Which Country Produces The Best Stamps?


Does anyone have a specific country in mind when they think of top quality stamp production? If so, any era in particular?

For me its King George V era British Colony stamps.

Before 1960, a large number of entities didn't really "produce" their own stamps. For large parts of the earth, the stamps were decided upon by the colonial power - Britain and France in particular.

Best stamps? Czechoslovakia's.

When I think of top quality stamps, I'm all over the place, but if forced to choose one country, I would go with Canada stamps from circa 1908 (Quebec Tercentenary) through 1946 (King George VI Peace Issue). These stamps have a depth to them that make them jump off the page, and the #158 Bluenose (1929) is often mentioned as the most beautiful stamp from Canada but I would argue it is one of the most beautiful stamps in the world!

From my collection ...

China produces the best modern USA stamps. No contest.

I was tempted to say something like that but I held back.

Great minds think alike.

All the USPS has to do is to introduce new Forever stamps with a picture of Winnie The Pooh, lying flat.

IMO, some of the best engraving was made on the France Semi-Postal stamps between 1930-1950.

As a group. I like the King George VI issues using local themes. Most all were nicely engraved.

Your question could use some clarification as to what you mean by "top quality stamp production"?.

Do you mean best designed stamps which relates to design and engraving quality. I'd say Sweden and Switzerland and a few others are in this category well ahead of many other nations. The U.S. sometimes, France, and others, as well.

Or prettiest stamps which means subjects and images you like? That's up to you, of course.

Or most practical stamps meaning the ability to design, engrave and print stamps quickly and efficiently and then distribute them -- and perhaps not overproduce them -- in a business sense. The world's major stamp printers service many countries, but it's those printers that deserve the kudos more than the countries that simply request, receive and pay for them.

I'm a sucker for a lot of Classic Era stamps with beautiful borders and historical vignettes or famous people, but I also like great engraving (Czeslaw Slania is a favorite as is el-Mekki from Tunisia) and many modern stamps, as well. Tunisia had a long run of excellent, clever stamps as did Japan and France. Sweden, Switzerland, and Czechoslovakia had especially well designed stamps for many years.