Stamps -> Worldwide -> Collections, Lots

Few types of collectors get more excited and enthusiastic about a new acquisition than a stamp collector. Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, enjoyed by young children, the elderly, and every age in between. Over 20 million people in the United States collect stamps, with some of them enjoying the hobby very casually without much in depth knowledge of the individual stamps and their histories. But some enjoy the study of stamps, also known as philately, and use that detailed knowledge to amass a large and comprehensive collection of stamps from all over the world.

Stamp collecting is so popular that some small countries produce beautiful stamps in limited editions of far more than necessary for their country’s postal needs because collectors buy them and increase their revenue. Stamp collectors interested in collecting, not just for the satisfaction of acquiring certain stamps but as an investment, go in search of rare and valuable stamps.

A young Queen Victoria graced the first postage stamp issued in Britain in 1840. Called the Penny Black, one had to cut it from a sheet of stamps with scissors. Mint and unused Penny Blacks are scarce and valuable, but even a casual collector could find used Penny Blacks in online auctions for affordable prices. Those that are in the worst condition can even be purchased for $20-$40 dollars, and those in the best condition are usually available for less than $200—a very affordable price when you consider you’d be owning the first stamp ever created, with a value that’s only likely to rise.

Most stamps, even very old ones, can be found and collected affordably, making it a great hobby for children and people from any walk of life. While the advent of email and electronic bill paying have greatly reduced the need for stamps, decreased stamp production could put a damper on those who collect modern stamps. But a stamp collector with a collection of older stamps would do well to maintain the collection as the value will likely rise even as stamps become less necessary to our society.

A stamp collector has a variety of choices when choosing which stamps to collect. Some only collect stamps from one country, but aim to acquire one of each type. Others choose only certain types of stamps, like commemorative stamps, stamps in other shapes like circles or triangles, or stamps bearing images of certain things like celebrities or a type of animal. Other collectors choose to collect in general, gathering stamps from all over the world with no real rhyme or reason, just choosing the ones that appeal to them. There’s no wrong way to collect stamps because it’s a very individual hobby.

When purchasing stamps, a stamp collector should ask a few key questions. Is the stamp uncirculated or used, and is it damaged? Also find out if it’s an irregular stamp or one with an error, both of which can sometimes make the stamp more valuable.

Photo Credits: creative location

Originally posted 2008-10-13 05:00:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• The Most Essential Stamp Collecting Supplies It does not matter if you are just beginning in the stamp collecting world, or if you have been collecting avidly for years: There are a number of stamp collecting supplies that are truly essential to your collection. What this means is that you absolutely cannot do without these essential......
• Beginning a Stamp Collecting Hobby Starting a stamp collecting hobby can be popular and rewarding if you like the idea of stamps. If you are just getting started with your own stamp collecting hobby and you are trying to figure out where you need to get started, the following tips should prove to be helpful.......
• Where to Buy Stamps Online People who break into the world of stamps often find themselves wondering about where to buy stamps online as well as in person. Having a guide to the best places for where to buy stamps is always a good idea. One of the places where you can buy stamps online......
• Selling Stamp Collections If you are a stamp collector, one of the considerations you may end up making pertains to selling stamp collections. If you are interested in selling stamp collections, you are going to need to keep this in mind at all times and with every stamp that you buy. Stamp collectors......
• US Civil War Stamps Stamps -> Topic & Specialty -> War The United Postal Service issued a sheet of 20 stamps in 1995 with the theme of the US Civil War. The Civil War was the deadliest war in American history, resulting in the death of 620,000 soldiers and an untold number of civilians.......

• Collecting Coins of the World Start with your pocket change Start out by studying coins you pull from your pockets, or failing that, some old coins from your attic, on your floor, or out in public. As a novice coin collector, it makes no sense to spend a lot of your money on coins if......
• The Customs of Coin Collecting The world of coin collecting is a fascinating and interesting world that has plenty of quirks and distinctive traits. The world of coin collecting is slightly different than many other forms of collecting, catching may first-time collectors somewhat off guard. If you are thinking about getting into coin collecting and......
• Making the Transaction From Hobby Coin Collecting to Serious Coin Collecting There are some people who see coin collecting as a simple and fun hobby. They like to pick out coins that they enjoy looking at and reading about, and add coins to their collection every few months. There are others who are incredibly serious about their collections and their hobby,......
• Keeping the Fun in Coin Collecting Coin collecting can be a fun experience, an interesting hobby for those who are looking for a way to bring joy and excitement into their life. The same can be said for children who are getting into coin collecting – the sheer act of collecting money is enough to make......
• Collecting Money World Wide There are several money collectors here in the United States and around the globe. There are even some people who make special trips to other parts of the world just for the purpose of collecting currencies for their personal collections. Many people go to some of the events and trade......

• Bindings Cross Country Skiing Winter Sports
• E-Type Jaguar Hybrid Vehicles
• Collection Errors Coins: US Coins & Paper Money
• Collector Plates Lenox Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
• Rose Country Plaques & Signs Garden Decor Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living

Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs, Original -> Baseball-MLB-> Trading Cards

Baseball cards have been around for just about as long as the sport has and many of them have turned into very valuable collector items. Whether you are interested in collecting baseball cards from a fan perspective, or you are more into the investment angle, these are quite fun to collect and chances are you may just come across one that is a truly rare find. Collecting baseball cards isn’t just for kids anymore – this can be a serious business.

If you are interested in collecting baseball cards, there are a few things that you need to know ahead of time to make sure that you are getting a good value for your money and a good investment. With the advent of digital printers and online sales, it has become all too easy for scam artists to crank out supposed valuable cards that aren’t worth the paper that they are printed on. Before you buy a baseball card, you need to take a few things into consideration.

1. Does the seller have a good reputation?

If someone is trying to sell fakes, sooner or later their actions will catch up with them. If you are buying baseball cards online, especially if you are buying on an auction site, take advantage of the reputation system that is built into these sites and look at the seller’s feedback. If there is any indication that their customers are not satisfied, don’t make the purchase. You can also do a web search on a seller to see if they have any other complaints.

2. What is the condition of the card?

Someone selling a rare baseball card from the early 1900’s, like the one pictured here, and claiming that it is in perfect condition may not be telling the whole truth. It is important to get plenty of pictures of the item you want to buy so that you can verify the condition of the card on your own. You should be able to see if there are any rips, tears or fraying that can lower the overall value of the card. Keep in mind however that some sellers will do a bait and switch and picture a baseball card that is in great condition, but ship you one that is not in good condition.

3. Get an appraisal

Perhaps the best way to determine whether or not you should invest in a rare baseball card is to have an independent appraisal done on the item. This can easily be handled online and many of these services feature very quick turnaround times. The small amount of money you pay for the appraisal could end up saving you thousands by helping you identify the right kind of card you are looking for.

Whenever you’re buying a collectible item it pays to do your homework and baseball cards are no different. Take the time to authenticate the item before you purchase it and you won’t have to worry about whether you are being taken for a ride.

Photo Credits: guano

Originally posted 2008-09-12 05:00:29. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Collecting Signed Sports Memorabilia If you are interested in sports, then there is a growing business trend that you should be aware of, which relates to buying, collecting and selling signed sports memorabilia. This is a sound investment that would be well worth considering if you are into sports, but the first consideration that......
• Build Your Own Sports Memorabilia Collection Some people begin to create a sports memorabilia collection to create a hobby, and other people decide to put together a sports memorabilia collection for the sole purpose of eventually selling their memorabilia off later. Some people, then, specially build up their sports memorabilia collection full of specifically chosen items......
• Types of Sports Memorabilia Items to Buy There are a number of different forms that sports memorabilia items can take, including both modern memorabilia and vintage memorabilia. Some of the sports memorabilia items that you can purchase and add to your collection include: - Autographed sports memorabilia items, including balls, gloves, bats, cards and anything else that......
• Collecting Autographed Sport Memorabilia Are you thinking about collecting autographed sport memorabilia? If you are interested in creating a sports collection of some kind, one of the options that is available to you is collecting autographed sport memorabilia. If you want to add autographed collectibles to your own personal collection, what you may like......
• Spotting Real Autographed Sports Memorabilia Many people get excited about autographed sports memorabilia when they find it for a good price, and as a result, many people purchase so called authentic autographed sports memorabilia without investigating the authenticity of said memorabilia. The question that all buyers should be asking when shopping for autographed sports memorabilia......

• Are Hidden Fees Keeping You From Meeting Your Financial Goals? Hidden fees are nasty little critters that can eat away at your credit card balances, or your checking accounts and you may never be the wiser. If you are stuck wondering where it all goes at the end of the money, it's time to do some investigating to find out......
• Sports Memorabilia Appraisal Perhaps you have found the perfect piece of sports memorabilia, signed by your favorite sports star, and you are just about to make the purchase. Perhaps the price is perfect, and you are ready to make the exchange. Hold on! Any collectible sports memorabilia needs to be coming equipped with......
• Smart Credit Card Debt Credit card debt is a global problem that has led many to the poorhouse. However, with smart management, credit card debt can actually be a good thing. Let’s look at how to have smart credit card debt that will help your finances instead of hurt it. The premise may be......
• Movie Memorabilia Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Props-> Posters Movies touch our hearts, inspire our souls and transport us on an incredible journey. It’s no wonder that movie memorabilia has become so incredibly popular throughout the years. You’ll find numerous different types of movie memorabilia that range from simple posters, to theater......
• 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.......

• Evanescence E Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia
• Caps, Hats Seattle Mariners Baseball-MLB Fan Apparel & Souvenirs Sports Collectibles
• Posters Grateful Dead G Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia
• Photos Presley, Elvis P Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia
• Publications New York Yankees Baseball-MLB Fan Apparel & Souvenirs Sports Collectibles

Memorabilia -> Music Memorabilia -> Rock, Pop-> The Beatles

Out of all of the rock groups that rose to prominence in the 1960’s, none took the world by storm quite like The Beatles and since then, Beatles memorabilia has been a hot commodity. There are fans that have built up incredible collections throughout the years and when something does come up for auction, the reaction is usually incredible. If you are just getting into collecting Beatles memorabilia, there are quite a few different things that you can collect.

First, there are the limited edition LP’s, or the rare ones that still have all of their original covers and artwork. These are a rare piece of Beatles memorabilia that are still affordable for most collectors. If you do find an LP, it’s best to keep it safe and not to play it, since it can reduce the overall value. Look for an LP that is not scratched if at possible, and ideally, it would have never been used. The cover should be easy to read and in very good shape as well. If you can find this kind of Beatles memorabilia, you’re really in for a treat.

Next up, you can find Beatles memorabilia in the form of rare recording, both audio and video. These are a lot of fun to collect and many people have found that their private selection of audio tapes or even old videos are worth quite a bit of money. From pieces that were actually filmed by fans to old studio copies that are worth a mint, this is a great type of Beatles memorabilia that is very popular.

The 1960’s also brought in the advent of merchandising and Beatles memorabilia is no stranger to this. You can find literally thousands of different types of merchandising collectibles, from lunch boxes, to maps, posters, thermoses and everything else under the sun. These are generally worth less money that the usual audios or LP’s, but every once in awhile you can come across a great find. Look for merchandising collectibles that are either still in their original packaging, or those that are in very good shape.

Last but not least, autographs and photos are probably the most popular and valuable type of Beatles memorabilia. If you are just interested in getting an autograph for your own personal collection, they are not that hard to maintain and some may not be that expensive. However, for the true collector, it can take years to find the right Beatles memorabilia and autographs, especially if you are trying to build up a collection of all four, or even one that may include the legendary “fifth Beatle.”

The Beatles touched the hearts and minds of many generations and there are few groups that could lay claim to such a worldwide phenomenon. Whether you were a fan back then, or you’ve become a fan now, collecting Beatles memorabilia is a great way to express that appreciation of a group that changed the face of the music industry as we knew it.

Originally posted 2008-08-30 14:00:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Collecting Tiki Hawaiian Décor Memorabilia There are a wide variety of relics and Hawaiian décor pieces that hail from the tiki craze, which happened between the 1940s and the 1960s. Collectors seem to get enjoyment from the over the time and often kitschy nature of these items. These items are often purchased, collected and then......
• Movie Props Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Movie Props : Originals, Reproductions If you have a favorite movie that you will never forget, or if you are a collector of memorabilia, finding movie props can be an amazing experience. There are numerous studios that release special movie props after filming and you......
• Music Memorabilia Memorabilia -> Music Memorabilia -> Rock, Pop Music memorabilia has always been popular, and although we associate it primarily with today’s rock and pop musicians, the practice of collecting items for musicians and groups dates back many hundred years. In fact, in Japan, before mass printing was used on a......
• Is Autographed Memorabilia Worth it? Sometimes you may see it claimed that autographed memorabilia is one of the biggest wastes of money out there, but is this true? A man named Chris Pummer once equated autographed memorabilia to premium coffee as well as cigarettes as the biggest possible wastes of money, but is this true......
• Collecting Film Memorabilia There are many actors, actresses, movie scenes and other film moments that are memorable and popular years after they initially came into the limelight. As a result, many people collect film memorabilia as a way to relive their favorite movie moments, or to commemorate their favorite movie heroes. Although the......

• How to Get Started With an American Coin Collection There are many different kinds of coins you can collect out there. Among the most popular to collect is the American coin. This is because to date the American coin collector is one of the preeminent collectors in the industry. Other countries like Australia and Canada are starting to grow......
• Collecting Autographed Sport Memorabilia Are you thinking about collecting autographed sport memorabilia? If you are interested in creating a sports collection of some kind, one of the options that is available to you is collecting autographed sport memorabilia. If you want to add autographed collectibles to your own personal collection, what you may like......
• Finding the Perfect Coins For Your Coin Collection There are thousands of different coins that you will be able to find for your own collection, even if you stick with the country that you live in. There are plenty of different mints and types based on what year the coin was minted and any possible defects the coin......
• Things to Avoid When Collecting Rare Coins and Old Money The world of coin collecting revolves around many types of currency, including rare coins and old money. These types of coins and currency are the hardest to find, and are the most sought after. People will make brainless decisions about these types of currency simply because they want to be......
• How to Get Started with Collecting Paper Money Often, there are two different kinds of collectors. There are those that collect paper money as well as those that collect coins. There are a few that collect both, but these are rare. The most common currency collector collects coins. This is because there are far more coins to collect......

• Balls Football College-NCAA Autographs-Original Sports Collectibles
• Congressional Political Autographs Collectibles
• Apparel Hendrix, Jimi H Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia
• Patches Metallica M Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia
• Prince Charles Royal Memorabilia Historical Memorabilia Collectibles

Collectibles -> Decorative Collectibles -> Precious Moments -> Figurines

With their distinctive designs and inspirational quips, Precious Moments collectibles are one of the most sought after decorative arts. Originally designed in 1975 by Eugene Freedman, it wasn’t until the mid-1980’s that the company hit full stride. Since then, these cute little figurines have had quite an impact on collectors from around the world. These are very popular gift items and many people have built up quite an impressive collection just from receiving these gifts on special events.

Precious Moments collectibles typically depict small children, and they are known for their large eyes, small faces and tiny bodies. The figurines are made of porcelain and are typically sized at less than five inches total. There are numerous societies and clubs that collectors can join and out of all of the decorative collectibles that were made in the later part of the 20th century, these are undoubtedly the most popular.

Quite often, the designs reflect certain milestones or achievements in life. For example, there are Precious Moments collectibles for birthdays, graduations, weddings and other big events that occur throughout someone’s life. There are also many figurines dedicated to inspiring their owners, and these will typically contain a small message that is attached to the figurine via a small plaque.

The success of Precious Moments collectibles has spurred an entire industry dedicated to these tiny figures and you can find everything from cards, posters, billboards and many other designs that now carry their likenesses. They are also popular online and you can find thousands of places to share and collect images of these figurines.

The rarest Precious Moments collectibles are the ones that are known as “exclusives.” These will typically denote a certain culture. For example, the Japanese kimono line, as pictured above, is considered to be very collectible and many people will spend months trying to locate them.

The advent of online shopping and auction sites has led to the furthered expansion of the Precious Moments collectibles craze. You can find many rare figurines on these auction sites and it is quite easy to locate the new editions that are published every year. For those seeking the rarest of the rare Precious Moments collectibles, these auction sites provide access that is unparalleled.

When shopping for Precious Moments collectibles online, it is important to make sure that they come with a certificate of authenticity. Although these figures are usually easy to find, there are those that try to pass off counterfeit figurines. Make sure that the seller provides a picture of the certificate, as well as a picture of the bottom of the figurine so that you can identify the marks.

If you are looking for a great little collectible that is fun to give or receive, Precious Moments collectibles may be the ideal choice. They are perfect for children and adults alike and as their popularity continues to grow, older versions and the exclusive series will continue to grow in value. The next time you see a Precious Moments collectible you may just decide to give it a try.

Originally posted 2008-08-28 14:00:42. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Doll and Barbie Collectibles There is a great deal of variety out there when it comes to collecting dolls, such as Barbie collectibles for example. There are dolls that are designed to be toys, and here are dolls that are designed to be collectibles, and Barbie dolls are no exception to the rule because......
• Cat Collectibles Collectibles -> Animals -> Cat-Domestic The history of cat collectibles goes back much farther than you probably realize. Cats were revered in Ancient Egypt where citizens did more than collect cat-related items, they collected the cats themselves. So far, over 300,000 mummified cats have been found buried in ancient tombs.......
• Collecting Toby Mugs There are a myriad of different items and trinkets that can be collected, depending on your taste and interests. One example of collectibles that you may have interest in is Toby mugs, a type of ceramic mugs that are sold in Britain. These mugs are created with caricatures on them,......
• Collectible Pocket Knives Collectibles -> Advertising -> Agriculture -> Pocket Knives Out of all of the advertising related collectibles on the market at the current time, some of the most popular are agriculture related collectible pocket knives. These collectibles hearken back to a simpler time and collectors snap them up in droves. Many......
• Caring for Doll Collectibles The term collectible refers to just about anything that you can imagine, as long as it is something that can be collected, and something that holds value to someone, somewhere. For example, many people enjoy doll collectibles, so much so that doll collectibles are some of the most popular collectibles......

• Collecting Rare Stamps Online You may already have started up your own stamp collection, but how are you going to set your stamp collection apart from other people and their stamp collections? You are going to need to know where to look and shop around in order to find the best rare stamps, and......
• Putting Foreign Currency Collections Up for Sale Anyone who has collected foreign currency knows how popular the different pieces of currency can be. Some people are going to need to sell their collections at some point, and are banking on the popularity of these coins and paper money to carry the sale. While this may make it......
• Selling Stamp Collections If you are a stamp collector, one of the considerations you may end up making pertains to selling stamp collections. If you are interested in selling stamp collections, you are going to need to keep this in mind at all times and with every stamp that you buy. Stamp collectors......
• Judging Your Collection Based on Coin Collecting Values If you are serious about collecting coins, then one of the things that you should be putting consideration into when collecting is coin collecting values. The thing about coin collecting values is that they let you know what price a particular coin is going for. In other words, if you......
• Coin Collecting 101 Coin collecting is an industry that has grown to encompass billions of dollars in sales. The earliest hobby of coin collecting is capable of being traced as far back as 1300 AD, which is when an Italian scholar known by the name of Fracesco Petrarca began to save coins and......

• Tureens Ceramics, Porcelain Decorative Arts Antiques
• Designs Wheelbarrows, Carts & Wagons Garden Tools & Equipment Gardening & Plants Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
• David Winter Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
• Norman Rockwell Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
• Bowls Ceramics, Porcelain Decorative Arts Antiques