XANTHE'S
STAMP MAGAZINE

After writing something last year about the worst ever British stamps, I have been thinking about what the world's worst stamps might be. I've explored the internet and I've managed to find some that are far worse than anything Royal Mail has produced! We'll start with something from the USA. The Alcoholism Stamp - USA (1981) This stamp was supposed to send out a positive statement but it failed miserably. No-one wanted to use them on a letter as the person receiving it might

The Isle of Man's latest issue is Eclipse and shows photographs from the partial solar eclipse in August. I am surprised that this issue has had to wait until November instead of being released nearer the time. Isle of Man Stamps and Coins says: "The Solar Eclipse 2026 Mint Set brings together four Isle of Man stamps celebrating the spectacular partial solar eclipse of 12th August 2026. Created in partnership with Manx astronomer Howard Parkin MBE BSc. BEd. FRAS, the issue ex

Another new issue from Belgium is about a different kind of wildlife. Seaweed. That might not seem very exciting, but I think seaweed can be as interesting as anything else. It is full of life and it can be a refuge for other kinds of wildlife. We don't think much about seaweed but it is important. It helps fight climate change because it produces oxygen and also helps with carbon storage. It also helps absorb nutrients and so it prevents the sea getting too acidic. It's usef