Interesting facts through collectibles: Eiffel Tower opens

What comes to your mind when you think about France? The first thing to pop up into the most people's head is the Eiffel Tower. It is not only the most recognizable symbol of  France but also it is the most-visited paid monument in the world.

Phonecard, Eiffel Tower, France, 2001, Colnect Catalog

After 2 years of hard work, construction of the Eiffel Tower was finally finished on March 15, 1889. After 16 days, on March 31, it was opened and celebrated by commencing the first ascent to the top of the tower. The elevator was not working yet, so 1,710-step climb had to be done by foot.

Coin, 10 Dollars (Eiffel Tower - Paris, France), Cook Islands, 2007, Colnect Catalog

Eiffel Tower is very popular in the collecting world. There are many different types of items which display this magnificent tower. Here are some examples from our categories of coins, phonecards, and even lego sets.

Lego Set, Eiffel Tower, Advanced Models, 2007, Colnect Catalog

On average, 25,000 people are visiting the tower every day. The most popular Eiffel Tower-themed collectibles are postcards and stamps. In addition to being able to share the experience with family and friends, they serve as a memory trigger for the days of visiting Paris and the Eiffel Tower.

Postcard, Paris. Eiffel Tower and Trocadero gardens, France, Colnect Catalog

Do you collect the collectibles of a specific topic? If yes, share in comments the topic you're interested in. 

Stamp, Chagall - The Betrothed and Eiffel Tower, France, Colnect Catalog

If you want to contribute to Colnect you are welcome to check Contributor Guide. To purchase or sell your collectibles feel free to visit Colnect Marketplace.

Famous people through collectibles: Stephen Hawking

A theoretical physicist and cosmologist, Stephen William Hawking, passed away at the age of 76. He died on March 14 at his home in Cambridge, England.

Stamp, Stephen Hawking, Palau, 2000, Colnect Catalog

During his life, Stephen Hawking managed to get many achievements under his belt. His research was mainly based on Einstein's theory of relativity. One of his most famous works was even named after him, Hawking radiation.

Stamp, Hawking radiation, Isle of Man, 2016, Colnect Catalog

He was loved by many. His uplifting spirit, fierce intellect, and witty humor earned him spot in people's hearts. Despite being paralyzed he never gave up on being "a normal human being with the same desires, drives, dreams, and ambitions as the next person".

Postcard, Stephen Hawking, United States of America, 2010, Colnect Catalog

Many collectibles were made to celebrate his life and surely, even more, will be made in memory of Stephen Hawking. Some of these items can be found on Colnect. As collectors, let's prolong his life and honor his death through the hobby of collecting. May he rest peacefully.

Stamp, Prof. Stephen Hawking, Isle of Man, 2016, Colnect Catalog

Do you want to contribute to Colnect? You are welcome to add new items, add images and information to already existing items, help to translate catalog to your language, edit the catalog, write wiki articles, and even create your own categories. For collectibles you would like to trade, you are welcome to visit Colnect Marketplace.

Famous people through collectibles: Albert Einstein

Everyone in the world must know the name of Albert Einstein, the founder of the theory of relativity. He was born on March 14, 1879.

Banknote, 5 Numismas - Albert Einstein, Kingdom of Kamberra, 2012, Colnect Catalog

During his life, this brilliant mind accomplished so much that he was even named as the Person of the Century by Times magazine. Albert Einstein is most famous for his theory of relativity.

Sugar Packet › Albert Einstein, Spain, 2016, Colnect Catalog

His contributions towards the world earned him various rewards one of them even being the Nobel Prize in Physics. He died at the age of 76, continuing to work until the very end.

Stamp, Centenary of Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, Hungary, 2015, Colnect Catalog

Albert Einstein left us a huge collection of breakthroughs and advancements in the field of science. There are a lot of collectibles for people out there who are interested in Einstein or are fascinated with physics.

Kids Meal Toy › Albert Einstein, Europe, 2017, Colnect Catalog

Many different stamp series dedicated to Einstein were issued in various countries: Vietnam, Grenada, Fiji, Mongolia, Zaire, British Virgin Islands, USA, and others. There are many Einstein-themed coins made in Switzerland, Northern Mariana Islands, Thailand, Togo, Nauru, Germany Democratic Republic. Most of these items illustrate him alongside his theories and different physics formulas.

Coin, 10 Yuan (Einstein), China, People's Republic, 1991, Colnect Catalog

Do you want to contribute to Colnect? You are welcome to check Catalog Contribution Guidelines page and start making Colnect better. For collectibles, you would like to buy or sell check our marketplace.

Famous people through collectibles: Alexander Bell

These days we can not imagine our lives without phones. It is a part of everyone and often even a defining factor for a person. Alexander Graham Bell, a scientist and inventor, was born on March 3, 1847. He is mostly known for his invention of the telephone.

Stamp, Alexander Graham Bell, Canada, 1947, Colnect Catalog

There are many stamps and other collectibles, which were dedicated to Alexander Bell. Many collectibles usually have illustrations of his portrait or the telephone to celebrate his invention. You can find these collectibles on Colnect.

Stamp, First Telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, Bulgaria, 1976, Colnect Catalog

Alexander Bell was born in Scotland and later moved to Canada. There he began his career as an elocution teacher. Even though the telephone was Bell's most famous invention, his contributions to the world don't end there. 

Erfinder 4 - Alexander Graham Bell, Germany, Federal Republic, 2002, Colnect Catalog

Both his mother and wife were deaf. This influenced his interest towards transmission devices leading to his various inventions. Later his interests shifted towards researching experimental forms of boats known as hydrofoils.

Stamp, Metal detecter, 1881, Burundi, 2012, Colnect Catalog

Would you like to contribute to Colnect too? You can check our Catalog Contribution Guidelines page and start to add new items, add images and information to already existing items, help to translate catalog to your language, edit the catalog, write wiki articles, and even create your own categories. For collectibles you would like to trade, you are welcome to visit Colnect Marketplace.

Famous people through collectibles: George Harrison

Everyone knows about The Beatles and everyone's musical taste has been affected by them in one way or another. Not only did the band itself become a legend, but also each individual member managed to completely innovate the pop culture as we know it. 

Gift Card, Beatles 3, France, Colnect Catalog

George Harrison, also known as "the quiet Beatle" was born on February 25, 1943. His interest in music started at his early age. As he got older the interest in Indian culture and mysticism developed in him. 

Banknote, 1,000,000 Dollars, Fantasy Issues, Colnect Catalog

Even though most of The Beatles' songs were written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, there are many songs which were composed by Harrison. With music, he introduced Eastern religion and music to the Western audience.

Stamp, Paul McCartney & George Harrison, Mongolia, Colnect Catalog

Even after the break up of the band, his career kept on blooming. Rolling Stones ranked him as number 11 on their list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time". Also, he became a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

Stamp, George Harrison, Chad, 1996, Colnect Catalog

In addition to their work, there are many collectibles dedicated to this amazing band. You can find many collectibles illustrating members of The Beatles or the name of their song. There is a story connected to each collectible which is always fun to learn about. Several years ago we covered "with The Beatles" Stamp and its story. If you are interested in The Beatles then you are welcome to check out more of their collectibles featured on Colnect and have fun :)

Stamp, With The Beatles, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, 2007, Colnect Catalog

Colnect has been built by collectors just like you. Are you interested in contributing to Colnect? Then you can go and check our Catalog Contribution Guidelines page and start making Colnect better. For collectibles, you would like to buy or sell check our marketplace.

700,007+ Stamps on Colnect

Colnectors, let's celebrate that our Stamp category has passed a new super-cool number of items, 700,007 ;)

Paintings, 1997, United Arab Emirates, Colnect catalog

Beginning a stamp collection is entertaining, discovering new information about the stamps which have been issued by the countries of the world over the years. Stamps are tiny pieces of art – colorful, well-designed. Some of them commemorate famous people and events, others - present animals and birds, flowers, railways, ships and aircrafts, buildings and bridges, armors and flags, space and sport.

Fairy Swordfish, 1982, Ascension Island, Colnect catalog

Actually, the Stamps category is the biggest one on Colnect. It has been led for a long time by two dedicated coordinators - Guido Fußhöller [footy68] and Klaus Jochimsen [Lola22]. Thank you guys for all you do for Colnectors and Colnect catalog.

Discovery of America, 500th anniv., ships, 1992, Uruguay, Colnect catalog

There are three main approaches to structuralizing stamp collection:

• chronological - stamp lovers collect items from the specific historical period
• thematical approach - stamps on the specific theme for example butterflies
• geographic approach - stamps from the specific countries

What's your approach to collecting stamps?

African Monarch (Danaus chrysippus), 2002, Azerbaijan, Colnect catalog

Colnect has been built by collectors for collectors and any help is much appreciated. Would like to join and contribute to the Stamp catalog too? Learn more on the Stamp Catalog Contribution Guidelines page. There are many ways you can help us make Colnect catalog better: add new items, add images and information to existing ones, translate catalog to your language, edit the catalog, write wiki articles, and even create a new category. If you are interesting in trading stamps you're welcome to check recently launched Colnect Marketplace.

Interesting facts through collectibles: Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

First full-length animated movie, which revolutionized the animation industry and found it's way into people's hearts all around the world, was released on December 21, 1937.

Stamp, Dwarf House, Paraguay, 1978, Colnect Catalog

Snow White is a German fairy tale published by The Brothers Grimm in 1812 as part of the collection called Grimms' Fairy Tales. Walt Disney's adaptation was one of the earliest animated work of Disney and the first movie to ever have a soundtrack album released for it. This cartoon toned down the violence which was featured in the fairy tale and included a singing Snow White.

Stamp, Scene from the fairy tale "Snow white and the seven dwarfs", Germany, 1972, Colnect Catalog

Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was named as the best animated film of all time. Even today, Snow White remains an incredible adventure and for many people, it is the first fairy tale or a cartoon that they ever saw.

Stamp, Snow white dancing with the dwarves, Sharjah, 1972, Colnect Catalog

On Colnect you can find many Snow White collectibles. For example, in kids meal toys category you can find different characters of this cartoon. My favorite character is Sleepy. Which one is yours?

Stamp, Celebrate the Century - 1930's - Snow White, United States of America, 1998, Colnect Catalog

Colnect has been built by collectors just like you. If you wish to contribute to our growing community of collectors and start making catalog better for other fellow collectors then you can add new items, add images and information to already existing items, help to translate catalog to your language, edit the catalog, write wiki articles, and even create your own categories.

Interesting facts through collectibles: Nobel Prize

Alfred Nobel, well-known Swedish chemist, engineer, inventor, businessman, and philanthropist, passed away on December 10, 1896. He signed his last will in 1895, which stated to use his assets to establish Nobel Prizes.

Bertha von Suttner (1843-1914) writer, Peace Nobel Prize, Stamp, 1965, Austria, Colnect Catalog

In 1901, on Alfred’s fifth anniversary, first Nobel Prizes were awarded. There were 5 prizes in total for Chemistry, Literature, Peace, Physics, and Physiology or Medicine. 

50 Pesetas, Banknote, 1905, Spain, Colnect Catalog

Ceremonies take place annually in Stockholm, Sweden and each laureate receives a gold medal, a diploma, and money. These prizes have the purpose to reward people for their incredible achievements.

1 New Sheqel (Nobel Prize in Literature - Shmuel Yosef Agnon), Coin, 2008, Israel, Colnect Catalog

Over the years, there were many individuals who were awarded Nobel Prize and to celebrate their beneficial work for the humanity, many collectibles were made in their names. 

William Faulkner – Litterature 1949, Maximum Card, 1985, Sweden, Colnect Catalog

There are numerous amounts of stamps, phonecards, philatelic products, coins, banknotes, milk cup lid, postcards, which you can find on Colnect. Hard work of these people to benefit humanity will always be appreciated.

Famous people through collectibles: Napoleon Bonaparte

Everyone has heard stories about Napoleon and his achievements. During the Revolution, he served in the army as an artillery officer. He managed to rapidly rise through ranks and eventually became a general. From there on he continued increasing his reputation and influence which resulting in him becoming First Consul of the Republic in 1799.

Stamp › Bicentenary of the birth of Napoleon Bonaparte, French Colonies and Territories, 1969, Colnect Catalog

In 1804, he became the first Emperor of the French. His coronation took place in Notre Dame Cathedral on December 2 and his reign continued until 1814. He managed to take control of France again in 1815 but this time his reign ended after several months.

Stamp › Silhouettes of Napoleon and Josephine, Saint Lucia, 1969, Colnect Catalog

Many different collectibles were made over the years in the name of Napoleon. On Colnect, you can find various kinds of items which are connected to him. For example, you can even find coins which were made during his reign such as this one:

 Coin › 1 Centesimo (B), Italian States, 1807, Colnect Catalog

Colnect has been built by collectors just like you. If you wish to contribute to our growing community of collectors and start making catalog better for other fellow collectors then you can add new items, add images and information to already existing items, help to translate catalog to your language, edit the catalog, write wiki articles, and even create your own categories.

Ordinary things through collectibles: Jukebox

It must be really hard to find people who don’t like listening to music. Today we can listen to favorite music everywhere: at home, at the car, walking at the street. It’s usual for us today but there was the time when people couldn’t do that.

Gift Card › Christmas Jukebox, 2008, USA, Colnect Catalog

On November 23, 1889, the first jukebox, which was created by Louis Glass, was displayed in San Francisco, California. It was one of the first steps which made music close to people.

Stamp › Juke Box - Presorted First Class, 1995, USA, Colnect Catalog

Similar musical devices such as music boxes were already really popular and widely spread, but this new invention completely innovated the ability to enjoy music at public places. All you needed was a nickel (5-cent coin) and you could start listening to music.

Phonecard › Sprint - Coca Cola-Jukebox 1 (Basketball hoop), 1995, Germany, Federal Republic, Colnect Catalog

With time the development of jukebox continued and today they offer several new functionalities, like selecting the song of your choice or displaying flashy lights. Even though today jukeboxes are not as popular as they were in the 1950s, they are still being used and remain as part of a music culture in U.S.

Lottery Ticket › #5503 – Jukebox Bingo, 2015, Australia, Colnect Catalog

Throughout years many different collectibles were issued which were illustrating and celebrating a jukebox, some of which can be found on Colnect.

Milk Cup Lid › Jukebox, 2002, Switzerland, Colnect Catalog

Do you want to make Colnect better? You can check our Catalog Contribution Guidelines page and start to add new items, add images and information to already existing items, help to translate catalog to your language, edit the catalog, write wiki articles, and even create your own categories.

Token › Gettone Juke Box, Italy, Colnect Catalog

Famous people through collectibles: Grace Kelly

On November 12, 1929, an American actress and a Princess of Monaco, Grace Patricia Kelly was born. And it’s a great occasion to look at her charming personality through collectibles.

Stamp: Grace Kelly, Prince Rainier III, crown and monogram, Monaco, 1956, Colnect

There are many various collectibles which were made in her honor. Some of them could be found on Colnect. Currently, you can find 30 stamps, 8 coins, 6 phone cards which are connected to Grace Kelly in our catalog. For example, several of these stamps were made in 1956 to represent her marriage such as the one provided below. Also, many of the items owned by Grace Kelly during filming or things signed by her are collected by people all around the world.

Stamp: Rear Window, Monaco, 2016, Colnect

Throughout her career, Grace Kelly starred in many successful films, such as High Noon (1952), Mogambo (1953), for which she won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress, Rear Window (1954), To Catch a Thief (1955), and The Swan (1956). Those films became a golden classic of cinema and are loved by thousand people around the globe.

Phone card: Renato Casaro 2 - Unforgotten (Cary Grant / Grace Kelly), Germany, 2000, Colnect

In 1956 she retired from being an actress and married Prince Rainier III. She continued her life as a mother of 3 and a Princess of Monaco until her death in 1982, which was caused by a car accident due to her suffering a stroke.

Coin: 10 Dollars (Grace Kelly 30th Anniversary of death), Fiji, 2012, Colnect

Do you have Grace Kelly themed collectibles in your collection? Share them here in comments. 

555,555 Stamps

It has been almost a year since our previous stamps milestone. Now there are 555,555 Stamps on Colnect!

"Palace" (Abu Dhabi), from the Colnect catalog

Stamps have proven to be one of the most popular categories of our community. Out of 124,000+ colnectors, more than 27,720 are stamps collectors :) Are you one of them?

Being one of the oldest categories on Colnect, it has been loyally supported and lead by hard-working coordinators - Guido Fußhöller [footy68] and Klaus Jochimsen [Lola22].

"Costume of Motalskiy region" (Belarus), from the Colnect catalog

Colnect is also constantly updated by our 915 contributors and almost 200 of editors. We are thankful to all the colnectors devoting their time to increase our Stamps catalog and making it globally accessible.

"New model of electric locomotive" (Georgia), from the Colnect catalog

Right now the catalog has many detailed sub-categories: Countries, Emissions, Formats, Printings, Perforations, Colours, Years, Face Values, Currencies, Themes and Catalogs.

 
"Peaceful Visions" (UNO New York), from the Colnect catalog

For this blog post, we decided to brush up collectors' knowledge of philatelic history. The Royal Mail of the United Kingdom was established in 1516. The first stamp was issued on May 6th in 1840. It was issued by Britain and it was called "Penny Black", which we, of course, have on Colnect ;)

1st stamp in the world - "Penny Black" (The UK), from the Colnect catalog

 
The first perforated stamps, though, saw the light of the world in 1854 in Great Britain too. In the next years other countries issued their own perforated stamps.

People started collecting stamps, or philately, right after first stamps went into circulation.

Impressive fact: in 1841 there was an ad posted in a newspaper about a woman seeking other philatelists to help her decorate her bedroom's wall with stamps.

"Nordic Food Culture" (Denmark), from the Colnect catalog

Interestingly enough, The UK is the only country in the world that does not mention its name on stamps. In addition, the first non-royal face on British stamps was William Shakespeare's portrait.

"Balcony Scene in Romeo and Juliet" (The UK), from the Colnect catalog

Another unique stamp is the Banana stamp issued in Tonga! :)

"Banana" (Tonga), from the Colnect catalog

Do you have a favourite stamp in your collection? Do you have suggestions for our Stamps Catalog? Leave a comment and share your thoughts! 

And finally, if you want to contribute to stamps catalog, follow the instructions here.

Happy Colnecting! ;)