Philately: the history of this activity throughout the world

Before philately, the stamp. In 1840, the first postage stamp was printed in the United Kingdom: it was the famous Penny Black. This stamp, representing the profile of Queen Victoria, revolutionized the postal system by allowing prepaid postage.


Philately took shape in 1864 with Georges Herpin, a French collector. The popularity of stamp collecting quickly grew, with philatelic clubs and societies forming around the world. International philatelic exhibitions began to appear, providing collectors with a platform to exchange and display their collections.

Modern Philately: A Passion for Collectors

Today, philately remains a passion for many collectors of all ages and cultures. Auctions of rare and valuable stamps continue to attract bidders from all over the world.


Technological advances have also allowed collectors to share and exchange their collections online, making philately more accessible than ever.

Whether you are a passionate collector or a curious amateur, philately offers a wealth of discoveries and pleasures.


Visit Philippe Le Roy to enrich your hobby together.

Stamp sale by our auctioneer in Avignon

Stamp auctions offer a unique opportunity to acquire rare and valuable stamps. The value of collectible stamps depends on several factors:

  • state of conservation;
  • rarity ;
  • provenance ;
  • historical importance.

Rare stamps – Coq Français, Blue Mauritius, Marianne de Bequet – can fetch very high prices at auction.

If you love collectible stamps, these sales offer a unique opportunity to acquire philatelic treasures and preserve a precious heritage.

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