The heritage of the Belgian stamp in 2025

The heritage of the Belgian stamp in 2025

A nation rich in history and cultural diversity, has expressed stamps since the mid -19th century. These stamps reflect not only the political evolution of the country, but also its commitment to international affairs. In addition, the former Belgian colonies, notably the Belgian Congo , also left their unique philatelic footprint.

The history of the ancient  Belgian stamps

The first stamps of Belgium were born in 1849, only a few years after the appearance of the first postage stamp in the United Kingdom in 1840. These Belgian stamps were decorated with the portrait of King Leopold I ^, founder of the Belgian dynasty, and bore the mention "Belgium" in French and "België" in Dutch.

Over the years, Belgian stamps have evolved by following the country's political, economic and artistic changes. An example is the stamp of Belgium in 2025.

There are several significant periods in the history of Belgian stamps :

• The classic period (1849-1899)

• The semi-classic period (1900-1939)

• The period of the second wars (1940-1945)

• The semi-modern period (since 1946-1959)

• The modern period (since 1960-2025)

Each of these periods is characterized by stamps with unique designs , reflecting the artistic trends and the concerns of their time. For example, the stamps of the classic period are mainly decorated with portraits of sovereigns or allegories, while those of the interwar period have more varied and colorful images.

The specifics of the old Belgian stamps:

Belgian stamps are distinguished by several characteristics which make them collectibles :

• The diversity of subjects represented: beyond the portraits of sovereigns, the old Belgian stamps illustrate a wide variety of themes, such as historic monuments, significant events in Belgian history, works of art or even the flora and flora of the country.
• Bilingualism: Belgium being an officially bilingual country, its stamps generally carry a legend in French and Dutch. This peculiarity can add to the appeal of Belgian stamps for foreign collectors.
• The influence of the Belgian colonies: during its history, Belgium has owned several colonies, notably in Congo and Rwanda-Urundi. Some ancient Belgian stamps therefore bear mentions relating to these territories or represent scenes from colonial life.

Tips for collecting old Belgian stamps:

Whether you are a beginner or confirmed philatelist, here are some tips to get into the collection of old Belgian stamps:

• Choose a theme or a period: in order to give consistency to your collection, it may be interesting to focus on a particular subject (for example, stamps linked to the Belgian colonies) or on a specific period (such as the stamps of the 19th ^century ).

• Find out about the dimensions: to find out the value of the stamps you want to acquire, regularly consult specialized catalogs or websites dedicated to philately . The dimension of a stamp depends on its state of conservation, its rarity and its demand on the market.

• Be vigilant about authenticity: unfortunately, some unscrupulous sellers seek to take advantage of the craze for Belgian stamps by offering false or altered pieces. To avoid unpleasant surprises, take the time to carefully examine stamps before buying them and favor transactions with renowned sellers.

• Explore different sources of supply: to enrich your collection, do not hesitate to consult different sources such as specialized shops, online sales sites, stamp scholarships or auction sales. The delivery options can vary depending on the seller, make sure to find out about this point before finalizing your purchase. Now find your Belgian stamp in 2025.