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 as rich in history. If you have never seen a French stamp before, or you are completely new to collecting them, there are a few things you should know.
1. What year is the stamp?
This can have a very big impact on its overall worth. For example, French stamps from the 1800’s are considered to be very rare and will usually depict revolutionary scenes. The Marianne is probably the most popular stamp of this time and although they are not easy to find, if you do see one in good condition, this is the perfect stamp to collect. While there are Marianne’s available from many different eras, the earliest ones are considered to be the most valuable.
Pay special attention to the date of the stamp and if you can’t find it, you may want to ask the seller for more information about them. Typically, the older French stamps will be a little worn or used, and you can generally tell by the vibrancy in color or lack thereof how old the stamp is.
2. Is it an actual French Stamp or a Colony Stamp?
This can have a big impact on the overall value of the stamp. While some collectors prefer to stick the mainland when collecting French stamps, others prefer the colonial versions. Take a look at both and see which one will strike your fancy. Some of the colony stamps are worth a great deal more than regular stamps, but there is no general rule. Rare stamps are always valuable, especially if they are in good condition.
In the later part of the 1800’s the colony stamps would typically have Cerese on the front or the Emperor Napolean III. For the very rare stamps, look for the ones that were produced between the periods of 1859 and 1865. These are hard to find, and will usually have an Eagle and a Crown.
3. How good is the overall condition?
When it comes to figuring out how much a French stamp is actually work, this is usually the deciding factor. Look first for the ones that were never used, since they will typically have the highest value. Next, look for French stamps that were used, but are still in fantastic condition. Stamps with tears or rips are generally worth much less overall and should only be collected by those that aren’t terribly considered about value and are more interested in the history behind the stamp.
Ideally, a French stamp should be in near perfect to good condition, and will still contain the original adhesive or gum. Stamps that have hinges are also considered to be good investments, provided that the hinge is still intact. You can start your search for French stamps online and find some truly remarkable deals.
Originally posted 2008-08-28 14:00:10. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Valuable Stamps 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....... - Stamp Booklet Stamps -> Europe -> Germany & Area A stamp booklet is now a popular way for countries to sell postage stamps because they're smaller and easier to handle that a sheet of stamps or loose stamps. In the United States however, the booklet has given way to a folded sheet......
-
Stamp Collection 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...... -
Condition Guide of Stamp Collectibles Condition The condition of stamp collectibles is a description of a stamps paper, gum (when dealing with mint stamps), and ink characteristics. The most adequate description of a stamp should be concise but still use as many words as necessary to properly describe the stamp. For example, a early British...... - Antique Postage Stamps Stamps -> Worldwide -> Postal History When it comes to collecting stamps, most collectors dream of being able to find the perfect antique postage stamps. By far, these are usually the ones that are the most valuable and in many cases, they are the most visually interesting. If you are......
Related Websites - Federal Reserve Notes Coins and Paper Money -> Paper Money: US -> Large Size Notes -> Federal Reserve Notes One of the most interesting collectibles in the field of coins and paper money are federal reserve notes. However, there is quite a bit of confusion out there about what these notes really are.......
-
Avon Collectibles Collectibles -> Decorative Collectibles -> Decorative Collectible Brands-> Avon The Avon Company has been a respected institution in the United States since 1886, and their line of decorative collectibles contain some of the most sought after pieces on record. The company first began producing Avon collectibles in the mid-1960’s and...... - Collectible Bottles Collectibles -> Bottles and Insulators -> Bottles-> Antique (Pre-1930) One of the most unique forms of collectibles are bottles and you’d be surprised at just how many you can find. Ranging from antiques that were produced in the 1900’s, to ones that are just rolling off the assembly line right......
-
The Morocco experience The Morocco experience I've decided to write this one in English, because I trust that also the Romanian readers can decipher a bit of English. If not, and there's a bunch of you crying out loud in the comments area that you don't get a word in English, I might...... -
Truly Rare Wine - Ice Wine When it comes to collecting different types of wine, one of the more popular options for collecting is to try out different types of rare wine. One example of a rare wine that you may want to consider is known as ice wine. Ice wine is regarded as being one......
