Stamp Collecting

When people are just starting out, the idea of stamp collecting can be relatively confusing. This is because it can be difficult for starters to distinguish regular stamps from valuable ones. Collecting stamps is a truly enjoyable hobby, however, so many more serious collectors recommend that the best possible way to start out collecting stamps is simply to do so in a hobby sense. In other words, when you are beginning collecting stamps as a hobby, I would be wise for you to choose the stamps that appeal to you on a visual basis rather than attempting to purchase stamps simply because they appear to be valuable. When you dive into the world of collecting stamps as a hobbyist rather than as a serious collector, that is when you can learn how to participate in stamp collecting without feeling the pressure of the investment aspect of the game.

Depending on what type of stamp collection you are seeking, collecting stamps can easily become an expensive and time intensive hobby, but it does not need to be! Many hobby shops and stamp dealers offer stamp packets that come at a reasonable price, allowing for people to begin their collection on a quick start basis. Initially, individuals should become their stamp collections with a broad range of different stamps, giving themselves a good opportunity to see all of the various types and designs that are made available. It is vital that collectors learn how to develop their own unique taste, building a collection on their personal preferences so that they can best enjoy their collection.

A great way to jump start your stamp collecting endeavor is to jump online and use internet resources to your fullest ability. You can purchase a stamp price book that will help you begin exploring the basic values of different stamps. It will be also helpful if you can find ways to connect with other people who are collecting stamps, especially online or through community groups. A small amount of guidance in the world of collecting stamps can really go a long way in preparing you for the arena around you. When you collect stamps, if you are collecting for value, you should leave the stamp on the paper because it allows the stamp to be preserved. If you are collecting purely for entertainment and hobby value, then you may want to have a stamp album that you can stick your stamps in. If you are not sure what purpose you are collecting for, preserving the integrity of the stamps by keeping their backs on is definitely advisable.

Above all else, if you are feeling overwhelmed with the entire endeavor, there is never anything wrong with asking for help. There are plenty of knowledgeable people online and in the community that can help you get started. Asking for help is definitely going to be better than doing something wrong and potentially harming a valuable stamp in the process.

Photo Credits: paladinsf

Originally posted 2009-06-30 05:07:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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• Famous People Topical Specialty Stamps

If you are interested in collecting stamps, then you probably already realize that stamp collecting is something that can be very valuable for a number of different reasons. Some old postage stamps are valuable simply because they are the only one of their kind, while others are valuable because they have been printed incorrectly. Some old postage stamps are valuable because they were printed to be a part of a special edition collection. It can be pretty difficult to know what the value is for certain old postage stamp varieties. Fortunately enough, there are a number of resources that are made available in order to help you determine what your old postage stamps are actually worth so that you can place a value on your collection.

Find an Expert or Professional

There are a wide variety of experts in the stamp collecting field. You will be able to find experts in stamp collecting events and conventions, in clubs for stamp collecting, or you may even know someone that is an expert in stamp collecting. Try asking around and you will more than likely come across someone that can make it easier for you to determine the value for your old postage stamps.

It may even be a good idea for you to find a number of different experts. What you will find over time is that multiple experts in this field are going to have diverse opinions about old postage stamps. Asking a number of different experts for advice and then averaging out their advice will help you determine a value for your stamps.

Stores for Stamp Collecting

There are several stores throughout the country that specializes specifically in stamp collecting. You should be able to find a lot of information from these places pertaining to valuing old postage stamps. The owner and the staff members in the store will typically have a great amount of knowledge regarding the valuation of old postage stamps. In addition to learning just what your stamps are actually worth, you will also receive a wealth of other knowledge from these people regarding stamp collecting.

Online

There are plenty of stamp collecting resources to be found on the internet. There are plenty of webpages online that are dedicated to the art and the science of stamp collecting. They will help you value your old postage stamps and they will teach you a lot about collecting. There are plenty of online resources to explore when you want to learn about postage stamp collecting as well as when you are trying to place a value on your old postage stamps. This is a great place to begin when you are trying to build up your stamp collecting knowledge or to find out what your collection is really and truly worth.

Photo Credits: karen horton

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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 be a truly enjoyable past time for many people, because it is something like a treasure hunt. There are so many different stamps to find and collect, and stamp collectors are constantly looking for more. You can also specialize in certain types of stamps, such as foreign stamps, United States stamps, stamps from a certain year or era, collecting postage stamps in certain colors and so on and so forth. What this means is that no two stamp collections will ever be alike.

Many people like collecting postage stamps because of the process by which stamps are created. Although different stamps are created using different manufacturing methods, the process of creating a print from which a stamp will be made is long, tedious and extremely detailed, which is attractive to many people. When you realize how much work went into the creation of the stamps that you are collecting, that is when you can really and truly appreciate your stamp collection and the origin of each stamp that you have.

Collecting postage stamps is also capable of being a lucrative hobby or past time because you can get your hands on some truly old and difficult to find stamps, and this will allow you to make some money if you ever decide to sell your collection. Nobody really knows which stamps are going to end up being rare, difficult to find or costly in the future, so many collectors simply work to get their hands on as many stamps as they can find, hoping someday that their collection will be worth some money.

Collecting postage stamps is not always easy, but it can be enjoyable and extremely fun if you are willing to be diligent in your hunt for treasure. You can buy stamps online or through antique stores and collectibles stores or you can trade stamps with other stamp collectors like trading cards until you find the stamps that you are looking for. You do not only have to collect antique stamps, though, as today’s stamps will be antiques someday, and you can begin building your collection now if you intend to continue collecting stamps for many years. You may even consider collecting recent stamps now so that your children may have “older stamps” when they have grown.

If you are not yet collecting postage stamps, but you are looking for a hobby that you will find enjoyable and beneficial to your mental health, then you may want to consider giving it a try. You can find a lot of information about buying, selling and collecting stamps online in order to jump start your collection today.

Photo Credits: Wisconsin Historical …

Originally posted 2009-05-28 05:15:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Stamps -> Worldwide -> First Day Covers

Collecting first day cover stamps is a popular subset of stamp collecting in general. Those who look for these types of stamps are an enthusiastic and passionate group, many even belonging to societies designed to promote first day covers and first day cover collecting.

First day cover stamps are stamps that were used on their first day of issue that were canceled with a mark that announces the stamps first date of issue. Often first day covers were issued on a date that has some significance with the subject of the stamp. Those types of covers are typically more valuable than others. The “city of issuance” or the city in which the stamp is first issued and sold usually has some tie to the subject of the stamp, as well.

The difference between collecting stamps and collecting first day cover stamps is quite marked. To collect first day covers, you must acquire the entire postcard or envelope on which the stamp was used, rather than the just the stamp itself. The object is to have the envelope completely intact so that the entire cancellation stamp is visible. While many stamps are canceled carelessly, first day covers are typically very straight and aligned so that all the writing is easily visible and readable.

First day cover stamps are the actual newly issued stamp that’s used on the envelope. The first day cancellation is the cancellation marked used, which will state the first day of issuance and the city of issuance. While some first day cancellations are little more than the standard bar lines with the city and the date, some were elaborate pictorial cancellations.

Some more terminology you should known when collecting first day cover stamps deal with the difference types of cancellations used. A show cancellation is a pictorial cancellation that has some tie to a stamp show or other related event. A bullseye cancellation lacks the long straight or wavy bars that extend over the stamp and much of the envelope. These are round cancellations that bear the date of stamp issue, the city and zip code. Some bullseye cancellations are known as “sock-on-the-nose” cancellations, because they were designed to be centered properly.

Round date cancellations are like a bullseye cancellation but much larger, and typically not used for first day of issue cancellations but are sometimes used on stamps depicting special events. Two types of machine cancellations are Model D and Imprinter cancellations, each made from a metal die and rubber die, respectively. Hand cancellations are some of the most desired by collectors, because the stamp was done by hand, typically because the first day cover stamps were considered artistic and unique, and too nice to be canceled by a mere machine!

Online auctions are a great place to find first day cover stamps, whether you’re searching in general or looking for a particular cover. If the photo isn’t large enough for you to read the cover, ask the seller for a better shot so you can be sure of what you’re getting.

Originally posted 2008-10-22 05:00:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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

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Stamps -> Stamps -> Asia

The first India stamps were called Scinde District Dawk, getting their name from the place of their first use in the Sindh district of India. Typically the paper stamps were on some shade of white paper with the design stamped in blue ink, and the wax discs were usually made from red wax. The Scinde District Dawk stamps were only used for about 2 years before the British Eash India Company suppressed them, so these early stamps are the most valuable.

These early India stamps were used for the first time in 1852, when India was attempting to reform its postal system. Messages had been carried on foot for centuries by runners, but over the previous year the use of horses and camels to transport messengers more quickly had become the standard. With the postage reform, the stamps were used to show that postage had been paid, an innovation that was set to allow the British East India Company to earn more profits because messages would be delivered more quickly.

Anything that would speed the delivery of messages and goods would benefit the ruling power in India at the time, the East India Company. While deliveries were still snail-slow by today’s standards, they did improve with the new postal system allowing a message to be delivered in a month or two, rather than 5 or 6. In 1854 the East India Company attempted to make a new stamp the standard postage, but the citizens wouldn’t embrace the new design. A later India stamps design featured Queen Victoria as well as the East India marking and was used until 1858 when India rebelled against the company.

In 1931, India stamps began features other things besides monarchs and profiles, instead bearing images of fortresses and even animals. Another exciting facet for stamp collectors are India’s commemorate stamps, like the stamp commemorating the 1950 inauguration of India, and stamps that honor Mahatma Gandhi.

India stamps are popular with world stamp collectors because the earliest stamps produced in this country typically cost less than the first stamps produced by most other countries. And the early hand-embossed stamps are not so rare that you’ll likely never find one. In fact, early stamps are still discovered from time to time even by the most casual collector, making a great addition to any comprehensive stamp collection. Later India stamps bear some of the most beautiful stamps designs in the world.

As when buying any stamps, be sure the India stamps seller is knowledgeable about the stamps, whether you’re buying from a shop or an online auction on eBay or other auction site. If the picture on the stamp isn’t clear, ask the seller to provide another, clearer picture. Be sure to ask questions about the condition of the stamp, like whether it’s been damaged, whether the back is gummed and what condition the gumming is in, if the stamp has been canceled and if there are any imperfections or creases of which the seller is aware.

Originally posted 2008-11-18 14:00:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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• India Stamps stamps -> Stamps -> Asia India stamps were first used in 1852, and were known as the Scinde Dawk stamps, during the country's postal system reform. This came after centuries of messages being carried in India on foot by runners who followed paths, and about a year of horses......
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Stamps -> Worldwide

Stamps of Newfoundland were first issued in 1857, with the country continuing to issue its own stamps until 1949. Newfoundland has over 300 of its own stamp issues, making this a popular category for collectors who need to impose boundaries in their collecting to reign themselves in a bit from wanting to buy everything. These stamps are sought out by collectors because of their beauty and uniqueness.

Few countries show their entire histories in their stamps like Newfoundland. A study of the stamps of Newfoundland can reveal all the major events in the country’s history until Newfoundland became part of Canada in 1949. Every major milestone in the nation’s development is featured on stamp, making these stamps unique and interesting.

The earliest stamp was a Pence issue. Of all the early stamps of Newfoundland, the 12 pence orange stamps of 1860 rank as some of the most valuable because only 1000 were produced. One went at auction for 5 figures. It’s no wonder that counterfeiters sought to fool the public by counterfeiting this “rare” stamp. When one would appear, people bought them for top dollar, making counterfeiting a profitable venture.

The first people to appear on the stamps of Newfoundland were Queen Victoria together with her husband, Prince Albert, 8 years after the first stamps were issued. The Queen is white against a pale reddish background. Forty years after the first stamps were issued, Newfoundland printed its first commemorative stamps, marking the 400th anniversary of Cabots’ discovery of the country in 1497. The date of the stamp issue also marked the 60th anniversary of Victoria’s coronation. The themes on the stamps were popular activities at the time—hunting and fishing, logging and even mining.
A dozen stamps of Newfoundland were issued in 1919 to honor soldiers and sailors from WWI with stamps following that honored the first non-stop transatlantic flight, and the first airmail stamp. These airmail stamps are valuable to collectors and can to for hundreds to thousands of dollars at auction. Besides the investment value, the stamps are colorful, beautiful and unique and would be fabulous in any collection.

You can find a huge variety of stamps online in auctions like eBay. The drawback is that you can’t see the stamp in person before you purchase it. A reputable and concerned seller will offer up-close and detailed pictures of any item for sale including stamps of Newfoundland, and will take more pictures when asked to make sure they represent the item correctly to you.

You’ll want to ask about the gumming on the back, if there is any and what condition it’s in—original condition gumming is the most valuable on stamps of Newfoundland and any type of stamps, in general. Ask about tiny tears on the stamp and any perforation damage or irregularities. Do a little research into this nation’s stamps, because you might just come across one worth hundreds of dollars or more that’s for sale for less than a hundred because the seller isn’t familiar with stamp values.

Originally posted 2008-12-03 14:00:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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stamps -> Stamps -> Asia

India stamps were first used in 1852, and were known as the Scinde Dawk stamps, during the country’s postal system reform. This came after centuries of messages being carried in India on foot by runners who followed paths, and about a year of horses and camels transporting messengers instead of runners. The whole system was revamped to offer better communication, and mostly to make commerce easier for the British East India Company. The stamps showed that the fee for the transport of the message had been paid in advance.

These first India stamps were hand stamped onto paper or a small disc of wax, with the British East India Company’s mark in the center, and the name of the stamp around the edge. They derived their name, Scinde District Dawk, because they were first used in the Sindh district. These stamps were on white or off-white paper, printed in blue. The wax stamps were red wax affixed to paper. Because these stamps were only used for 2 years and then suppressed, they’re rare and highly collectible.

The East India Company had a great stake in making the postal system work more efficiently, because faster deliveries meant more profits, and a better system could cut months off delivery time. They tried introducing new India stamps in early 1854 but were unsuccessful. Then in 1855, a new stamp featuring Queen Victoria that stated East India Postage on its face was used until 1858, after India rebelled against the East India Company’s hold over the country.

The first stamps featuring images besides profiles and heads came in 1931, with fortresses and buildings representing their government’s move from city to city. The first India stamps after India gained its independence were issued in 1947, and feature India’s flag. Many commemorative stamps have been released over the years, including those that commemorate India’s inauguration in 1950, and one memorializing Mahatma Gandhi.

Part of what makes collecting India stamps such a fun and rewarding hobby, is that these early hand-embossed stamps are still being discovered today by collectors. Also, the early imperforate stamps are less expensive than early stamps from most other countries across the world, and so easier to acquire and collect, especially for the casual and beginning collector. For those who collect more modern and current stamps, the designs on Indian stamps are some of the most varied and beautiful in the world.

If you’re looking for India stamps online in auctions like eBay, be sure that all the pertinent information is available in the auction. If it’s not, ask the seller pointed questions. If he picture of the stamps is blurry or from too far away, you might not be able to see any imperfections or damage on the stamp, so ask for a clearer picture or move on to a seller who provides them. India stamps with military covers are a popular specialty within India stamp collecting, so if you can find these you’ll have an interesting and historical piece for your collection.

Originally posted 2008-11-13 05:03:13. 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 -> United States -> Possessions

If you’re a stamp collector or you want to start collecting stamps, there are many resources available to you to help you determine stamp value. Books, websites and organizations allow you to look up a stamp and determine the likely value of it based on the type of the stamp and its condition. How exactly a stamp’s value is determined might seem a vague process to you, but it’s actually a very detailed one.

Stamp value is determined by a variety of factors such as centering, gumming, the degree of cancellation, and the perforation condition.

How the stamp design is centered is the first marker of stamp value. There’s no system or scale for precisely grading how a stamp is centered, though, just a careful examination of the stamp lets you determine if the design is centered. Not surprisingly, this “eyeballing” approach leaves lots of room for some interpretation and argument. A professional who studies stamps, known as a philatelist, can judge the centering with a more practiced eyes.

If a glance tells you the design is off-center enough that the design is lost to the edge of the stamp and the perforation, the centering is considered to be poor. Average centering means that the design suffers from lack of space on one side or two, without the perforation cutting into the design. A fine to very fine center will have a more centered design, but with uneven borders ranging in degree. Superb centering is perfect, and much more valuable, while jumbo refers to stamps with over-sized margins, which generally carry the most stamp value.

Gumming also determines stamp value. The condition of the back of the stamp, whether the stamp has been hinged for collection, whether the gum is in its original condition or has been removed, all affect the price and can be a major factor in determining the value of early 19th century stamps.

The degree of cancellation is used to determine stamp value when the stamp is used and the gum is gone because of it. The cancellation or postage mark on the stamp either makes the stamp lightly canceled and more valuable, when the design still shows well, or heavily canceled, which means the design is obscured and rarely visible.

The condition of the perforation is also considered when determining stamp value. Some stamps aren’t perforated at all and need to be cut, while others are designed with a straight, cut edge. Perforations are judged by whether they show some design of the stamp next to it on a sheet, whether they’re shorter than normal, and whether or not the punch is good or bits of paper remain between the teeth of the perforation. The least valuable type is reperforated, where someone has trimmed and reperforated a stamp to give it a more uniform appearance.

Judge your stamp by these benchmarks and you’ll be better able to determine stamp value with a book, or when browsing for new stamps in stores or auctions.

Originally posted 2008-10-11 05:00:16. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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