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 collecting magazines and newsletters so that you can always stay informed on the latest news and get the inside scoop as to which collectible stamps are being sought after right now. However, if you can’t get your hands on one of these publications, there are a few guidelines you can use to help you determine which collectible stamps are worth buying.

The older the better

Generally, the older a stamp is, the more valuable it will be. There are a few exceptions to the rule, but if you happen to stumble on a stamp that is more than 100 years old, it’s best to pick it up, especially if the price is low. You never know what great treasures you can find, and using the age of a stamp is an easy way to help you find the best deals.

The condition does matter

Unless a stamp is terribly old or very rare, the overall condition of the collectible stamp does matter. Look for stamps that are free of any rips or tears as well as creases. Ideally, you would look for a mint stamp, but these can be hard to find. Older stamps may also have a postmark on them, but don’t worry. This can actually add to the value instead of taking away from it.

Is it gummed?

Once adhesives were introduced for stamps, they became a lot more popular and more valuable. If you are looking for a great collectible stamp, try to find one that still has its original gum on the back. It should be yellowish in color, although there are some variations. If you can find a Victoria stamp with gum, you’ve got a great deal on your hands. This was one of the first stamps in the world to use adhesive and it was incredibly groundbreaking at the time.

Smaller considerations

In addition to the considerations mentioned above, there a few others that will impact collectible stamps values. For example, if the stamp was part of a book, is the perforation intact? Take a hard look at a stamp before buying it and if necessary, get an appraisal to see just how much it is really worth. By being cautious, you can ensure that you won’t be taken advantage of as readily as though who leap before looking.

These are just a few things to think about when you are in the market for collectible stamps. Read up on them if you can, since it can make you a smarter shopper. Never forget to comb through flea markets and garage sales, you may just end up with the winning stamp. This is a lot of fun and provides you with a great hobby that is ideal for sharing with children.

Photo Credits: aldo c zavala

Originally posted 2008-10-02 05:00:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Memorabilia -> Autographs: Original -> Movies

If you are seeking celebrity autographs, there are a few options available to you. For some however, if you don’t live where there are a lot of celebrities, it can be a little difficult to get the celebrity autographs you want. However, there are still quite a few options that are available, even if your favorite stars haven’t been with us for many years. Here’s how you can find the best autographs.

1. Professional Dealers

This is probably the easiest way to get celebrity autographs. They are typically found in towns like Los Angeles and New York City, where there is a high concentration of stars. These specialty stores sell merchandise as well as photos that have been signed by your favorite stars. When you’re in a hurry or looking for a popular autograph, this is probably the best way to get one. You may need to pay a bit more however, since many of these dealers do charge premium prices.

2. Online Auctions

This option works best for those that do not live in an area where celebrity autographs are easily found. You will have access to the best dealers online as well as regular people that are trying to monetize their personal collection. If you are looking for a rare celebrity autograph, or if you just like to have a wide selection, this is the best option for you. Prices for autographs at online auctions do vary, and the most popular stars will usually bring the highest prices. However, there are exceptions to every rule and with careful shopping, you can find a great deal.

3. Get one on your own

This option works best for those that live in Los Angeles or New York, or have access to a steady stream of celebrities. However, you can get one on your own even in your own town, if there is a special book signing or if you just happen to bump into a star on the street. Most are more than willing to give you an autograph, but it is important to remember that they are people too and like their privacy. Always be polite if you approach a celebrity for their autograph. In most cases, you will be able to get one for free, so this is a great option if you are on a budget.

4. Auction Houses

If you are seeking very rare celebrity autographs from stars like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, or even Elvis, the best place to look would be at a professional auction house such as Sotheby’s. These auction houses help private clients with their collections and this is the best way to get a really valuable autograph. Be prepared to spend quite a bit more for these, but you will have the added benefit of knowing that the resale value will be quite high.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on your hunt for celebrity autographs. If all else fails, and the star is living, you can always write to their agent to ask for one. Be advised however, that most will be reprints and not originals if you do decide to go this route.

Photo Credits: RavenU

Originally posted 2008-09-23 14:00:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Often people ask me for advice on what to do with their newly inherited or given stamp collection, usually with a bent on selling it. These are a few pointers I have slapped together. Number one: do not get your hopes up. Most people see albums or boxes full of old stamps and they think “eureka!” The boring reality is that the greater parts of the majority of stamps are fairly common, and are therefore worth next to nothing, even the really old ones. Another fact is that most collectors do so for personal enjoyment, and not for an investment.

That said, there are a few exceptions and certain collections could be worth quite a bit. How would you get an idea of the worth of a collection? Easiest method is to find records left by the original collector that details the contents of it and its value. Should the collection have been insured, the total of the insurance taken out can also be an indicator. You do need to be aware though, that collectors value all of their stamps at retail, meaning what it would cost you to buy the stamps from dealers. You also need to figure in a collector’s natural tendency to exaggerate the value a bit. If you do go and sell the collection, do not be surprised if the offers you get are only in the neighborhood of 10% to 20% of the claimed value, possibly less.

If you are unable to get an approximate value of your collection due to lack of records and such, you do have several other methods by which you could approach the problem.

Do the footwork yourself. This method will involve a lot of time as well as effort, but in the end it will be the best way to obtain an accurate idea of what all is in the collection, as well as what it really is worth. Basically, the process goes as follows. Buy a Scott Postage Stamp Catalog, which can be had in many a public library. The catalogs come in six different volumes, each of which contain listings, and pictures, and are organized by country.

You should locate each stamp you have and the catalog will have its value. This “catalog” value is, theoretically, the price you would have to pay to buy this stamp through a retail stamp dealer. Really, this value also tends to be rather inflated, and you will be able to buy stamps from a dealer for a lot less than that value. You should expect to actually get a lot less than this when selling.

Contract an appraiser. You can pay an appraiser who will then examine the entire collection and provide you with a written estimate for its value. The appraiser is not someone who is interested in buying your collection, and so has no personal motivations to value your collection too low in the hopes that they could get a good deal, in case you were worried about that. You pay an appraiser a fee, and this fee should always definitely be agreed upon ahead of time to prevent any issues.

Photo credits: Le Petit Poulailler

Originally posted 2009-12-09 03:19:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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