Stamp Collecting

The art of collecting collectible postage stamps is a hobby that has become popular with several millions of Americans as well as people all throughout the world, including young and old alike. Many people that are just beginning with collectible postage stamps enjoy the thrill and the challenge that comes with finding stamps that come from a variety of different time periods. There are also sophisticated hobbyists collecting collectible postage stamps that are rare or particularly valuable because their primary focus is placed on increasing the financial value of the collection that they are putting together. In other words, collectible postage stamps are capable of appealing to a wide variety of different people including young and old, serious or beginner, and for a variety of different reasons as well.

It should definitely be noted that the collection of collectible postage stamps differs greatly from the formal study of collectible postage stamps, which is a concept known as philately. Therefore, not all postage stamp collectors are philatelists, and not every philatelist is a postage stamp collector.

The History of Collectible Postage Stamps

The first ever postage stamp was issued back in the year 1840 in Britain. The stamp, which is known as the Penny Black, pictured an image of Queen Victoria, and it was printed without any perforations, which meant that it needed to be cut out from a single sheet in order to be used by the owner of the stamp.

Postage stamp collecting finally became a hobby in around 1860, and then around the 1920s is when the hobby really began to pick up steam. Stamps that were issued during this period of time do not generally carry very much value because they are still quite widely available today.

Collecting Facts for Collectible Postage Stamps

There are errors that are made when stamps are printed, and this will result in stamp images that are upside down or off center for example, and these collectible postage stamps tend to be the ones that greatly increase the value of the stamp. There are many collectors out there that are specifically looking for collectible postage stamps that contain these types of printing errors since they are rare and likely to fetch a higher price.

Many people that collect collectible postage stamps tend to focus on one specific type of stamp, like those issued by a certain nation for example. Some of the most popular collectible postage stamps are European stamps and Asian stamps for example because they feature stunning artistic qualities. There are other types of collectible postage stamps as well including commemorative stamps, revenue stamps and pictorial collectible postage stamps for example.

Photo Credits: aldo c zavala

Originally posted 2009-10-14 03:18:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Stamps -> Europe -> Spain & Colonies

When looking for old Spain stamps, online auctions like eBay are a great place to search. Often, auctions are in lots so you get several stamps to add to your collection, often from many different countries and time periods. Some stamps can also be purchased individually, with or without ready-made displays. With a little research and some time spent browsing the auctions, you can find an excellent deal on the stamps you want to buy.

Queen Isabella II, the Queen of Spain, issued a decree in 1849 for the use of postage stamps on correspondence. After watching England first embrace the use of the postage stamp, starting in 1840, and then seeing that use spread to France, the Queen of Spain decided after 9 years that it was a good idea, so she got her country on board by approving the first Spain stamps.

In the two months between the decree and the actual issuance of stamps in early 1850, many rules were handed down about their use. In this time is was decreed that they were to go on the top left corner of the letter, and they could only be used to mail pre-paid letters within Spain, and to Italy. The two original designs on Spain stamps were reproduced 100 years later, in 1950, to celebrate 100 years of stamps, and then in 1964 for International Stamp Day

The Spanish Penny Black, named after the first postage stamp in Great Britain, bears an image of the queen, just as most Spain stamps did until she abdicated the throne in 1868. During the time when here face graced these stamps, a special postmark was used that wold not deface the image of the stamp, but rather frame her face respectfully, by her own request. She didn’t want the image of her face on each stamp to be marked over by a “demeaning” cancel mark. Metallic ink was first used on Spain stamps in 1853 when reduced cost stamps bearing Madrid’s coat of arms were printed for letters delivered within the city.

Spain stamps were changed yearly because officials were afraid of forgery. This resulted in Spain’s high creation of stamps—285 different stamps in 20 years, making them less than sought after by early collectors. In 1966 on the anniversary of the first postage stamp in the world, the Penny Black, Spain issued 3 commemorative stamps for International Stamp Day, in which the covers and postmarks were reproduced, something not yet done in stamp design, so these are interesting for collectors based on that alone.

When shopping for Spain stamps, note how the auction lists the condition of the stamp, whether or not gumming remains on the back, whether or not it’s alone or in a sheet or coil, and the general condition of the stamp. Also, if it’s in a lot, clarify if the lot is all Spain stamps, or if they’re from a variety of sources. And don’t discount lots of mixed stamps, sometimes you’ll find an unexpected treasure in them.

Photo Credits: Smabs Sputzer

Originally posted 2008-10-15 05:00:12. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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