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

• Swiss Soldier Stamps Stamps -> Europe -> Switzerland Some people, even those who have been collecting stamps for years, may never have heard of Swiss soldier stamps. That’s because these stamps weren’t actually postage stamps for use at large, they were created for the Swiss soldiers who were activated to full duty to......
• 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......
• Post Office Stamps Stamps -> United States -> Collections Post office stamps are a great collectible for kids to enjoy, and luckily, it isn’t all that hard to start a collection. Before you start building your collection, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have all the supplies you’ll need. This......
• Cuba Stamps Stamps -> WorldWide The first Cuba stamps were made available in April of 1855, 15 years after the first postage stamps were printed in Great Britain. Before the advent of the postage stamp in Cuba, letters were often delivered to the addressee requiring him or her to pay the postage.......
• United States Stamps Stamps -> Books and Manuscripts -> Back of Book United States stamps are fun to collect and you will have many different varieties from which to choose. If you are looking for a hobby for your kids, or you are just interested in US history, these stamps are a great......

• 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......
• Port Jackson Shark Found on Newspapers Doorstep. A Port Jackson Shark (heterodontus portusjacksoni) as been found live on Newspapers Doorstep in Victoria State in Australia. Police in Australia say they are "flabbergasted” as to how and why the   The two-foot (60cm) fish was found lying at the front doorstep of The Standard in Warrnambool city......
• Review Very Sexy for Her Perfume by Victoria's Secret The Very Sexy for Her Perfume by Victoria's Secret is one of the newest fragrances by the popular fragrancier, and it is the newest incarnation of fragrances from the Very Sexy line of fragrances. The Very Sexy for Her Perfume by Victoria's Secret features some really unique notes to make......
• Wayne Gretzky Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs-Original -> Hockey-NHL Wayne Gretzky, called “The Great One” by many hockey professionals and writers, is one of the most recognizable names in sports throughout the world and widely regarded to be the best hockey player of all time. While even someone who doesn't like sports......
• Explore the World of Collectible Teddy Bears There are a number of famous collectible teddy bears that you can buy or sell and build a collection out of. Here are some of the collectible teddy bears that you may want to consider looking for and perhaps adding to your collection of unique bears from all eras. -......

• Postal History Covers United States Stamps
• 19th Century Unused United States Stamps
• 1941-50 FDCs pre-1951 Covers United States Stamps
• Duck Stamps Back of Book United States Stamps
• First Flight Event Covers Covers United States Stamps

Stamps -> Europe -> Germany and Area

When it comes to collecting stamps that were produced during the second world war, many collectors gravitate towards what are known as “Third Reich Stamps.” These are stamps that were produced in Germany from a period between 1933 and 1945, when the Third Reich was in power in that country. If you are interested in collecting war memorabilia, or you are just looking for rare stamps to collect, these are certainly valuable in many cases.

To determine whether or not you have an authentic Third Reich stamp on your hands, there are a few things that you should pay attention to.

1. The Colors

Most Third Reich stamps are either green, red or brown. The backgrounds of the stamps will have the most color, while the designs are usually white or simply not colored at all. This creates a contrast effect and provides a backdrop for the artwork that is used. Many other countries used the opposite effect, where the background of the stamp was pale in color and the designs featured color, but Third Reich Stamps are usually different.

2. The Designs

This is where there is a lot of variation. Some Third Reich stamps will feature Hitler or prominent people from the Third Reich, while others will have sometimes strange designs that depict Egyptian figures. Other designs from this time period also feature soldiers, and as the country deteriorated into war, symbols such as the swastika were used in greater numbers. You can actually track the war through the stamps that were issued, and see where the country was headed during this time.

3. The Commemoration

Many Third Reich Stamps were issued in commemoration of certain events and these are probably the most popular. They will typically contain the anniversary of a date that was important to leaders within the Third Reich, or of specific victories. These are typically the kinds of stamps that are collected by those that have a specific interest in the war with Germany during this time.

If you find a Third Reich stamp and you are wondering whether or not it is legitimate, pay attention to the colors that were used and rely on the above tips to help you determine whether or not it is authentic. Always look for stamps that are in good condition, have never been used, or still contain the original adhesive. These are the most valuable, in addition to the ones with specific dates.

You may also want to get an appraisal or have an expert examine a Third Reich stamp before you buy it. There are counterfeit stamps running around, and you may end up wasting your money if you are not careful and go through the authentication process. If you are buying a stamp at auction, the organizers or seller will usually provide you with additional information about the history of the stamp as well as its value. You can use these figures to help you determine whether or not this is a stamp that should be added to your collection.

Originally posted 2008-09-03 05:00:12. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• 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......
• Monroe Stamp Stamps -> Topical-and-Specialty -> Famous People The Marilyn Monroe stamp was released on June 1, 1995, on what would have been Marilyn’s 69th birthday. It joined the ranks of what the United States Postal Service calls “blockbuster” stamps, like the Elvis stamp, and some commemorative stamps like those honoring Civil......
• Swiss Soldier Stamps Stamps -> Europe -> Switzerland Some people, even those who have been collecting stamps for years, may never have heard of Swiss soldier stamps. That’s because these stamps weren’t actually postage stamps for use at large, they were created for the Swiss soldiers who were activated to full duty to......
• 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.......
• US Postage Stamps 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......

• Brief History of the Mandolin A mandolin is a musical instrument that belongs to the lute family meaning that it can either be plucked or strummed. It is a direct descendant of a instrument called the Mandore, which is a soprano member of the same family. The mandolin instrument has a body that possesses a......
• Why P2P Lending is Not a Substitute for High-Interest Savings As with other money-making vehicles in this economy, high-interest savings has taken a major plunge. It's still much higher than what I was earning before, but it's not the impressive 4% returns that we were seeing even a year back. Because of its dip, some people are looking for other......
• Money Making Opportunity for Wordpress Designers If you're into designing Wordpress themes, I ran across an opportunity that could end up making you quite a bit of cash. It's a site called Theme Wars... Designers can submit their own customized Wordpress Themes, and each week, two themes are picked for "battle". (Ok, there's no real bloodshed.........
• Japanese Tattoos Few tattoo designs are more colorful, aesthetically pleasing, and steeped in history than the Japanese tattoo. You might find it ironic that a culture known for its subtlety has inspired a breed of tattoo designs that are so colorful and eye-catching. Irony aside, this is one tattoo that will definitely......
• fatherland I just finished re-reading a fascinating book called Fatherland by Robert Harris. This isn't a book review, exactly, since I will relate it to personal finance... eventually. The rather grim image here should have grabbed your attention. It is, of course, the swastika. The swastika was an ancient Sanskrit......

• Germany Area Europe Stamps
• Germany Original Period Items WW II 1939-45 Militaria Collectibles
• Non-Country Specific License Plates Automobilia Transportation Collectibles