Bhutan stamp is a phonograph record

Stamps are well known for their visual appeal. But Bhutan has taken it a step further. In 1973, the tiny kingdom in the Eastern Himalayas issued a set of seven stamps that also appeals to the ear. Ranging from 7-10 cms in diameter, each stamp is a phonographic record that you can play on your turntable. Depending on which stamp you put on, you could end up listening to the national anthem, folk songs or a recitation of Bhutanese history. Individual stamps in the series are valued from $15 to $125. But Dwayne Miner of Stampede City Stamps explained that you usually need to buy the entire set, which catalogues at $400. I recently did a presentation on the portrayal of music on postage stamps and the Bhutanese issue was by far the most innovative I came across. The series also ranks as the highest priced stamps from Bhutan in Scott’s 2010 catalogue.

Music is a popular theme among topical collectors. A quick check on Google will confirm that. You’ll even find hobbyists who are collecting a singular composer like Beethoven.

Elvis issue is one of the most popular American stamps

The 1993 “Elvis” issue remains one of the most widely-recognized American stamps. Ireland paid homage to home-grown rock legends such as Van Morrison and U2 in 2002. While Great Britain waited until 2007 to commemorate The Beatles, the popularity of the series spawned a follow-up set of classic album covers this past January. In Canada, there are about 60 stamps with musical themes and elements. Canadian music heroes such as Anne Murray, Glenn Gould, Oscar Peterson, Joni Mitchell, Guy Lombardo, Paul Anka, Bryan Adams, Maureen Forrester and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra have all found their way onto stamps. But there remains a sizable roster of future considerations for Canada Post including Celine Dion, Leonard Cohen, Shania Twain, Neil Young and The Guess Who.

Treasures Stamp Columnist, Peter Fleck, is Vice-President of the Calgary Philatelic society and columnist with Canadian Stamp News.