Stamps -> United States -> 19th Century Unused

One of the best ways to get interested in stamp collecting is to take a look at some old postage stamps. These are truly unique items and although they may not be as glitzy or as useful as today’s stamps, there are some that are truly unique and very valuable. When you’re looking for collectible old postage stamps, there are a few things to look for to see whether or not you have a truly valuable stamp in front of you.

1. Ink Color

Typically, old postage stamps used either red, brown, green or blue ink. The colors should be a bit faded, especially if the stamp was made in the late 1800’s. During this time more intricate designs were put into circulation but for the most part, the colors stayed the same. There is no real theory behind why these ink colors were used, but it does make it easier to find old postage stamps and authenticate them.

2. Designs

Old postage stamps will typically contain historical events or figures that were popular during that time. Just as we have celebrity stamps today, old postage stamps commemorated special events and people as well. In countries where there was a monarch, that would typically be the person that would adorn the majority of stamp designs. In republics, symbols of freedom were commonly used. Very old stamps will generally be less intricate, but towards the 19th century, design capability improved and many stamps produced during this time period are very ornate.

3. The Adhesive

Stamps that were produced before the late 1800’s typically did not have any form of adhesive. They were usually glued into place by the send of the mail or the post office. However, in the 1880’s, special adhesives were introduced that allowed people to easily attach their stamps to their mail on their own. Old postage stamps will usually have what is referred to as “gum” on the back. This “gum” will typically be brown or yellow in color due to age. If you can find an old postage stamp that still has the “gum” intact, you have a very rare find indeed.

4. The Condition

The condition of old postage stamps will have a large bearing on their value. Collectors usually try to find stamps that were never circulated, and that are still intact and free of rips or tears. While there are few old postage stamps that are incredibly valuable no matter what condition they may be in, it is important to try to find the best possible stamps if you are collecting with an eye of amassing valuable old postage stamps. One or two flaws are generally acceptable, but collectible stamps should be free of any major damage.

5. Demand

There are many old postage stamps that are in high demand and at times, you will see new ones that suddenly come into vogue. If you are trying to save money, you can collect old postage stamps that may not yet be popular. If they are still in good condition, you may just have a future winner on your hands.

Originally posted 2008-09-02 05:00:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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• French Stamps Stamps -> Europe -> France and Colonies Collectors of stamps that also enjoy history are commonly drawn to French stamps for many different reasons. These are unique items that often depict the struggle for freedom, and the French stamps from the colonies are considered to be very valuable as well......
• 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......

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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 link to our past and a valuable way to learn more about this country. If you want to collect United States stamps, there are a few things to remember. These tips will help you build up a very valuable collection.

1. Consider the Era

Stamps have been produced in America from the colonial period and there are numerous stamps from this time period that can still be found today. Colonial United States stamps are rare finds indeed, as are Confederate stamps. Whether you are interested in collecting for a specific year, or you just need to know which ones to look for, the older the better is true in the majority of cases. Keep your eyes open, you never know what you may find.

2. Think outside the book

There are many valuable United States stamps that were never actually used as stamps. These back of the book stamps, such as Duck Stamps are still quite rare and many of them will bring in thousands of dollars at auction. Although it is always nice to find stamps that were meant for circulation, you should also consider collecting at least a few back of book stamps as well.

3. Special Events Matter

Stamps that are designed to commemorate special events are always quite valuable. For example, the first flight United States stamps are highly sought after and commemorate the Wright Brothers and their contributions to the aviation industry. There are also United States stamps that were printed in honor of certain presidents as well as other public figures and important events that occurred throughout the history of this country. Learning about these stamps can be quite an education.

4. Condition Matters

By far the most valuable United States stamps are the ones that are in pristine condition and were never actually circulated. However, these are rare and may be priced out of reach of the average collector. You can still find some great stamps however if you keep your eyes open. In fact, in many cases, you can get a collection or lot of stamps at auction and discover a rare find right inside.

5. Errors Aren’t a Bad Thing

Although you would think that a United States stamp that was printed poorly or had an error would be worthless, the opposite is actually quite true. There is a huge market for oddity stamps, stamps with errors on them and what collectors refer to as “freaks.” Keep an eye out for stamps that may not look just right – you may have a gold mine on your hands.

FDCs are also very popular stamps and there are literally thousands of United States stamps that are considered to be collectible. Start building your collection today and see what rare finds you can come across.

Originally posted 2008-09-25 14:00:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 postage stamps, it helps to know what to look for so that you can make a good purchase. Here are some signs that you have a winner on your hands.

1. The gum is still intact.

For stamps made after the last part of the 19th century, there should be gum attached to the back. Adhesives were introduced in US postage stamps during this time period and if you can find one that still has the original gum, that is quite a feat indeed. This can make a difference of several thousand dollars in terms of overall value.

2. The stamp was never used.

While some highly collectible US postage stamps may still have value if they are used, you should always look for stamps that are still in their original books, or were never actually used. If you can find uncirculated US postage stamps, they are worth even more money.

3. The overall condition is very good.

Used or not, the US postage stamp you are trying to collect should be in the best possible condition. Stay away from stamps that are torn, missing pieces or in general bad condition. It is better to have a postmark on one than it is to have half a stamp. Always try to buy the stamps that are in the best condition first since they will generally be worth much more money.

4. The hinge is still intact.

The small piece of paper that was used to connect US postage stamps together is known as a hinge. If you can find a stamp that still has its hinge, it is generally worth more money than those that don’t. However, the hinge should be firmly attached and not hanging lose. If that occurs, the value will go down.

5. The historical figure depicted on the stamp.

This can be a big determiner in the overall value of a US postage stamp. For example, stamps depicting famous presidents such as Abraham Lincoln are generally more valuable. The same is true for famous founding fathers, like Benjamin Franklin, or even present day celebrities.

6. The stamp has a mistake.

This is actually a good thing, as long as it occurred when the stamp was manufactured. Error stamps are actually worth quite a bit of money and many collectors will limit their collections to only these odd creations. If you find a stamp that just looks a little wrong, do a little research on it. It may be a very valuable US postage stamp.

Whenever you are collecting US postage stamps, the overall condition should be your guide. While damaged stamps may be cheaper to collect, they just don’t have the same value as those that are in perfect shape.

Originally posted 2008-08-26 14:00:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Stamp Collection -> Worldwide -> Collections, Lots

Building up a stamp collection is a hobby for thousands of people and it is one of the oldest forms of collectibles. For those that are just getting started with their stamp collection, there are a few things to remember to make sure that it goes smoothly.

1. Start with a target

It often helps to have a target in mind when you begin building up your stamp collection. For example, you can set out to collect nothing but French stamps, or you can try to find British stamps that were produced during the reign of Queen Victoria. By picking a narrow target, you can start to see results in less time and you’ll be more motivated to keep working on your stamp collection. This is also a great way to build up a very valuable collection, especially if you are targeting only rare stamps.

2. Buy a proper stamp collection book

In order to keep track of your stamp collection, it is vital to have a book. This will allow you to find stamps that you may be missing, and you will also have a safe place to store your stamps where they won’t be exposed to air and dust. This will help them hold their value longer. It is also neat to see your book being filled up as you increase your stamp collection and this can be a great motivator to keep looking for more stamps.

3. Always be on the lookout for new stamps

You never know when you may come across a rare stamp and it’s a good idea to keep updated on any auctions in your area that may contain these collectibles. Estate sales are another great place to shop and sometimes, you may be able to purchase a stamp collection that has already been put together for you. Other great places to find stamps include second hand stores, antique stores and at online auctions.

4. Stay informed and learn about stamps

In order to be able to build a good stamp collection, you need to have a good idea of the different values of stamps, as well as which ones you may be more interested in. Buy a few books about collecting stamps and subscribe to newsletters and magazines that are devoted to this hobby. You can learn a lot just by reading them and you’ll be able to keep in the loop on new stamp editions, as well as upcoming auctions for rare stamps.

5. Getting children interested in stamp collections

Local post offices sometimes hold stamp drives or encourage people to place used stamps in a box so that children can start their own collections. This is a great hobby for kids, and with a little help, they can start building their own stamp collection while they are still young. Try to find something that they are interested in, and use this as a springboard to help you find stamps that they may enjoy based on these interests.

Originally posted 2008-09-05 14:00:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 War veterans. 400 million stamps were printed (almost as many as Elvis’ 500 million stamp print run), and while they’re popular with collectors, the value is generally no more than the face value of the stamp.

A stamp collector might enjoy owning a sheet of these stamps, or a single Monroe stamp, because they’re boldly colored, with Marilyn’s platinum hair, bright red lipstick and glitzy dress. And because they represent one of the most famous pin-up and movie stars of all time. But a Marilyn Monroe buff and collector will surely want these stamps in their collection because they’re just one more way to show that America never could get enough of Marilyn, and even over 30 years after her death they still feel the need to immortalize her beauty.
While Marilyn was a bonafide bombshell and movie star, maybe her humble beginnings and her struggle once she became popular help keep her an object of obsession and interest, one worthy of being honored with a Monroe stamp, after all these years. Born Norma Jean Baker, she started out in a way that few would associate with later fame. Childhood sexual abuse and poverty were just some of the tragedies of her early life. She lived in a series of foster homes and orphanages because her mother suffered from breakdowns that left her institutionalized.

She married at 16 to escape such a life, and soon began posing for pin-ups after her picture was taking while working in a factory. She didn’t get the name Marilyn Monroe until she was signed with RKO pictures, dyed her hair blonde and began appearing in small parts in films. Nude calendar photos in Playboy and a few starring roles shot her to fame in the early 1950s, and less than 10 years later she was dead of a sleeping pill overdose. Few stars are with us so short a time and then memorialized in ways like the Monroe stamp, but Marilyn captured the national consciousness and made people take notice.

A Marilyn fan and collector can find the Marilyn Monroe stamp on eBay or almost anywhere Marilyn memorabilia is sold. Chances are that a person wanting the stamp because it features Marilyn Monroe will care less about the stamp quality than the picture. So cancelled stamps, degummed stamps and other things that make it less desirable for a stamp collector are easy to find, and are relatively cheap.

But for those who want the stamp because it’s part of US stamp history, you’ll want to find a sheet of uncut stamps in excellent condition on eBay or elsewhere. Though given the date of its release, a Monroe stamp with a first day cancellation can be a great part of your collection.

Originally posted 2008-12-24 14:00:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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 Mail Society was established in 1923 as a place for people interested in these stamps to come together, talk stamps, make exchanges and enjoy their unique hobby.

If you want to collect US Air Mail stamps, you should learn a little bit of the history of this stamp so you’ll know what to look for, and you’ll be able to tell which stamps are the ones you want to collect and which aren’t really worth the purchase price. If you shop for these stamps in online auctions like those found on eBay, which is an excellent way to find a variety of stamps, then you’ll want to know which stamps would make a great part of your collection.

Sellers on eBay will almost always use the words “rare,” “vintage,” “antique,” and “hard to find” in their auctions, if even the item is readily available and not really worth anything. These words make their items come up in a searches for rare and vintage items, and increase their chances of selling at a good price. Knowing a little of the history of US Airmail stamps will help you distinguish between stamps that are a little more valuable and ones that they’re only saying are rare and highly collectible.

The first US Airmail stamps were created in 1918 at a value of 24 cents, because airmail postage was established at 24 cents per ounce. This stamp is known as the Curtis Jenny issue, and is number as the Scott C3. There are two other stamps from this “series” but the C3 24 cent Curtis Jenny was the first. A few months after this stamp was created, the airmail rate was actually reduced to 16 cents, so the 16 cent Curtis Jenny was released (these are known as the Scott C2) and then about 6 months later the price dropped again to 6 cents, necessitating the Scott C1 issue in that amount.

These early releases are distinguishable by color. The C3, the earliest stamp, came in rose and blue, while the 16 cent stamps were green and the 6 cent stamps were orange. All featured an airplane and look similar aside from their color and denomination. These are probably the most valuable US Airmail stamps because they were the first. Later stamps showed a US map, different types of airplanes, and some stamps were long thin stamps while others were tall.

The American Air Mail Society has pictures of almost every US Airmail stamp all the way back to those first Curtis Jenny stamps, and is a valuable resource when you’re searching for stamps online. Stamps rarely bear the date, so comparing the stamps with the pictures at this website will ensure that you’ll purchase the exact stamps you want.

Originally posted 2008-11-15 12:35:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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• Winners We've got a few winners to announce in the drawings for copies of The Best of L&L. Marcel Kielkucki won for his comment at Virtual High School Meanderings Kristine won the copy given away atDoug Johnson's Blue Skunk Blog And David Ligon was the winner at Educator's Royal Treatment If......

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