All About Collectible Postage Stamps

stampsThe 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

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1909 Lincoln Stamp Set

Stamps -> United States -> Collections, Lots

The 1909 Lincoln stamp set represents the first time the United States Post Office had issued stamps that didn’t promote or commemorate a current event. The public complained about the change in stamps in 1908 to Washing and Franklin stamps, because Lincoln had been on at least one currently produced stamp since 1866. Since 1909 was an important Lincoln date—he would have been 100 years old had he been alive in 1909, the Lincoln commemorate stamp was created that year, along with the 1909 Lincoln penny, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birthday, as well.

Rep. Albert F. Dawson of Iowa was the one to introduce the resolution that would create the 1909 Lincoln stamp set. Because Lincoln’s birthday was only a month away at the time, the proposal which allowed for several different stamps was narrowed down to just one stamp, the two-cent Lincoln. The engraver, C. A. Huston, took the two-cent stamp that was used at the time, added ribbons and an inscription, and a photograph of a plaster cast of Lincoln’s face. While the release date was scheduled to be Lincoln’s birthday, some post offices released them earlier. While an earlier postmark is rarely found these days, when they are those stamps are a great addition to a collection.

A 1909 Lincoln stamp set is a popular item for stamp collectors with some varieties of the set considered more collectible than others. While many people who aren’t familiar with the intricacies of stamps and stamp collecting might barely be able to tell the difference between one Lincoln stamp and another, the are subtle differences that can make the stamp more or less valuable to collectors.

One of the most collectible varieties from a 1909 Lincoln stamp set is the imperforate stamp. These were stamps that had to be cut out to be used, as opposed to stamps with perforations between them. Imperforate stamps were given to vending companies who supplied their own perforations. These private perforations along with imperforate stamps are highly collectible, even with other stamps from that time period.

Of the 1909 Lincoln stamp set, the blue paper stamps that were given separate Scott numbers are also more valuable than most. Several things about the stamps were unique at the time. An imprint with a small solid star which was used for identification purposes at the time is rarely seen in any other stamps but these.

When buying stamps of any kind on eBay, there should be a very clear closeup of the stamps so that you can see tiny details like any rough edges, and where the cancellation mark clearly covers the stamp, if there is one. Whether the stamp has been mounted and the condition of the back of the stamp are important considerations. As the seller questions about how the stamp has been displayed and handled so that you know its exact condition before you make a purchase. This will help ensure that you’re pleased with tour new 1909 Lincoln stamp set.

Originally posted 2008-10-25 14:00:51. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Postage Stamp Collecting Terms

stampsThere are a number of terms that are specific to postage stamp collecting within philatelic circles. These postage stamp collecting terms are especially important when it comes to grading stamps and evaluating stamps for their value, rarity and collectability. The more that you know when it comes to postage stamp collecting terms, the better that you will be able to benefit when it comes to buying and selling the stamps that you are collecting. Here is some of the postage stamp collecting terms that you should know in order to get the most out of this pastime.

Crease – This is a fold that is present on the stamp. Creases are rated based on how faint or how heavy they are, and sometimes they can be pressed out or ironed out of the stamp.

Fading – Fading is characterized by a lightening in the ink on the stamp from any natural cause.

Imperforate Stamp – These are stamps that are originally sold without having any perforations.

Natural Translucency – This is a condition that has been commonly confused with having a thin spot. Natural translucency is typically ignored when it comes to grading stamps.

Original Gum – This is a stamp that has gum that is still in the same condition as when the gum was originally applied by the stamp manufacturer.

Pin Hole – A pin hole is a tiny hole in the stamp that you can see light through.

Previously Hinged – What this means is that the gum on your stamp is original, but there are disturbances in the gum that have occurred after the original printing. In some cases this is a sign of tampering, while in other cases it simply occurs as a result of natural causes.

Redistributed Original Gum – What this means is that the gum on the back of the stamp has been redistributed in an attempt to hide any imperfections in the gum.

Regummed – What this means is that new gum has been applied to the back of the stamp.

Repair – This is any attempt that has been made in order to cover up previous damage that the stamp or its gum have obtained.

Re-Perforated Stamp – A re-perforated stamp is the result of an addition of perforations to the stamp in order to defraud a stamp collector.

Scrape – What this means is that a fiber disturbance has occurred as a result of a surface abrasion, detracting from the quality or the caliber of the stamp.

Staining – This is a discoloration of the original color of the stamp.

Expertized and Graded Stamps – Expertizing and grading stamps helps to make sure that you are buying the original stamp in its best possible condition to ensure that you do not pay good money for something worthless.

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Queen Victoria Stamps

Stamps -> UK (Great Britain) -> Victoria

Queen Victoria StampsFor collectors of stamps from Great Britain, perhaps the most desirable stamp of all is the Queen Victoria Stamp. This is a rare stamp that was first made in 1840. The original value was one penny, but since that time these stamps have become much more expensive. You can easily expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars on an authentic Queen Victoria stamp.

While there are many of these available, it is important to know whether or not you have an authentic Queen Victoria stamp on your hands, or if it is a fake. Here are some easy guidelines to help you determine not only the authenticity of your stamp but whether or not it will be worth a great deal of money.

1. Overall Condition

Queen Victoria stamps that are in great condition will obviously sell for more money. If you are a serious collector with money to spend, look for an extremely fine or very fine condition stamp. These will typically have very small perforations on the edge and the entire stamp will be very clean looking and in overall good condition.

However, if the stamp is too perfect, you may not be dealing with an authentic Queen Victoria stamp. There should be some age and wear to the item if it is authentic.

2. Look for adhesive.

One of the world’s first adhesive stamps was the Queen Victoria stamp and these are worth an incredible amount of money. Ideally, you should look for one that has the majority of the gum intact, since these will be worth the most money. However, even stamps that only have a small amount of adhesive can still be worth a pretty penny.

If the adhesive is not dark colored, as it would be with age, this is a sign that it may have been added recently. Remember, if it looks too new – chances are that it is.

3. Avoid faults.

Unless you are merely collecting Queen Victoria stamps for the fun of it, you should avoid faults. These are imperfections that are the result of age and handling, and not from the original designer. If the stamp is torn, or has creases, it will be worth less money. However, little things like having a hinge still intact may actually increase the overall value of the stamp.

This is one case where perfection makes it easy to spot a fake. While collectors always look for Queen Victoria stamps that are in close to perfect condition, they will still have some age since they are so old. Avoid any stamps that are completely perfect.

Stamp collecting should be fun, so first and foremost remember that if you do come across an authentic Queen Victoria stamp, even if it was used on a postcard it is still a rare find. Take good care of it and you never know, it may increase in value over time. These rare stamps are a lot of fun to collect.

Originally posted 2008-08-24 05:00:42. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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