Philately is the hobby of collecting and studying postage stamps. It is enjoyed by people all over the world who love history, art and communication. The study of stamps helps us learn about different countries, cultures and events. The person who made philately popular and played a big role in its growth is often given a special title. Let’s explore who this person is and why they are important.
Jean-Baptise Philippe Constant Moens is known as the “Father of Philately” because he was the first person to sell stamps to collectors. He was born on 27 May 1833 in Tournai, Belgium and became one of the earliest philatelic journalists. He helped collectors understood more about stamps and published important books about them.
Moens started collecting stamps as a young boy from his family’s mail. His father, Philippe Moens, was a soldier. At first, Moens sold coins, but by the time he was b, he had started selling books and stamps from the Bortier Gallery in Brussels.
In March 1962, Moens and Louis Hanciau published a book called Manuel des collectionneurs de timbres-poste (Handbook for Stamp Collectors). It was the first stamp catalogue in Belgium and the second in the French language. That same year, he also wrote De la falsification des timbres-poste (On the Falsification of Postage Stamps) to help collectors identity fake stamps.
Moens started the first French-language philatelic magazine, Le Timbre-Poste, which ran from 1863 to 1900. He also wrote books on fiscal stamps between 1874 and 1896.
Moens owned eight rare “Post Office” stamps from Mauritius. In 1878, he published Les Timbres de Maurice depuis leur origine jusqu’ànosjours (The Stamps of Mauritius from Their Origin until Today). His research helped people learn about these valuable stamps, and he recorded their history.
Moens was an Honorary Member of the Fiscal Philatelic Society, which promoted stamp collecting. His work made stamp collecting more organized and popular worldwide.
As Moens’ business grow, he collected not only stamps but also rare books and antiques. In 1899, he decided to retire and sell most of his stamp collection. His stock was bought by a dealer from Copenhangen in 1900. Later, in 1907, his philatelic publications were sold to H. Edgar Weston in London.
Jean-Baptiste Moens passed away on 28 April 1908 in Ixelles, Belgium. He was buried in Ixelles Cemetery. The philatelic community honored him, calling him the “Father of Philately” for his great contributions to the world of stamp collecting.
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