Thursday, March 22, 2012

World Currencies List Project

With the undertaking of the World Currencies List Project, Colnect, which currently has the most comprehensive list of currencies in the world, hopes to attain all known currencies and denominations of legal tender.



There are over twelve-hundred currencies featured in the Banknote section on Colnect at this time. More can be done with it, however, and we need your help.

The avid colnecting contributors, BrunosapiJens and Rubycored, have made it their mission to carefully construct a complete list of currencies in a visually clear aesthetic, with their respective country names, like they are featured on Wikipedia's less extensive currencies list.



Before the Updated Currencies List, users could upload their own currency on Colnect and edit entries on the list themselves, because it was unlocked. But this led to discrepancies in entries of the same denomination that were written in as "pounds" instead of "pound," for instance. Now this is not the case, and professionals are on the site to modify the currencies list.



For those of you who are proactive and wish to help out with the Colnect currencies list, please keep an eye out for duplicate entries. If you spot any, there is a duplicates report that can be filled out and sent to iflvico.

You can also view the Instructions on Adding/Editing Currencies here. As always, enjoy the tremendous array of Banknotes and collectibles featured on the Colnect collection connection site.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Best Matches - Colnect's New Kick-Ass Feature!

We're so very happy to announce a unique and unrivaled feature on Colnect called "Best Matches".

Find swap partners in seconds using Best Matches, a POWERFUL feature offered exclusively on Colnect! Colnect sophisticatedly suggests who you are most likely to have a good exchange with. The suggestions are based on your own Personal Collection and those of all active members of Colnect. The algorithm automatically tries to find collectors who have many items that you want and, at the same time, want items you can offer.

This feature has long been requested and awaited by many collectors and its implementation will definitely revolutionize the way collectors exchange. With Colnect's unique auto-match feature, collectors could already easily see what they can exchange with another member but they still had to check other members profiles to see who it is they are likely to find a good match with. Now even this tedious part shall be done automatically.

Using "Best Matches" is extremely simple and only takes a single click.



Happy matching :)

Friday, March 16, 2012

Collection of Ireland's Vintage Beer Coasters Shows Best-Selling Brew Guinness's History - Colnect Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors collect are in fact associated with certain collections that have corroborated over time. To commemorate these specially themed collections, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information that are relevant to them.

Through our “Colnect Collectibles” series we will highlight special collections by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with organized collectibles of related issue.




Rarely do history and beer coasters go hand in hand, like they do in the gorgeous collection out of Ireland featured here on Colnect. Since its inception over two hundred and fifty years ago by Arthur Guinness of St. James Gate in Dublin, Ireland, innovative, history wielding, and fun beer coasters have accompanied the brew. Above is an Arthur Guinness Son & Co. product explaining how the beer barrels were distributed via river barges for over two hundred years in Ireland.



On others, the lineage of bottled Guinness in "stone stouts" is made clear by beautiful pictures capturing the different ages of bottling techniques and the clear and proud Guinness signature on their own bottle.



Even the early pre-Twentieth century methods for racking the massive wooden kegs of beer are captured in glorious vintage depictions of a man manually rolling the barrel carefully along the racking shed for distribution. The Guinness stout has long been a staple of the world beer market, and will be for quite some time.



The Guinness beer coaster collection out of Ireland is unique and awesome in its recollection of the brew master's fabled past, and the famous caretakers of the brewery have felt it necessary to share their forgotten methods and photos to bring fans of the beer closer together through history. Find many more historic, educational, or exhilarating collectibles on Colnect.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Five Star System of Contribution Implemented

Here at Colnect there is a new way to recognize the great collaborators that have made our catalogs as amazing as they are: there is now a Five Star Contribution attribution for dedicated Colnectors!



Recommendations for stars come from the Colnect coordinators and are awarded by our community manager iflvico and by our translations manager BrunosapiJens.

Though the Star System is hard to give guidelines for, it can be defined as a rewards system that attempts to estimate the amount of assistance given by volunteers on Colnect. If a member adds 1000 items with little information and another adds 100 items with excellent details, then they might get the same star treatment.

The general guidelines for the three star system were based on an estimate of how many hours the collector gave in helping Colnect (or how many hours the coordinator would estimate the contribution to be worth):
1 star > 5 hours
2 stars > 50
3 stars > 200

Since achieving the last of the the previous Three Stars for recognition of contributions, Colnect has seen fit to expand the field to Five Star ratings, which can be seen on the many interesting collectors' profile pages. This should result in more stars being rewarded.




Colnect continues to grow because of the many dedicated members that arduously donate their time and energy to bolster the organization of the vast array of collectibles on our catalogs. There are numerous Colnectors that continue to organize, correct, and contribute to the many wondrous artifacts on Colnect, from the Cozel bottle cap's sheik red coloring of the Czech Republic top, to the evil Darth Maul's Star Wars gift card from Toys-R-us.




You can tune in to the ongoing forum about the Five Star Contribution system, and as always, please continue to collect and to revel in Colnecting!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

UNIQUE FEATURE: Colnect Item Score

Sink your teeth into the Item Scores! Colnect Item Scores are calculated for each collectible and even each seamless stamp with a bellowing tyrannosaurus dinosaur that, despite its detailed likeness, will not eat the rest of your collection (or so we hope).



The Item Scores help to attribute value and determine the rarity of the pieces collected and featured on our listings. The more that members desire an item, the higher the Item Score. On the other hand, the collectibles that are featured in many collections will have lower Item Scores, as they are less rare.

Members and visitors alike can also easily sift through the myriad treasures by an easy search method: there is a filter to look at items that are only of a Medium or higher accuracy rating or just High Accuracy. There are scores of items that are uploaded onto Colnect, and the Item Score ensures whether or not these are accurate, allowing for Colnectors to more easily determine what they want to look at.

This is made apparent on this look at a search of the highest scoring stamps with at least Medium accuracy.You can view and comment on the announcement in the forum for the Item Score.



Colnect users can sort any List by the Item Score. Finding hard-to-find collectibles, from coins, to stamps, to bank notes has just gotten a lot easier.

Be sure to tune in to the forums and cast votes. The archives, catalogs, and collections are here to be enjoyed.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Egypt Regained Freedom from England - February 28 - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


Egypt was born ninety years ago, today, on February 28, 1922 when Great Britain officially conceded via a unilateral declaration of Parliament that Egypt was a free country. With its independence, came an identity: this is Egypt.



The post card is often a rare window into the past, and here in Colnect's catalogs there is featured Egypt's gorgeous This is Egypt post card to highlight the ancient culture and the history surrounding their freedom from colonization.

When the British army defeated the Egyptians in 1882 at Tel El Kebir, a colony was born that would not be rescinded until a nationalist movement began an uprising and ultimately a revolution that ousted the foreign rule in 1922.

The rich culture of Egypt, once free, could share its amazing ancient pyramids, artifacts, and history of one of the world's earliest successful civilizations. The post card is tremendously realistic; the only word is "Egypt" in white, and a man rests on a camel on the desert dunes with the incredible wonders of the world: the Gaza pyramids lining the horizon at either sunset or sunrise. The colorful browns and oranges from this piece are breathtaking.

Post cards are one of the myriad treasures that are stored on Colnect for all collectors to find and enjoy.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Anniversary of Disney's Pinocchio - February 23 - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


On February 23, 1940 Walt Disney's animated version of the classic fairy tale Pinocchio opened in the United States. It would go on to become a world-wide success and sensation, in part because it's based on an age-old European folk tale.



Colnect brings forth another rarity from from out of its vast stamp catalog, and this Pinocchio from the 1980 Christmas series in Turks and Caicos Islands is over thirty years young. The legendary tale was probably passed on via oral tradition long before it was written down. Pinocchio is a wooden boy crafted by a lonely smithy, and Pinocchio comes to life to fulfill the wishes of the man to have a son. In the Disney movie, as in the lore, whenever Pinocchio lies his nose grows long.

The 40 x 38 mm rectangular four cent Pinocchio stamp was released on the twenty-fifth of September in Turks and Caicos Islands, and it showcases a gorgeous scene from the Disney film of 1940. The bordering is white and the nose of the wooden Pinocchio is so long that a bird nest is out on the end of it, complete with baby blue birds and Jiminy Cricket.

Be sure to tap into the massive amount of rare collectibles and stamps on Colnect.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

John Glenn's First Orbiting of Earth - February 20 - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to completely orbit the earth in a spacecraft. He was the third man to enter space and a pioneer of the world's space exploration.



The amazing stamp collection archive of Colnect features a rarity in the Maldives Space Explorations of US and USSR series with the John Glenn and USA Mercury Spacecraft stamp.

The space race captured the attention of people all over the globe, as human beings strove for the mastery of discovering what lay beyond earth's atmosphere. John Glenn was pivotal to the US's voyages into the great beyond, and on February 20 1962, he became the first to actually orbit the planet.

The achievements of Glenn are beautifully represented on the rectangular two Maldivian laari valued stamp of Maldives. It was issued in February of 1974, and is not only in great shape, but is strikingly colorful and detailed. John Glenn and the USA voyager Mercury are shown amidst a starry backdrop of green, blue and black space.

Who would not want to relive the epic space endeavors through the fabled stamp collections of Colnect and its historic and interesting collectors' finds?

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Retirement of Cycling Legend Lance Armstrong - February 16 - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


One year ago, on this day, the legendary bicycler of unparalleled success and determination, Lance Armstrong, announced his retirement from the sport that brought him to every corner of the globe.



Colnect proudly features the Lance Armstrong Nike gift card amongst its vast catalog of rare collectibles.

February 16, 2011 marked the end of an era for the world-wide sport of professional road racing cycling. Lance Armstrong is history and inspiration. His achievement of seven consecutive Tour de France wins, from 1999 to 2005, has yet to be matched. And it is all the more reason to look up to Armstrong who was diagnosed as having testicular cancer that required brain and other surgeries and chemotherapy from 1996 onward. The man did not quit and went on to win many awards, including Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year award, and he has founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation to research the fight against cancer.

Nike launched this Lance Armstrong gift card in the US, and it features the man on his bike in his patented yellow Live Strong duds and extended racing helmet. Few men have inspired so many to not only fight cancer vehemently but to win over it and help others battle too.

Gift cards
of rare makes and valuable photographs are posted by myriad collectors on Colnect, where the world's treasures are highlighted and categorized.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Anniversary of the Barbie Doll - February 13 - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


One of the most recognized toys and doll personalities of all time first went on sale on this day, February 13, in 1959.



There is some dispute as to whether the Barbie doll was born on the February date or in March of the same year, but what is certain is that she appeared at the 1959 American international Toy Fair and that her cozy size, long models' legs and her flowing hair made Barbie an instant staple in American consumer's and collector's homes alike, and Colnect recognizes the fifty-third anniversary of her first going on sale with a rare one dollar silver coin from Tuvalu. The gorgeous coin is a fiftieth anniversary issue and is one of a mint of only twenty thousand.



Barbie, the fashion doll, became Mattel's figurehead since her inception, and the company made the Barbie doll not only a fun toy for people to dress up in myriad clothes that could be bought, but also held themes and limited runs putting Barbies in the collectible categories of the world.

The smooth round Barbie coin was made in the Perth mint in Australia and it features a dead-on likeness of Queen Elizabeth II on one side and Barbie Fiftieth Anniversary on the other. Most of the coin is silver, but the Barbie side does have a cloud of pink to infuse the famous doll with one of her favorite colors.

Colnect provides many categories for collectibles that are rare and valuable, and the Tuvalu Barbie silver coin is no exception.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

50th Anniversary of Signing of Jamaica's Independance - February 9 - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


February 9, 2012 is fifty years to the day that the tropical island in the Bahamas where Bob Marley was born, the beautiful country of Jamaica, officially signed for its independence in 1962.



Colnect's tremendous array of collectible postcards offers up a look at the truly colorful Jamaican Sunset as celebrated by this 1990 portrait.

Throughout the late nineteen fifties, Jamaica fought to leave the colonial power of the United Kingdom and joined the Federation of the West Indies as an autonomous British island. It was not until February 9, 1962 that Jamaica would sign to remove itself from the federation and become its own independent country. It was not recognized fully until August of the same year, but February 9th was the historic date when the people signed off on their own freedom.

The Jamaica City series postcard, Jamaican Sunset, highlights the extraordinary magic that the tropical island contains with nature's blessing. In this delightful postcard, there is no city to be found, only tall palm trees and green, red, orange, yellow, purple and black colors vividly photographed. Once freedom emerged for the island, the opportunity for the growth of reggae and the singer, innovator, and peaceful prophet Bob Marley became possible. The island's music would echoes the beaches, the slender trees, and the surreal sunset.

This postcard seems to capture the very essence of the heart of Jamaica, and this is one of many examples of Colnect's rare collectibles being both historic and incredibly poignant in their representations.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Muhammad Ali Capturing Title - February 6 - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


Possibly the greatest boxer in the history of the world, Muhammad Ali rose to recapture and win the W.B.A. championship by defeating Ernie Terrell in fifteen rounds on February 6, 1967; Ali had been previously stripped of his title for fighting a rematch against Sonny Liston.


Colnect proudly features Austria's commemorative Personalities stamp with their Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali beauty.

Shortly after winning the World Boxing Association's championship belt for the first time, boxer Cassius Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali to forever proclaim his allegiance to the Islamic faith. The fighter fought for peace throughout the world from that point on.

Due to his rebellious nature, the man who proclaimed himself "The Greatest" was stripped of the title, barely a month after this February 6th Terrell fight, because he refused to fight in the Vietnam War. Ali's stand is a historic event tied closely to his role model status that being a boxing champion garnered him: he did this before widespread protests had even begun, and he would help give credence to the anti-war movement throughout the world.

The Muhammad Ali stamp captures Ali standing over a knocked down opponent and taunting them, as he would often do; his quickness and patented crouched bobbing and weaving style were second to none. The golden background, bright red gloves, and detail make this 1.25 Euro stamp a true collectible.

View the numerous other stamps and Colnect categories to see rare treasures featuring historic events and highlights from all over the globe.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

MILESTONE: 222,222 Stamps Featured on Colnect!

One of Colnect's most auspicious collecting catalogs has grown leaps and bounds and now reached a new MILESTONE: as of today there are 222,222 stamps featured on Colnect.



Due to the hard work of the collectors, the colnectors - those working to keep Colnect up and running marathons, like the new coordinator assisting Lola22, Peti543 - and the precious collectibles themselves, the stamp archive on Colnect can boast its newest achievement that goes well over two hundred thousand stamps. Colnect has added over ten thousand stamps since November's last achievement.

Whether it is celebrating history and the International Book Year, in the Republic of Indonesia's beautiful seventy-five Indonesian rupiah stamp from 1972, or just a richly detailed and vividly colorful space exploration stamp from Mongolia, there is something here for everyone.



As you, the Colnect collectors, continue to bolster the vast archives with exceptionally extraordinary collectibles and artifacts, remember that it is through your work, pleasure, and connecting that the world gets to share and embrace the stamps, coins, post cards and all collectibles here.



Thank you and enjoy!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Building of Vimanmek Mansion - February 3 - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


Two hundred and twelve years later the gorgeous Vimanmek Mansion, the largest golden teakwood home in the world, is still one of the premier tourist attractions in Bangkok, Thailand.



The Vimanek Palace's creation in February of 1900 by Thailand's King Rama V is celebrated beautifully in one of Colnect's featured collectibles: the LENSO City of Culture Vimanek Palace Phone Card.



The world renowned mansion was constructed uniquely, without using a single nail with the golden teakwood. King Rama V built the Dusit Garden in between the Krungkasem canal and the Samsen canal and the Vimanek Mansion became its first permanent settlement, as King Rama V moved the royal family there.

This Thai baht phone card captures the essence of the innovative architecture found with the luxurious Vimanek Palace, which was renovated in 1982 to serve as a museum of Bangkok's culture and decadence. The phone card showcases the scarlet roof and the curvilinear golden wood walls amidst a glorious emerald lawn. The card itself is good for three hundred Thai baht worth of international calls.

The vast depths of Colnect's catalogs feature many rare, historic, and artistic artifacts in vogue with the Vimanek Palace phone card that is featured here today. Unique and amazing wonders of man's creation are celebrated for fun and, of course, for collecting.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Scout Phonecard Catalog: Meet Scoutmaster Tom Wolf [tomwolf]

Scouting is a worldwide youth movement and you can find young scouts all around the world. It is thus no wonder that scout themed phone cards are available from many different countries. Tom Wolf [tomwolf] has decided to create an extensive Scout Phonecard Catalog on Colnect. This impressive catalog now contains 660 different phone cards from 41 countries.

You are welcome to learn a bit about the man behind the catalog and join our greeting for taking such an endeavor.




"
My full name is Tom Wolf, I am 65 years old and I live in Sydney, Australia.
I was born in Budapest, Hungary and migrated with my family at the time of the revolution in 1956, arriving as an 11 year old child to Australia. I was educated here and went to the University of Sydney where I graduated with a Law Degree.
I still speak and write fluent Hungarian and I have now almost totally retired from work so as to enjoy traveling around the world. I am married with 3 grown up sons, sadly none of them are collectors.
I have many interests and somehow find time to enjoy all of them, I have a very advanced phonecard collection but I limit my collection to Australia and its near neighbour New Zealand as well as some European countries and Israel.
My late father was a stamp collector (mainly Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg - the "classical collection") and I find collecting to be a method of training the mind to be very organised, an asset I found useful in my profession. Apart from phonecards I also collect just about everything like cigarette cards and even matchbox labels but my real interest is phonecards.
Other than the Scout Phonecard Catalog I have been a regular contributor to Colnect, I am the original author of the Australian Catalog but unfortunately the collection of phonecards has almost disappeared here (just like in other countries).
Even at my age I remain an active Scout although I only got interested in this past-time in my mid 30's, but I still enjoy the outdoor and active way of life.
I am limited by ill health with coronary arterial problems (I have had a 4x bipass and a 2x bipass over the past 18 years).
Somehow, in addition to all the collecting I also find time to build and fly radio control model airplanes, I sail radio control sail boats, I build plank-on-plank model square-rig sailing ships and I mould from metal and then paint 25mm tin soldiers of the Battle of Waterloo, I have more than 800 infantry, 350 cavalry and 100 artillery pieces.
I guess all this explains why I stopped working about 3 years ago, it also means I get little sleep because in addition to all this I also try to keep all my contacts with friends and family all over the world on the internet, by email and Skype.
"




Thank you Tom for this lovely contribution to Colnect :)

Friday, January 27, 2012

30,003 Collectors Colnecting and Climbing!

The numbers are in, and the rapidly expanding archives at Colnect can now thank over
30,003 collectors for their contributions to the exciting site about all things collecting!



Though the world is filled with conscientious historians and just plain old fun loving collectors, there have been few outlets to bring together these people with similar interests. It is true that many purchase and sell their rare artifacts on various sites, but the digital auction house lacks the innovation that Colnect works hard to perfect: the connection.

Colnect has hundreds of thousands of stamps and other beautiful collectibles on a database that automatically translates languages from across the earth and allows people to exchange information about and trade their collections. There are often links to the items that can be found on eBay as well.

30,003 is a landmark number (as Colnect had 10,000 members in March of 2010), because you, the fans of collecting, have gathered here at Colnect to meet and expand the vast online catalog of collectible treasures in order to help each other to further enjoy the thrill of collecting. As you continue to upload the prestigious post cards, tea bags, beer coasters, coins, and more onto Colnect, a world-wide treasure map is being composed for all of its inhabitants to see and enjoy. It is also the people who help to make the catalogs better that deserve to take a bow. Thank you!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

January 27 Celebrates the Birth of Austrian Composer Mozart - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


January 27, 1756 was one of the most pivotal days in the history of humankind, as perhaps the world's greatest musical composer Wolfgang Mozart was born into our beautiful earth.



Amongst the many historical treasures that Colnect's collectors feature are actual artifacts into the past. Here we have a 1931 Austrian silver piece coin that was issued on January 27, 1931 to mark the 175th anniversary of Mozart's birth.

Coins have long been collectible because they are in fact monies with inherent value, and the precious metals used to craft them often rise in value with age. This gorgeous silver piece comes from Mozart's birthplace of Austria and details the key dates 1756-1931.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was one of the most influential and innovative classical music composers of the Classical Era. His art is treasured today, and this two schilling (Mozart) coin is a valuable homage to the man whose head is detailed on the shining silver surface.

Colnect culminates history and rarities to make up a great catalog of collectibles that are welcome in the hearts of collectors.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

January 23 Marks the Birth of Film Legend Humphrey Bogart - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


Casablanca is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made, and on January 23, 1899 Humphrey Bogart - the lead man in the historic movie - was born.



Colnect proudly features a gorgeous stamp in its gargantuan collection that the Republic of Equatorial Guinea released in tribute to Bogart and in Homage to the great film Casablanca.

Though there is some controversy surrounding Bogart's actual date of birth, it most likely fell on the twenty third of January. Many believed it to be December 25, 1899 until it was alleged that this was a Hollywood ploy by Warner Brothers studio to romanticize the star. His birth certificate is not on record.

The stamp itself was good for a value of 100 FCFA, or Central African CFA Franc, and its amazing detail cannot be overlooked. The impactful scene of Bogart's former love requesting a song from the piano man is true to the black and white film and is outlined in blue.

Bogart is center stage in the stamp, as he was in films such as the Maltese Falcon and The African Queen, which are also held in high regard by movie enthusiasts of all ages. Colnect's catalogs contain numerous treasures to behold, and this is a prime example.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Postcard Recalls the First British Parliament Meeting of January 20 - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


On January 20, 1265, the very first Parliament met in England's tremendous Palace of Westminster, as the people of the nation began to vie with the monarch for representation. The eighth Earl of Leicester, Simon de Montfort, called a meeting labeled "Parliament" to negotiate peace terms with the king, Henry III, who had lost a war to Montfort.



Colnect and its many collectors harbor many treasures of history in its vaults of iconic collectibles, and the gorgeous British post card of Parliament Square is no exception.

This iconic date, January twentieth, is seen as the first mention of the word "Parliament" and also the first semblance of what would become the modern government House of Parliament, as there were representatives from each county and burgesses from the cities and towns.

The postcard captures the amazing architecture of the buildings making up the Palace of Westminster - that are now also known as the Houses of Parliament or the Parliament building - that were to become home to Parliament from this date in 1265 up to the present day.

Note the unique and regal buttresses and the great tower featuring the Big Ben clock that was added on in the nineteenth century. The rich color and detail of the photograph that is used really emanates warmth and the glory of the locale in London.

There are myriad postcards featured on Colnect's vast catalog, and this is a prime example of a rare beauty that can culminate history, tourism, politics, and artwork in one special item.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

January 16 Stamp Commerates "Superman" Comic Strip Debut - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


On January 16, 1939, with the "Action Comics" comic book hero Superman's popularity steadily gaining, artist Joe Shuster and writer Jerry Siegel began the amazingly successful daily newspaper comic strip Superman to introduce broad audiences to the famous character.



Colnect features this iconic collectible in the Superman comic strip stamp. Though it is seventy three years after the Man of Steel began gracing newspapers nationwide, Superman is still one of the premier super heroes in popular culture worldwide. This strip was featured in over three hundred newspapers in the United States, and at its height boasted a readership of over twenty million.

In the early 1930's Siegel and Shuster changed their character to be more legendary and, in short, to make him a super hero. His costume was then crafted to be eye catching, as the Red "S" and the yellow and blue suit made Superman larger than life. They helped to invent the super hero genre of story-telling.

The actual stamp is one of Colnect's vast collectible catalog, and is a gorgeous reproduction of Clark Kent tearing open his disguise to become Superman in the strip. His face is dead-set on righting a wrong and helping those in need. January 16 was the start of a magical transformation of Superman becoming an icon known by nearly every household in the US. Be sure to look for other treasured rarities on Colnect.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

January 13 Marks Simon Bolivar as El Libertador - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


Latin America's chief liberator, Simon Bolivar, successfully administered political and military leadership in order to free the nations that would become Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Panama from the rule of the Spanish Empire by January of 1825, and the beautiful depiction of El Libertador's legend is immortalized on the Angel Zeballos Simon Bolivar postcard.



Colnect's vast array of collectibles features this gorgeous Venezuelan postcard that reproduces the artist Angel Zeballos's famous portrait of Simon Bolivar. He is often shown with the sword, as he fought alongside soldiers in Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia and Venezuela against the Spaniards on his way to uniting the region, albeit for a short time, in the Pan-American Republic of Colombia.

The actual man was not just a military strategist, but also a fierce politician who used his intellect and belief to instill democratic ideologies and free the heart of Latin America from the colonial power of Spain, which is why he is also depicted in the postcard's portrait as writing at a desk.



Bolivar's letters are widely considered to be insights into his thoughts of republican values, including the "Carta de Jamaica" letter, and his adept use of the Spanish language marked him as a military hero that was also a learned man of education.

Though the united region of the Republic of Colombia disintegrated after Bolivar's resignation of the presidency on January 29, 1830, the legacy of El Libertador who instilled Latin American pride and freedom in the people of the Americas is a highly regarded one to this day. This postcard is one of numerous highlights that grace the Colnect Catalogs.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

January 8 Celebration of "with The Beatles" Stamp - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


On the 8th of January in 1966 the Beatles single "We Can Work it Out" went Number One on the pop charts, and forty one years later Great Britain issued a British penny stamp titled "with The Beatles" to commemorate one of the greatest musical outfits of the twentieth century in print.



Colnect's rare catalog of collectibles features the January 7, 1997 issued British Beatles stamp in all of its historic glory. The band's single remained atop the charts for another three weeks beyond January 8, but the legend that came to surround the brilliant quartet, beginning with their early work, would capture their genius and project them as timeless.

The stamp itself is highly decorative and unusual in its uneven perforation that gives the effect of there being a stack of infamous Beatles records. The top album is an early one in black and white, but there is a gorgeous smattering of color above and behind the record, and these others are perfect representations of the LPs that changed the world.

The Beatles continue to influence and shape the musical universe in the twenty first century, and their history of sensuous melodies and innovative ventures is surely a welcome addition to any collection. This stamp captures a moment in time, and there are myriad moments of similar fortitude that grace Colnect's collectibles.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Belgium's January 5th Transportation Telecard - Today in History Through Collectibles

Many of the items that collectors on Colnect collect are in fact associated with certain historical events that have taken place over time. This applies especially to Stamps, Phone Cards, Coins and Banknotes. To commemorate these special historical events, countries release special issues of these items that depict images and information relevant to these events.

Through our “Today in History Through Collectibles” Blog we will highlight special events in history by featuring Collectible items from our Colnect Catalogs that are associated with historical events that took place on specific days in history.


Seventeen years after this gorgeous Bastogne Transportation Ticket was issued in Belgium, the date of the rare collectible reflects back, as an exciting piece of history where nearly one hundred years ago the Austria-Hungary army attacked the Balkan state of Montenegro on January 5, 1916.



In 1995, this Belgium parking permit sold for twenty five Euro, but at Colnect the Euro-based item is immortalized as a European symbol of unification that was lacking in the winter of 1916. Less than two years prior to the attack on the Montenegro region, the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by Serbian nationalists setting off the powder-keg that would become World War I.



The royal red, blue, and gold mark the Bastogne ticket as a artistic right of passage and parking in the Belgium state.

The German states, like the Belgium region, allied themselves with Austrian forces and formed much of the Central Powers during the Great War that would cause strife across all of Europe, ripping the continent apart.

This rare piece, featuring a crowned crest and shield was good for up to fifty hours of parking in Belgium on January 5, 1995, and it is also one of Colnect's many collectibles that can be viewed through the massive catalog.

Link and Search

Did you like reading it? Stay in the loop via RSS. Thanks :)