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

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If you are a lover of wildlife, or simply enjoy collectible stamps, the US stamp collection called the Duck Stamp is a terrific stamp to consider learning more about. These are not actually valid for postage, and were first released in 1934 as a way to raise money for conservation projects. They quickly became incredibly popular and through the years this popularity has only grown.

The Duck Stamps are actually made for the US Fish and Wildlife Service by the US Postal Service and every year a new design is introduced. Recently, the postal service began holding contests were amateur designers could submit their duck stamp designs for a chance to win the prize of having their stamp be the one that was produced that year. This is a competitive, but fun event and thousands take part every year.

For every dollar that is spent on a duck stamp, the US Postal Service donates 98 cents to the Fish and Wildlife service. Through the years, this funding has become vital and has gone to many special waterfowl and wildlife conservation projects. Without the duck stamp, it is highly possible that many wildlife would now be extinct or at the very least, could have lost their habitats.

The popularity of the regular duck stamp led to a new program that was introduced in 1989. Called the Junior Duck Stamp program, the proceeds from this go back into education. Through this program, children are encouraged to design their own stamps for inclusion in the project and they also learn more about conservation. This project also took off and once more, the stamps became very popular.

Another recent change was the introduction of the pass system, where a duck stamp could be used to gain admittance to a National Park free of charge. While few people like to part with their duck stamps, this program has also been a success. The success of the numerous duck stamp programs has spread, and now many states have their own special national park and stamp programs that are modeled on this original.

The most collectible duck stamps are the ones that were produced during the early stages of the program, but nearly all carry some value. While the primary purpose of the stamps may be to fund conservation and education programs, there is also a large selection of the population that collects these stamps for their artistic value. You can typically find a new US duck stamp for around $15, but the collectible and desirable stamps from many years ago can fetch much more than that at auction.

Many consider the duck stamp to be the perfect introduction for children into stamp collecting. Since they can participate in the design process and enter the contest to have their design chosen, it is a great interactive form of stamp collecting that could spark a life long interest in becoming a philatelist. If you have children, consider getting them their first duck stamp and watch their creativity and love of nature blossom.

Originally posted 2008-08-20 05:00:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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