
Canada's postal history dates back to 1775, with the first postage stamps introduced in 1851.
The first Canadian postage stamp, the Three-Pence Large Queen, was issued in 1851 and featured a portrait of Queen Victoria.
It wasn't until 1859 that the first Canadian postage stamp with a bilingual design was introduced, reflecting the country's growing bilingual population.
The Canadian postage stamp has undergone many changes over the years, with new designs and denominations being introduced to reflect the country's growth and evolution.
Early Canadian Stamps
The first Canadian stamps were issued in the mid-19th century, with the 1851 3d Vermillion imperforate stamp being one of the most interesting rarities.
This stamp, designed by Sir Sandford Fleming, features a beaver in an oval frame and was the first to picture an animal, rather than a monarch.
The 3p Beaver on thin paper, issued in 1852, was another early Canadian stamp, with the Queen Victoria 12½ct yellow green stamp following in 1859.

The Large Queen series, introduced in 1868, included several stamps with different denominations, such as the 2ct green, 5ct olive green, and 6ct dark brown stamps.
The Large Queen stamps were often used and in various conditions, with some being mint and others being used.
In 1882, the Small Queen series was introduced, with the 34 F-VF MNH** stamp being one of the first issues.
Historical Context
The Canadian postage stamp has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The first postage stamp in Canada was the "Pall Mall" stamp, introduced in 1851.
The Pall Mall stamp was a significant innovation in postal history, featuring a portrait of Queen Victoria. It was also the first stamp to be printed in Canada.
The introduction of the postage stamp revolutionized the way people sent mail in Canada, making it more convenient and affordable.
Postage Information
The cost of mailing a letter in Canada is determined by the weight and size of the envelope, as well as the destination.
A standard letter weighing up to 30 grams costs $1.00 to send within Canada.
If you're sending a letter to the United States, it costs $1.75, and to other countries it's $3.50.
12D Black 1851

The 12D Black 1851 stamp is a rare gem in the world of postage. A total of 51,000 were printed and shipped to the Canadian postal authorities on May 1, 1851.
These stamps feature the portrait of the young Queen Victoria. The price for these unique stamps was very high, which is likely why just 1,450 of the stamps were sold in the three and a half years they were offered.
The mint examples with the intact gum are considered to be the most valuable. This is because only a limited number of people could afford to make the purchase and not use it to send mail.
One of the finest examples of 1851 12D Black Canada stamps was sold for $225,000 by a Canadian auction house on February 23, 2013.
Postage Rates
You can find postage rates for Canada, the U.S., and international mail in our calculator. This tool helps you determine the cost of sending a parcel.
Canada has its own stamp rates, which can be calculated using our postage calculator. The rates vary depending on the weight and size of the parcel.
You can also find rates for international mail, including those to and from the U.S. This is useful if you're sending a gift or package abroad.
If you're looking to buy and use postage, you can find the rates and purchase the necessary stamps through our calculator.
Geographic Scope
The Canadian postage stamp has a rich history and can be found in various parts of Canada.
The stamps have been used in every province and territory, making them a ubiquitous part of Canadian culture.
From the Maritimes to British Columbia, Canadians have relied on postage stamps to send mail for over a century.
The stamps have been printed in various languages, including English and French, to cater to the country's bilingual population.
In the early 20th century, the Canadian government introduced a series of stamps featuring iconic Canadian landmarks, which were widely used across the country.
The stamps have played a significant role in Canadian history, with many featuring important events and figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a stamp to send a letter to Canada?
To send a letter to Canada, you can use a Global Forever Stamp for $1.65 or a combination of domestic forever stamps that add up to $1.65. This special rate applies to the first 2 ounces, making it a cost-effective option for international mail.
Sources
- https://findyourstampsvalue.com/rarest-stamps/most-valuable-canadian-stamps
- https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/personal/stamp-prices.page
- https://northwindstamps.com/collections/canada-stamps-to-1900
- https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-three-pence-beaver-canada-s-first-postage-stamp-1851-opsys-sir-sandford-fleming/qAFWrl0pjFJfQA
- https://www.empirephilatelists.com/british-commonwealth-stamps/canada-and-provinces
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