying I would not put them in my albums (which I do have them). And if you get a cancel right over the image vs on the edge, kiss the image goodbye. Just my thoughts and ramble. lol

[@MondoProducer]

I wish I could speak to someone regarding some stamps I have that are 50 t0 100 years old and see if I can sell....Recommendations?

[@ExploringStamps]

Depends on where you live and where the stamps are from. Check out the dealer directories on the PTS Philatelic Traders Society and APS American Philatelic Society websites, and reach out to the dealers with photos.

[@MondoProducer]

@@ExploringStamps Thanks you so much. I catch you show when you are on!

[@LawrenceFisher]

As you said, beauty is in the beholder and this beholder doesn't much care for the beauty of any American stamps.

[@ExploringStamps]

ok. Cool.

[@LawrenceFisher]

@@ExploringStamps But I loved the story about the artist

[@tedtalksstamps]

Put me down as a no. 😁 There are any number of US stamps I find more attractive - the 2c train from the Pan American set (Scott 295), the Benjamin Franklin 2nd Bureau issue (Scott 300), and the 14c American Indian from the 4th Bureau issue (Scott 565 and 695) spring immediately to mind. And for a modern issue, the Columbia Jays (Scott 1241 and C71).

[@ExploringStamps]

Ah I didn’t think of the 2c train, that’s a goodie… I definitely thought of the 14c American Indian and included it in the collage at the end. Also great choice for a modern issue with the Jays 👏 👏

[@mrbharathkiran.1508]

Please make a video about Indian stamps

[@ExploringStamps]

I hope to do one soon

[@JLL12345]

King George V Seahorses, for me. However, I’m British and biased. 😉

[@ExploringStamps]

😆 when it comes to the UK, I think I prefer the PUC stamp over the seahorses… this is another hot debate!

[@N-N_Collectables]

I have seen better American stamps, in my opinion. But I definitely see how that one is a favorite for many people

[@ExploringStamps]

Yep it definitely depends on people’s taste and thoughts on beauty. There are several good contenders for that position, the US definitely doesn’t have any shortage of them 😊 thanks for watching!

[@StampswithSara1]

I thought to stick with the world decision. 😅

[@ExploringStamps]

Good idea 😊. Thanks Sara!!

[@MikePascoePhD]

What does ChatGPT say? 😂 Also, since beauty is subjective and so are survey results, I would love to hear the under represented minority opinion on this question. As a white male, I can easily cast a vote for a Columbian stamp. However, history (stamps) has white washed the activities of Columbus and other European colonizers. So would a group of collectors with Native American ancestry view these stamps differently? Can you separate the beauty of the engraving from the content of the vignette? Thanks for calling out the subjectivity of beauty to start your video Graham!!

[@bradanderson3042]

This is an interesting conversation, and could be directed at any country, say South Africa? What's your vote for most beautiful South African Stamp Graham?

[@olivermiller2013]

I can´t say, what is the most beautiful US stamp or even of the world. As you said, this is subjective. And is this Canadian stamp overestimated? Hm, I know that Canada same as US brought many nice stamps out and the priniting method, which were using many countries is one of the best to get beautiful stamps. This priniting method is not common today and that is why I mostly collect stamps up to 1950/55. In my opinion the Ohama set is really nice and I do not even know which one is the nicest in my opinion. I like the 4 cent quite a lot, but also all of the other ones. It is extremly difficult to get this set mint, even the high valuas are cancelled expensive as well, so you have to invest a lot of money. I like them mint more, but I have only some minor values mint and cancelled I´m a bit better, but I do not have $1 or $2 in any condition. They are definitive worth having them in your collection. In US it is easier, in Germany/Europe for mint there are not many opportunities.

[@RichardTClark396]

The stamp is based off a old painting from Scotland wasn’t a USA landscape.

[@ExploringStamps]

3:45

[@00Honorus00]

How about finding the goofiest classical stamp in your opinion?

[@ExploringStamps]

Ooo that would be a fun one 🤔 😊

[@pinkgirl1x]

I was expecting the ugliest stamps you caught me offguarded😂

[@ExploringStamps]

Ha! I like to keep you guessing 😊 I’m still working on that list, there are so many suggestions from the online community.

[@kgbstudio]

ugliest stamps would be surely a cool humourous episode, lol

[@ExploringStamps]

😂 I agree!!

[@lanuiiohu]

no

[@ExploringStamps]

Cool, do you have any particular stamps in mind that should take its place as the most beautiful? 😊

[@lanuiiohu]

@@ExploringStamps I didn't see any great stamps in America, but I did see a few in other country (Tahiti)

[@jeffreyhalvorson31]

Disaagree. It isn't even the most beautiful stamp in the set.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Jeffrey 😊 what would you put as the top set and/or stamp?