Stamp Collecting

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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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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Collecting old stamps, especially vintage postage stamps can bring great value. Collecting old stamps can be fun and educational, it can be affordable, and it can bring about understanding of history, art, travel and many other areas of culture as well. Here is an explanation of why collecting old stamps can be beneficial to you.

1 – Stamps are enjoyable. Collecting old stamps is something that is personal, and as a result it can be really enjoyable. You can collect any type of old stamps that you want and you can collect them in any way that you like. There is no right way or wrong way for you to collect stamps, and the only time that it matters what you collect is when you intend to sell your stamps. If you are collecting purely as a hobby, then what you collect and how you collect is completely up to you.

2 – Stamps are affordable. Collecting old stamps can be really affordable if you know where to buy your stamps and how to value the stamps that you buy. You can easily come across 100+ year old postage stamps for as little as $1.25. Even extremely old stamps can be affordable, especially if they are in postal condition which means that they have been used. Collectors looking to sell their stamps won’t be interested in these used stamps, but why can’t you purchase them if you are collecting purely for your own personal enjoyment?

3 – Stamps are Cultural. Every time you open up your stamp album, the stamps you have collected are you going to take you to different places historically, geographically and culturally as well. You can collect stamps from American history, World history, wars, different geographical locations around the world, art periods, renaissance periods and anything else that you like. If you have a particular passion in your life, there are more than likely going to be old stamps that correspond with it. Are you a music buff? Choose historic music stamps. Do you love animals? There are plenty of old stamps that feature state animals, endangered animals and so on. Stamps are very culturally diverse, and there are thousands upon thousands of different directions to take your stamp collection in.

4 – Stamps are Valuable. You can come across old stamps that are extremely valuable. Stamps can easily be worth thousands of dollars because of different things such as rarity or because of a tiny error in printing. If you care about the value of your collection, then rare old stamps are a good way for you to go.

5 – Stamps are important. Stamps, new and old, allow us to communicate through writing letters. The way that mail was sent was revolutionized by the first adhesive stamp in the world, which was invented in England.

Photo Credits: kevindooley

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