Stamps -> Worldwide -> Postal History

If you are interested in stamp collecting as more than just a hobby, it is important to focus on finding valuable stamps. These are the ones that will enhance your personal collection and provide you with a solid investment that you can count on. In addition to their value as a collector’s item, valuable stamps are also fun to find since many of them are quite rare. If you’re ready to start getting serious about stamp collecting, here are some of the most valuable stamps to look for.

1. Queen Victoria Stamps

The Queen Victoria stamps that were produced during her reign are some of the most valuable you can find. Look for the ones that still have their original gum on the back. These were the first stamps to actually have an adhesive, so they are worth more. The most valuable stamps from this era are the ones that are still in very good condition, without any rips or tears.

2. Famous President Stamps

The United States may not have monarchs, but we do have famous presidents and their faces grace some of the most valuable stamps. Abraham Lincoln stamps are very popular and many of these are worth several thousand dollars. The majority of the older stamps from this era do not have adhesive, but if you can find some that have not been circulated, they are incredibly valuable. Once again, you’re going to want to look for the ones that are in the best condition.

3. Colonial Stamps

Stamps that were made during the colonial period in the United States are considered to be very valuable stamps, but this also extends to other countries. For example, stamps produced in the French colonies are very valuable, especially the ones from Polynesia. These are quite often red, green or brown and although the colors may be faded, they are still worth a lot of money.

4. Duck Stamps

Duck stamps are a type of stamp that is produced in the United States and the proceeds of sales go to benefit wildlife funds. Although these cannot be used for mailing letters, they are valuable stamps in a large part due to their stunning artwork. Every year, new Duck Stamps are released, and artists submit their work for consideration to be on the new stamp. The Duck Stamps from the first few years of this program are very valuable stamps.

5. Stamps from Turbulent Times

Stamps that were produced during revolutions, wars and uprisings are considered to be among the most valuable stamps, simply because they commemorate important events. For example, the stamps that were made during the French Revolution are highly collectible and hard to find. Stamps produced in Germany during the Third World War are also considered to be quite rare and collectible.

When you’re trying to find valuable stamps remember that condition does count. Ideally, they should not be circulated, but if they were, they should be as free from marks as possible and they should not be torn or overly worn.

Originally posted 2008-09-22 14:00:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Stamps of Newfoundland Stamps -> Worldwide Stamps of Newfoundland were first issued in 1857, with the country continuing to issue its own stamps until 1949. Newfoundland has over 300 of its own stamp issues, making this a popular category for collectors who need to impose boundaries in their collecting to reign themselves......
• Queen Victoria Stamps Stamps -> UK (Great Britain) -> Victoria For collectors of stamps from Great Britain, perhaps the most desirable stamp of all is the Queen Victoria Stamp. This is a rare stamp that was first made in 1840. The original value was one penny, but since that time these stamps have......
• Collectible Stamps Stamps -> United States -> 19th Century - Unused Finding the best collectible stamps can sometimes be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for. It’s never easy to guess when it comes to stamps, and if you are a serious collector, it pays to subscribe to stamp......
• Benefits of Collecting Old Stamps Collecting old stamps, especially vintage postage stamps can bring great value. Collecting old stamps can be fun and educational, it can be affordable, and it can bring about understanding of history, art, travel and many other areas of culture as well. Here is an explanation of why collecting old stamps......
• All About Collectible Postage Stamps The art of collecting collectible postage stamps is a hobby that has become popular with several millions of Americans as well as people all throughout the world, including young and old alike. Many people that are just beginning with collectible postage stamps enjoy the thrill and the challenge that comes......

• Morgan Silver Dollar Coin Collecting -> US Coins -> Dollar Coins -> Morgan (1878-1921): 1878-1921, 1885-93, 1894-98, 1899-1904, 1921 The Morgan Silver Dollar is considered by many to be one of the most valuable US coins that you can collect. It’s history ranges from 1878 to 1904, and during its run, it was......
• Avon Collectibles Collectibles -> Decorative Collectibles -> Decorative Collectible Brands-> Avon The Avon Company has been a respected institution in the United States since 1886, and their line of decorative collectibles contain some of the most sought after pieces on record. The company first began producing Avon collectibles in the mid-1960’s and......
• 3 Things You Need to Know About Exonumia There are a lot of people who collect coins these days. For as many people out there who enjoy collecting coins, there are a lot of people who enjoy collecting exonumia as well. These items are all of the things which are collected which are related to, but different from......
• Bobbleheads Sports Memorabilia -> Vintage Sports Memorabilia -> Bobbleheads Bobblehead dolls may be considered silly by some, but there is definitely a national craze to collect them. Whether it is of a famous personality, sports hero, or even a cartoon character, these fun collectibles can be found just about anywhere. While......
• 4 Good Things to Know About Canadian Coin Collecting Each country has coins which are collectable and rare for a variety of reasons. Each coin has a story and a legacy to it which tells part of a national history of a country. This is true of collectable and rare Canadian coins. Those who enjoy Canadian coin collecting have......

• Riverboat Queen Birdhouses Bird & Wildlife Accessories Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
• Documents, Maps United States Original Period Items WW II (1939-45) Militaria Collectibles
• French Horn Brass Musical Instruments
• Duck Decoys Hunting
• Reynolds French Horn Brass Acoustic Musical Instruments

Stamps -> United States -> Collections, Lots

When it comes to finding stamps of great value, US postage stamps are usually the most popular. In fact, many of these stamps may be worth more than $100k, and frequently will go well above that. When you are shopping for collectible US postage stamps, it helps to know what to look for so that you can make a good purchase. Here are some signs that you have a winner on your hands.

1. The gum is still intact.

For stamps made after the last part of the 19th century, there should be gum attached to the back. Adhesives were introduced in US postage stamps during this time period and if you can find one that still has the original gum, that is quite a feat indeed. This can make a difference of several thousand dollars in terms of overall value.

2. The stamp was never used.

While some highly collectible US postage stamps may still have value if they are used, you should always look for stamps that are still in their original books, or were never actually used. If you can find uncirculated US postage stamps, they are worth even more money.

3. The overall condition is very good.

Used or not, the US postage stamp you are trying to collect should be in the best possible condition. Stay away from stamps that are torn, missing pieces or in general bad condition. It is better to have a postmark on one than it is to have half a stamp. Always try to buy the stamps that are in the best condition first since they will generally be worth much more money.

4. The hinge is still intact.

The small piece of paper that was used to connect US postage stamps together is known as a hinge. If you can find a stamp that still has its hinge, it is generally worth more money than those that don’t. However, the hinge should be firmly attached and not hanging lose. If that occurs, the value will go down.

5. The historical figure depicted on the stamp.

This can be a big determiner in the overall value of a US postage stamp. For example, stamps depicting famous presidents such as Abraham Lincoln are generally more valuable. The same is true for famous founding fathers, like Benjamin Franklin, or even present day celebrities.

6. The stamp has a mistake.

This is actually a good thing, as long as it occurred when the stamp was manufactured. Error stamps are actually worth quite a bit of money and many collectors will limit their collections to only these odd creations. If you find a stamp that just looks a little wrong, do a little research on it. It may be a very valuable US postage stamp.

Whenever you are collecting US postage stamps, the overall condition should be your guide. While damaged stamps may be cheaper to collect, they just don’t have the same value as those that are in perfect shape.

Originally posted 2008-08-26 14:00:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Old Postage Stamps Stamps -> United States -> 19th Century Unused One of the best ways to get interested in stamp collecting is to take a look at some old postage stamps. These are truly unique items and although they may not be as glitzy or as useful as today’s stamps, there are......
• Antique Postage Stamps Stamps -> Worldwide -> Postal History When it comes to collecting stamps, most collectors dream of being able to find the perfect antique postage stamps. By far, these are usually the ones that are the most valuable and in many cases, they are the most visually interesting. If you are......
• U.S. Air Mail Stamps Stamps -> United-States -> Postage Collecting US Airmail stamps has become such a popular hobby, by both those who collect all sorts of stamps and those who are just interesting in United States airmail stamps, that there are clubs and associations based on just that hobby. The American Air......
• Canceled Postage Stamps Stamps -> United States -> 1901: to Now: Used If you are interested in getting into stamp collecting, but the brand new, mint condition and rare stamps are a little out of your price range, canceled postage stamps make a great alternative. While these are still quite valuable, especially depending......
• French Stamps Stamps -> Europe -> France and Colonies Collectors of stamps that also enjoy history are commonly drawn to French stamps for many different reasons. These are unique items that often depict the struggle for freedom, and the French stamps from the colonies are considered to be very valuable as well......

• Federal Reserve Notes Coins and Paper Money -> Paper Money: US -> Large Size Notes -> Federal Reserve Notes One of the most interesting collectibles in the field of coins and paper money are federal reserve notes. However, there is quite a bit of confusion out there about what these notes really are.......
• Bobbleheads Sports Memorabilia -> Vintage Sports Memorabilia -> Bobbleheads Bobblehead dolls may be considered silly by some, but there is definitely a national craze to collect them. Whether it is of a famous personality, sports hero, or even a cartoon character, these fun collectibles can be found just about anywhere. While......
• The 3 Reasons why Mint Collectible Coins Are Valuable The Sheldon grading scale is by and large the most used grading scale for dealing with collecting coins. The top of the grading scale is reserved for those coins which can hold the status of being in mint state. These coins are the most valuable of all of the coins......
• What Your Coin Collection Values Really Mean? If you are like most people with a coin collection, you got started because you wanted to have something fun to do. As you got more into the collecting aspect of the hobby, you soon discovered that there were so many super expensive pieces out there that you started seeing......
• Top 4 Reasons for the Rising Silver Coin Value Silver coins are among the most valuable of the coins people collect year to year. There are a few different reasons for this. Knowing the reasons for the silver coin value to go up will help you to understand whether you are getting a good deal on a coin you......

• Collections, Lots UK (Great Britain) Stamps
• Collections, Lots Coins: US Coins & Paper Money
• Spider-Man Collections Comics Collectibles
• Collections Magazines Comics Collectibles
• Hinge Piano Acoustic Musical Instruments

Stamps -> US Stamps : 19th Century Unused, 19th Century Used

Collecting stamps from around the world is a popular hobby for many, but there are also many valuable stamps that are hard to find. US Stamps in particular can be very rare, and there are quite a few that collectors would give their eye teeth for. Here is a quick guide to most collectible US stamps that are currently available.

1. US Franklin Z Grill – 1867  US Stamp
This one may be hard for the average collector to find since only two were ever made. While all Z Grills are considered to be collectible, these two stamps are by far the most valuable. One recently sold at auction for just under $1 million.

2. Hawaiian Missionary Stamps – 1851 US Stamp
The first stamps that were issued by what would later become the state of Hawaii are considered to be incredibly rare and will fetch upwards of $225k at auction. The first series were missionary stamps. They got this name from the multitude of American missionaries that were stationed in the islands during that time period. These were the same stamps that they used to write home and report on their efforts at spreading the gospel.

3. Abraham Lincoln – 1867 US Stamp
This is a very rare stamp indeed, but you may be able to find one since there are least more than two in existence. It features the Z Grill and is considered to be collectible due to the Civil War that was raging at the time and the history behind the stamp. If you are lucky enough to come across one of these, it can easily sell for more than $200k if it is in good condition.

4. Shield, Eagle and Flags – 1869 US Stamp
This stamp is so valuable that even one that no longer has gum on the back can still be worth more than $3500 if the rest of the stamp is in good condition. These are a little easier to come by for the average collector. Keep your eyes open however for one that is both unhinged and has gum since this can be worth more than $200k.

5. The Declaration of Independence – 1869 US Stamp
One of these used will sell more for more than $800, but if you can find one that is still intact, it can be worth a lot more. Many of these stamps, in mint condition, will sell at auction for more than $200k. Again, this is an easier stamp to find since more of them were issued.

US Stamps offer more than just a valuable collectible. Each one has a rich history tied to it that links us to our past. If you are just starting your collection, it is fun to see just how many rare stamps you can come across, and you never know just what treasures you may find. This is a great hobby for kids, and you can teach them a lot about the United States through these rare and valuable stamps.

Originally posted 2008-08-17 05:00:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Setting Up a Postage Stamp Collection Many people come by the idea of setting up a postage stamp collection in different ways. Some people come across a single stamp that inspires them while others fall in love with the hobby after someone they know exposes them to it. No matter how you came by the concept......
• Collecting Stamps as an Enjoyable Hobby When people are just starting out, the idea of stamp collecting can be relatively confusing. This is because it can be difficult for starters to distinguish regular stamps from valuable ones. Collecting stamps is a truly enjoyable hobby, however, so many more serious collectors recommend that the best possible way......
• Valuing your Stamp Hobby Many aspiring stamp hobby collectors end up wondering if it would be possible to get rich through the collection of stamps. The truth is, no, you are not likely to turn a stamp hobby into a million dollar endeavor. Most philatelic stamp hobbyists are never going to become rich from......
• Collecting Postage Stamps Many people do not think of collecting postage stamps as a suitable collection, because collecting small sticky images and placing them in plastic sheets in a binder or book does not appear to be the most exciting past time in the world. The truth is, however, that collecting stamps can......
• Benefits of Collecting Old Stamps Collecting old stamps, especially vintage postage stamps can bring great value. Collecting old stamps can be fun and educational, it can be affordable, and it can bring about understanding of history, art, travel and many other areas of culture as well. Here is an explanation of why collecting old stamps......

• The Rare Coin Collecting Debate Those who are thinking about getting into coin collecting are going to have to make a somewhat serious decision about their collection. These collectors are going to have to start to think about rare coins and are going to need to decide whether or not they plan on taking their......
• The Best Story in Rare Coin Collecting There are many reasons why a coin will become rare and collectible. It may be that it was a commemorative coin which was intended to be rare and instantly collectible. It can also be because the coin was taken out of circulation or was not authorized for striking by the......
• Rare Coins to Add to Your Collection The wide variety of coins and paper money that can be added to your collection come in the forms of both easy-to-access money and rare coins. Rare coins are a special part of coin collecting, providing individuals with goals to set and coins to chase. There are some coins that......
• How To Quickly Start a Paper Money Collection For some, currency collecting is a slow and deliberate process that takes years of work and research to form. For others, a paper money and paper currency collection is a quick hobby that eventually grows into a lasting hobby after a fierce and focused start. If you are looking to......
• Basketball Cards Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs - Original -> Basketball - NBA -> Trading Cards Although when most people think of collectible cards, they automatically think baseball, basketball cards are actually incredibly popular. There are thousands on the market and many of them depict some of the best players that ever hit......

• Collector Plates Cat-Domestic Animals Collectibles
• Hobby Greenhouses & Terrariums Garden Structures & Fencing Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
• Rare Fruit/Flowering Trees Plants, Seeds & Bulbs Gardening & Plants Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Nursery
• 19th Century: Used United States Stamps
• Collector Plates Wolf Animals Collectibles