News
NAPEX 2026: The Washington Stamp Show Returns, This Time in August
An overview of NAPEX, the long-running Washington stamp show, covering its history since 1950 and what visitors can expect at this year's event on 28-30 August.
The United Nations Postal Administration Celebrates 75 Years
The United Nations Postal Administration is marking 75 years since it issued its first stamps in 1951, and we look back at its history, its most collected series, and how UN material tends to fare on the secondary market.
Mondial du Timbre Paris 2026: A Century of International Philately Marked at Porte de Versailles
Paris-Philex 2026 drew collectors, postal operators and stamp dealers to Porte de Versailles. A look at the show's history and this year's highlights.
Macao 2026 Specialized World Stamp Exhibition: A Historic First for the Territory
Macao staged its first FIP-patronaged world stamp exhibition in June 2026, marking the FIP centenary with around 1,500 competitive frames, rare treasures and notable British participation.
A Nation, Stamped: Postmarks, Postcards and India's Census
A look at how India turned everyday mail into a tool for counting its population, and what these census stamps and postmarks mean for collectors.
Ralph Lauren Curates Stamps for America's 250th Anniversary
A look at the unprecedented collaboration between the US Postal Service and Ralph Lauren, who has curated a set of commemorative stamps to mark America's 250th birthday.
Boston 2026 World Expo: The Stamp Show That Only Comes Around Once a Decade
Boston 2026 World Expo opens on 23 May, the once-a-decade US stamp show. Here's what it is, its history, and what to expect this year.
Royal Philatelic Society London Reveals 2026 Crawford Medal Shortlist
Six philatelic titles have been shortlisted for the 2026 Crawford Medal, with the winner to be revealed at the Crawford Festival in London on 17 June 2026.
Celebrating 40 Years as a Member of The Philatelic Traders' Society
Tony Lester Auctions recently reached a milestone we are genuinely proud of: forty years as a member of The Philatelic Traders' Society. We have spent over four decades working alongside some of the most respected names in global philately, operating under the code of conduct that the PTS shield represents.
Stamp Fairs Across the UK: Your Guide to Buying, Selling and Valuing Stamps in 2026
A comprehensive guide to stamp fairs taking place across the UK in 2026, with advice on why they are an excellent option for collectors of all levels.
Remembering Brian Sole FRPSL: A Life Dedicated to Thematic Philately
We look back at the life and remarkable philatelic career of Brian Sole, whose tireless contributions to thematic collecting left a lasting mark on the hobby.
Rare Penny Black Block of 12 Expected to Fetch Up to £200,000 at Auction
A remarkable block of 12 Penny Black stamps, hidden in a cupboard since 1840 and rediscovered during renovations in Dublin, is up for auction with estimates of £150,000 to £200,000.
The Robert Jenkins Collection: 19th-Century British, French and Italian Stamps Head to Auction
A 1,171-lot auction of rare 19th-century unused stamps from the Robert Jenkins collection, spanning British, French and Italian areas, is set to go under the hammer at Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries in New York City this March.
A Look Back at 1979: Why Collect Stamps?
We take a nostalgic look at a 1979 BBC programme about stamp collecting and consider how the hobby has evolved in the decades since.
What will happen to stamps now that Queen Elizabeth II has passed?
Queen Elizabeth II graced our stamps for the past 70 years, so many will be wondering when we will get new stamps, and what will happen to old stamps now that she is no longer on the throne.
What Old Stamps Are Valuable
Although its prominence has declined since the 1950s and 1960s when over half of all youths had a stamp collection of some kind, the increase in internet e-commerce platforms has led to a plethora of rare stamps being released in recent years.
Stamp Collecting For Beginners - How to Start Collecting Stamps
This is a fun pastime with minimal restrictions, but it's much more than that. For many stamp collectors, collecting stamps is a means to learn about the globe, its numerous countries, its unique histories, stunning artwork, and vibrant cultures.
Midpex July 3rd
We are very excited to announce that we will be at this years Midpex on July 3rd. We’re really looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and being able to socialise again with old and new friends who are as excited about philately as we are!
How to identify the history of stamps using a British stamp catalogue
Look and see if you can find which of the countries it is from and try to identify where it is from and the date that the stamp first originated from.
The top five most valuable stamps to be sold at philatelic stamp auctions
If you are a stamp collector, you may be interested in learning which stamps are considered the five rarest and most valuable stamps worldwide, with the highest bids in Philatelic Stamp history.