Variations of 1998 Canadian Christmas Stamp Worth Major Bucks

Variations of one set of Canadian Christmas stamps are becoming increasingly hard to find according to Canada's Telegraph-Journal. Issued by Canada in Novemember 1998, each one - 45 cents for the domestic rate, 52 cents for the rate to the United States and 90 cents for the international rate - was illustrated with figurines of Christmas angels.

Reporter David Williams writes, "Early in 1999, an Ontario collector discovered there were two different perforations used in printing this set of stamps. As word of this got around, collectors and dealers began hunting for these different versions. But, since the postage rates had also gone up that month, for the first time Canada Post had allowed post offices to return unsold stocks for a refund. The end result was that most versions became very difficult to find."

He goes on to point out, "Only about 500 copies of the 45-cent stamp with the perforation change are known to exist in mint condition and are priced in stamp catalogues at $500 each. Even used copies are listed at $20 apiece.

There are 10 different perforation versions of the three 1998 Christmas stamps. In addition, there is an 11th variety -- the 90-cent stamp that has a diagonal scratch on it. Altogether, a copy of all 11 versions list at over $525 mint and $40 used."

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