January 19th, 2012 — European Stamps, Old Postage Stamps, Queen Victoria Stamps, US Postage Stamps
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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January 16th, 2012 — Stamp Collecting, stamp collection, stamp collector
There 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.
Photo Credits: Gibsonclaire
Originally posted 2009-09-15 03:39:35. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 12th, 2012 — Canceled Postage Stamps, Stamp Collecting, Used Stamps
If you are interested in getting into stamp collecting, but the brand new, mint condition and rare stamps are a little out of your price range, canceled postage stamps make a great alternative. While these are still quite valuable, especially depending on the type of stamp that you have, the entry costs are much lower and they are much easier to find. When you’re ready to get started collecting canceled postage stamps, there are a few tips you’ll need to keep in mind.
1. What is the overall condition of the stamp?
Just because a stamp has been canceled, doesn’t mean that it needs to be in rough shape. Ideally, the entire canceled postage stamp should be intact and should not have any tears or rips. In most cases, these stamps will have the backing of the envelope that they were once affixed on, but this should not affect their value overall and is to be expected. The main thing to focus on is the whole condition, and whether or not the actual stamp has been damaged. This is quite common since many people try to peel off a canceled postage stamp, instead of just cutting it out of the old envelope.
2. What year was the stamp made?
This will be one of the biggest determiners of overall value. If you can find a very old canceled postage stamp from the early 1900’s, or one that was created for a specific promotion since then, chances are it will be pretty valuable. Look for old stamps whenever possible, but keep in mind that even newer ones can be collectible.
3. Is the stamp in demand?
Stamps that are in demand will sell for more money, even if they are canceled postage stamps. Try to keep an eye on the market demand, through either a collector’s magazine or online. This will help you learn which stamps you need to be shopping for and which ones will be more expensive. This also works by providing you with an idea of overall value if you try to purchase a canceled postage stamp from a retailer or seller.
4. How badly marred by the postmark is the stamp?
This is an issue that is grounded more in aesthetics than actual value, but it can be important. Try to find canceled postage stamps that do not have large postmarks obscuring their overall design. However, if you can find one that has a great postmark from a town that is no longer in existence, or if the stamp was canceled on a specific important date, they may actually be worth more money.
No matter what kind of canceled postage stamps you decide to buy, it is important to keep everything organized and in good shape. Once you find the perfect stamps, don’t forget to take care of them and place them in a special book or display case to prevent further aging. It is best to seal these stamps away from air if at all possible.
Photo Credits: cliff1066™
Originally posted 2008-09-16 05:00:06. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 5th, 2012 — Antique Postage Stamps, Canceled Postage Stamps, collectible stamps, Cuba Stamps, Old Postage Stamps, Rare Stamps, Stamp Collecting, stamp collection, stamp collector, Used Stamps, valuable stamps
The first Cuba stamps were made available in April of 1855, 15 years after the first postage stamps were printed in Great Britain. Before the advent of the postage stamp in Cuba, letters were often delivered to the addressee requiring him or her to pay the postage. Even though stamps were not yet used, in the early 1800s letters were often marked with a postmark, an ink stamp signifying they had been through the postal system. Many collectors enjoy collecting envelopes and letters marked with these early postmarks as much as they enjoy collecting the stamps.
Some of the postmarks used before and after Cuba stamps were also used could read Mantanza, Esperanza, Puerto Principe, Batabano, Guines and Habana. International mail during the 1830s can often be identified by things like slits in the front of envelope that were placed there so that the letter could be fumigated. Cholera was rampant at the time and no one knew exactly how it was spread—many believed it to be airborne. So letters were taken to disinfectant stations before their departure where either slitting and fumigation, soaking in vinegar or other crude methods were used that were believed to kill dangerous germs.
The earliest Cuba stamps were sometimes placed at the bottom left-hand corner of the envelopes, rather than the upper right as we place stamps today. The stamps and markings decreased on most envelopes shortly after the advent of postage stamps because all postage was prepaid, so there was no need for postage due stamps and markings. Many letters that made it to different countries without postage stamps did so because they were given directly to captains of ships to take with them on their travels.
Collecting Cuba stamps was difficult during the 20th century because of the US embargo against all things Cuban that was put in place in 1963. Cigars, stamps and every product from the island of Cuba could not be imported legally into the United States, because that would mean Cuba profited from the sale, and the US at the time was interested in stripping power from Cuba on the world stage.
It wasn’t until 2001 when the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, declared that used and cancelled Cuba stamps were informational materials and began allowing them to be imported and sold. OFAC also agreed to grant certain licenses to collectors to import new and unused stamps from Cuba as long as they were for personal use and not for resale.
Soon after, used Cuba stamps began being sold and traded among stamp collectors, but because of the long embargo, many collectors have few if any stamps from Cuba. The stamps show the country’s history, and sometimes its rebellion against US power in the world, and can provide an insight to Cuban events and culture. Auctions like eBay are a great place to find Cuban stamps. Most will be cancelled, so ask about the gumming on the back and the general condition of the stamp.
Originally posted 2008-12-12 05:00:51. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 3rd, 2012 — Antique Postage Stamps, Old Postage Stamps, Rare Stamps, Stamp Collecting
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 ready to get serious about collecting antique postage stamps, there are a few things you need to know to make sure you get started off on the right foot.
When you think about antique postage stamps, you may automatically start thinking about stamps that are least a hundred years old or so. However, there are many stamps that are considered to be antiques, and they are just 30 years old. As an example, the postal service started issuing non-denominational stamps during the 1970’s and many of these are considered to be incredibly valuable today.
There is also more to an antique postage stamp than the price it can fetch at auction. Many of these stamps have their own story to tell and they are great additions to any collection. For example, the stamps made during the French revolution are highly collectible, but they also illustrate the struggle that was going on during that time period. Look beyond the value of a stamp that you can find in a book and start focusing on the intangible value it may have.
If you are trying to find antique postage stamps, the best place to start looking is at garage sales, second hand stores and collector stores. These are the best places to find hidden deals. In fact, since stamp collecting has become so popular online, you’ll be able to find many different antique postage stamps that are available right online. This is a great option for those that live in an area where stamp collecting may not be a common hobby.
Keep in mind that many antique postage stamps will have seen better days, but it is possible to get a great deal every now and again. Try to find unused antique postage stamps if at all possible, and keep an eye on the overall condition of a stamp before you buy it. A ripped stamp will not be as valuable as one that is in mint condition, unless it is a highly collectible item.
If you are stuck as to which antique postage stamps you should be looking for, we recommend subscribing to a stamp collecting news paper, or browsing through online auction sites. These are gold mines of information and will help prepare you to spot a great deal when you see it.
For those that are completely new to stamp collecting, the thrill of the hunt is what interests so many in antique postage stamps. You never know what you may find and the next stamp you come across may be worth several thousand dollars – or more. You can have a lot of fun collecting antique postage stamps and it is a great hobby to share with children, especially if you involve them in the search.
Photo Credits: kevinzim
Originally posted 2008-09-19 05:00:34. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 2nd, 2012 — collectible stamps, Stamp Booklet, Stamp Collecting, stamp collection
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 with stamps on each side, or a single sheet with stamps on each side, though they’re still commonly called “a book of stamps.”
The first stamp booklet, though not postage stamps, was issued in the United States, with the California State Telegraph Company’s booklets of telegraph stamps being issued in 1870. Western Union followed suit and issued stamps for its services in 1871 and in 1884 the postage stamp booklet was actually patented by A. W. Cooke of Boston.
But the first country to ever actually issue a postage stamp booklet was Luxembourg, turning out their first booklets in 1895. Sweden was the next country to try this new way of issuing stamps with their first stamp booklets appearing in 1898. The idea caught on worldwide and became commonly used across the world in the first half of the 20th century.
A stamp booklet typically consists of 10 to 20 stamps on a pane that’s folded and secured inside a cardboard cover. The first booklets were made by hand, by cutting sheets of stamps into smaller pieces and binding those within the cardboard. Later, they printed the panes separately onto large sheets then cut them individually, perforating only the edges between the panes. These booklets have stamp panes that feature 1 to 3 straight edges, though some do have middle stamps that are perforated all the way around because of the way they were designed.
For collectors, finding an intact early stamp booklet is almost impossible. The stamps were seen as purely utilitarian at the time and not viewed as anything possibly collectible or worth saving, so most stamp booklets were merely used and discarded when the stamps were gone. Empty stamp booklets, or just the covers, are worth little. Though if they are very old, they may be worth something to a collector who specializes in old stamp booklet covers and enjoys collecting them just to see how early stamp booklets were bound, or to see the different cover designs.
Many stamp collectors specialize in the stamp booklet because the variety is astounding. There are organizations, clubs and collector swap meets that all focus on stamp booklets over individual stamps. Generally, if a stamp has any value at all, a stamp booklet of that particular stamp is worth well more than the total worth of the individual stamps. The condition of the covers themselves figure into the value as well, with a perfect condition booklet of valuable stamps calling for a much higher price than a booklet of valuable stamps that has been creased, torn or stained.
Online auctions are an excellent place to acquire stamps from all over the world. The photo should show the stamp booklet both closed and opened. Ask about the condition of parts not visible in any photograph.
Photo Credits: jurvetson
Originally posted 2008-10-24 05:00:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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December 5th, 2011 — Stamp Collecting, stamp collection
Often people ask me for advice on what to do with their newly inherited or given stamp collection, usually with a bent on selling it. These are a few pointers I have slapped together. Number one: do not get your hopes up. Most people see albums or boxes full of old stamps and they think “eureka!” The boring reality is that the greater parts of the majority of stamps are fairly common, and are therefore worth next to nothing, even the really old ones. Another fact is that most collectors do so for personal enjoyment, and not for an investment.
That said, there are a few exceptions and certain collections could be worth quite a bit. How would you get an idea of the worth of a collection? Easiest method is to find records left by the original collector that details the contents of it and its value. Should the collection have been insured, the total of the insurance taken out can also be an indicator. You do need to be aware though, that collectors value all of their stamps at retail, meaning what it would cost you to buy the stamps from dealers. You also need to figure in a collector’s natural tendency to exaggerate the value a bit. If you do go and sell the collection, do not be surprised if the offers you get are only in the neighborhood of 10% to 20% of the claimed value, possibly less.
If you are unable to get an approximate value of your collection due to lack of records and such, you do have several other methods by which you could approach the problem.
Do the footwork yourself. This method will involve a lot of time as well as effort, but in the end it will be the best way to obtain an accurate idea of what all is in the collection, as well as what it really is worth. Basically, the process goes as follows. Buy a Scott Postage Stamp Catalog, which can be had in many a public library. The catalogs come in six different volumes, each of which contain listings, and pictures, and are organized by country.
You should locate each stamp you have and the catalog will have its value. This “catalog” value is, theoretically, the price you would have to pay to buy this stamp through a retail stamp dealer. Really, this value also tends to be rather inflated, and you will be able to buy stamps from a dealer for a lot less than that value. You should expect to actually get a lot less than this when selling.
Contract an appraiser. You can pay an appraiser who will then examine the entire collection and provide you with a written estimate for its value. The appraiser is not someone who is interested in buying your collection, and so has no personal motivations to value your collection too low in the hopes that they could get a good deal, in case you were worried about that. You pay an appraiser a fee, and this fee should always definitely be agreed upon ahead of time to prevent any issues.
Photo credits: Le Petit Poulailler
Originally posted 2009-12-09 03:19:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 7th, 2011 — Stamp Collecting
Knowing the meanings of certain stamp terms is an important part of stamp collecting because it means you have a thorough understanding of what you are doing. Here are some of the stamp terms that are well worth knowing:
Adhesive – This is, in actuality, exactly what a stamp is. A stamp is simply a piece of paper that pays for postage when it is applied to a piece of mail. A stamp is a piece of paper that has a pressure sensitive or gummed back.
Airmail Stamps – These are postage stamps that are used to pay postage rates for airmail. The United States stopped issuing airmail-specific stamps during the 1970s, which was when they began to send all mail via air.
As Is - This is a term that is often used in auctions, denoting that a stamp is being sold without any additional guarantees attached to it.
Authentication Mark – This is a tiny mark appearing on many rare and older postage stamps. What it is meant to do is to denote that the stamp has been examined by an expert, and that its authenticity has been approved.
Backstamp – This is a postmark that is applied to a cover’s reverse, indicating the transit or the receipt of mail.
Block - This is an un-separated, even numbered selection of stamps, such as a block of four stamps, six stamps, twelve stamps or so on.
Bogus - This is a fictitious label that appears like a stamp, but that is created specifically for being sold to collectors. Bogus stamps are not used for postage, but simply for displaying and collecting.
Cancel - This is a marking that indicates that a postage stamp has already been used.
Catalog - This is a comprehensive listing of revenue and postage stamps, including their illustrations and their current price valuations as well.
Catalog Value – This is the value of a particular stamp as given or indicated by a particular stamp catalog.
Centering – This is the position of the design of the stamp in relation to the margins that surround it. Centering is particularly important in the determination of a value on a stamp.
Classic Stamp – This is an early stamp issue that has the connotation of rarity.
Coil - These are stamps that are prepared in rolls from between 100 and 1000 stamps that are inserted into vending machines.
Commemorative – These are stamps that are issued for the purpose of honoring a person, a place or an event.
Condition - This is the stamp’s overall state, including the state of the gum, the centering of the stamp, the presence of damage on the stamp and so on.
Counterfeit - This describes a stamp or a cover or a cancellation that was created in order to deceive.
Crease – This is a fold indicating a weakening of the stamp’s paper.
Photo credits: karen horton
Originally posted 2009-11-11 03:57:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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October 21st, 2011 — Old Postage Stamps, Stamp Value
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.
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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
Originally posted 2009-10-25 03:46:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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