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 their stamp collections. Rather, most of these collectors are going to collect simply based on the sheer joy of having their collection as well as the thrill that is associated with searching for each individual stamp. Some philatelic stamp hobby collectors get a thrill from the beauty associated with the finished collection, and they also derive joy from the camaraderie that is associated with meeting other collectors. Having said that, it is also important to know that yes, some stamps are valuable.

According to Stamps.org, for example, the 1857 3 skilling stamp from the Banco Yellow of Sweden has a catalog value which is $2,000,000. The United States 1868 1 cent Z Grill stamp is reported to have sold for a value of $935,000 in the year 1988. Assuming that you do not own one of these million dollar stamps, how much is your stamp hobby worth?

Many stamps are only worth equal to their face value or less. Some, however, are worth more. A stamp’s value is going to be based on a number of factors, including the age of the stamp, the rarity of the stamp, whether the stamp is new or used and the condition of the stamp.

• Older stamps tend to be worth more value than newer stamps. The most valuable stamps are older than 40 years of age.
• How many of the stamp is currently in circulation? A stamp that is limited edition in nature is going to be worth more than a stamp that was released in mass circulation. If there are ten or less of a stamp, it may be truly valuable.
• New and unused stamps are worth more than stamps that have already been used on a piece of mail.
• Stamps that are in excellent condition will be worth more than stamps that are in poor condition. You should be checking for imperfections such as color problems, brightness problems, ink smears and tears in the stamp.

In order to value your stamp hobby, you should buy a book that lists the stamps and their values. Make sure that you are figuring in the condition of your stamp when using these valuation books. You also need to take care to be as objective as you possibly can. Only a professional is going to b able to give you an exact answer on the value of your stamps, but these books are also quite helpful. Check online or in your yellow pages to find a professional stamp appraiser if you want to know what your stamp hobby is really worth.

Photo Credits: karen horton

Originally posted 2009-07-26 05:35:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Coins & Paper Money -> Coins: World -> Russia

Russian coins have recently become a popular investment, with many of the popular dealers selling out of supplies, and some older and more rare coins earning over $45,000 at auction. Many people gave up on Russian coin collecting in 2007 because of the raising values and costs of most Russian coins and the sudden surge of people interested in Russian coins, not just as hobbyists and collectors, but because of the believed investment potential these coins suddenly had.

Imperial Russian coins prices have doubled in the last year, making any pre-1917 Russian coin more expensive to obtain, taking it out of the reach of many hobby collectors, and consequently more valuable. Even the dealers are a bit baffled by the sudden upswing in the Russian coin market, especially in as short a time as one year .

The demand for Russians coins actually started 5 or 6 years ago, as the country’s economy began to stabilize after years of difficult times. During much of the 20th century, all but the wealthiest Russians often had trouble making ends meet, so expensive things were put aside. Many silver and gold coins were melted down. While the records of how many coins were minted are still there, no one knows how many were melted down and put into another form during their years of weak economy. Because Russia doesn’t allow the export of its Imperial coins, finding them outside Russia is fairly rare, with those coins either appearing outside Russia illegally, or perhaps brought by Russian immigrants years ago.

Russian coins are actually even more valuable inside Russia than they are elsewhere. Now that the economy is improving, people are more able to indulge in hobbies like coin collecting, and since so many early coins were destroyed it’s these coins that seem to have the most value. Because the price is steadily increasing, investors know that they can turn a profit in only a few months by purchasing the coins and then reselling them at their new, higher market prices later.

While this value growth can’t continue indefinitely, Russian coins still sell for less than their British and American counterparts of similar rarity, so it could continue for yet while. As long as the Russian economy improves, it’s believed that the value of Russian coins will continue to grow. At some point, though, the selling price for many Russian coins will drop, perhaps dramatically, so if you’re after a particular coin that’s out of your price range, a wait and see attitude could serve you well and get you the coin at a more affordable price.

Because of the high value of some Russian coins today, fakes have flooded the marketplace. Coin dealers can easily spot a fake, while some eBay sellers who have no intention of defrauding anyone might have no idea that their coins aren’t genuine. Choose sellers who have extensive numismatic experience and can vouch for the authenticity of their coins, and offer a refund if you should have the coin examined and discover it’s not genuine.

Photo Credits: kevindooley

Originally posted 2008-10-26 14:00:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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