Stamp Collecting

You may already have started up your own stamp collection, but how are you going to set your stamp collection apart from other people and their stamp collections? You are going to need to know where to look and shop around in order to find the best rare stamps, and collecting rare stamps online is a great way to accomplish this. On the internet you will find some of the best possible places to get your stamps because you will find an endless variety of stamps from all over the world, many of which are offered with the best possible prices.

One of the first places that you may want to try out when it comes to collecting rare stamps online is an online auction site. Not only are there online auction sites that cater to all needs such as eBay, but there are also online auction sites that are specifically tailored to the needs of people learning about collecting rare stamps online. You should be able to browse online looking to see what types of rare stamps you can find that will fit in not only with your taste but also with your budget as well.

You should have no trouble finding a wide variety of different websites online that teach you all about collecting rare stamps online. This is because it has become really popular for people to collect rare stamps. When you are ready to collect rare stamps online, there are a couple of different considerations for you to make:

- * First and foremost, what types of stamps are you interested in collecting? If you like to collect stamps that have animals on them, or that hail from a certain period of time, or that come from a certain country, then collecting rare stamps online that are the complete opposite of what you normally collect is not going to help you in any way, shape or form. Make sure that you are keeping your collection goals in mind, because collecting expensive rare stamps is not the reason why you should be collecting in the first place.

- * Next, you are really going to need to consider your personal budget when it comes to collecting rare stamps online. You are not going to want to spend more money than your budget can allow on stamps because you want to have a rare piece in your collection, if it means not being able to collect the other stamps you want with time. You need to budget for all of the stamp purchases that you plan to make when you are going about collecting rare stamps online.

A great place to get started when it comes to collecting rare stamps online is the rare stamp store, found at http://www.rarestampstore.com. There are plenty of unique rare stamps here for you to consider working into your budget.

Photo Credits: gruntzooki

• India Stamps Stamps -> Stamps -> AsiaThe first India stamps were called Scinde District Dawk, getting their name from the place of their first use in the Sindh district of India. Typically the paper stamps were on some shade of white paper with the design stamped in blue ink, and the......
• Collecting Postage Stamps Many people do not think of collecting postage stamps as a suitable collection, because collecting small sticky images and placing them in plastic sheets in a binder or book does not appear to be the most exciting past time in the world. The truth is, however, that collecting stamps can......
• US Stamps Stamps -> US Stamps : 19th Century Unused, 19th Century Used Collecting stamps from around the world is a popular hobby for many, but there are also many valuable stamps that are hard to find. US Stamps in particular can be very rare, and there are quite a few that......
• Selling Stamp Collections If you are a stamp collector, one of the considerations you may end up making pertains to selling stamp collections. If you are interested in selling stamp collections, you are going to need to keep this in mind at all times and with every stamp that you buy. Stamp collectors......
• 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......

• Cigar Bands Collectibles -> Tobacciana -> Cigar Cigar bands have a rich history, or more accurately, several histories. They've been attributed to the Russian queen Catherine the Great, and 19th century England, among other places. One story says that Catherine the Great ordered that her cigars be wrapped in silk to protect......
• Canadian Coins Coins and Paper Money -> Coins: Canada -> Commemorative Whether you are from Canada, or just interested in collecting Canadian coins, there are plenty of options out there and many of these coins are actually quite valuable. Before you get started with your collection, it’s a good idea to know......
• Play Your Favourite Old Computer Games Online Old Computer Games like Super Mario, Contra, Bomber Man and other old games a.k.a retro games is my favourite, maybe you have already heard some of these games. You don't get bored playing retro games. You can play them online for free. For those who love retro games but don't......
• Ganz Cottage Collectibles Collectibles -> Decorative Collectibles -> Houses, Cottages Out of all of the available decorative arts collectibles, Ganz Cottage collectibles rank near the top. They offer a huge variety of different types of collectibles and no matter what your interests are, chances are they will have something that will be perfect......
• Collecting Walt Disney Collectibles One of the types of Walt Disney Collectibles that is available to you is Walt Disney Classics Collection or WDCC, which was originally introduced in the year 1992 at a collectibles show known as South Bend Collectible Show. Three years of work went into the creation of this collection of......

• UK Great Britain Stamps
• Sheets UK Great Britain Stamps
• Covers UK Great Britain Stamps
• Famous People Topical Specialty Stamps
• Booklets UK Great Britain Stamps

Stamps -> Europe -> Germany and Area

When it comes to collecting stamps that were produced during the second world war, many collectors gravitate towards what are known as “Third Reich Stamps.” These are stamps that were produced in Germany from a period between 1933 and 1945, when the Third Reich was in power in that country. If you are interested in collecting war memorabilia, or you are just looking for rare stamps to collect, these are certainly valuable in many cases.

To determine whether or not you have an authentic Third Reich stamp on your hands, there are a few things that you should pay attention to.

1. The Colors

Most Third Reich stamps are either green, red or brown. The backgrounds of the stamps will have the most color, while the designs are usually white or simply not colored at all. This creates a contrast effect and provides a backdrop for the artwork that is used. Many other countries used the opposite effect, where the background of the stamp was pale in color and the designs featured color, but Third Reich Stamps are usually different.

2. The Designs

This is where there is a lot of variation. Some Third Reich stamps will feature Hitler or prominent people from the Third Reich, while others will have sometimes strange designs that depict Egyptian figures. Other designs from this time period also feature soldiers, and as the country deteriorated into war, symbols such as the swastika were used in greater numbers. You can actually track the war through the stamps that were issued, and see where the country was headed during this time.

3. The Commemoration

Many Third Reich Stamps were issued in commemoration of certain events and these are probably the most popular. They will typically contain the anniversary of a date that was important to leaders within the Third Reich, or of specific victories. These are typically the kinds of stamps that are collected by those that have a specific interest in the war with Germany during this time.

If you find a Third Reich stamp and you are wondering whether or not it is legitimate, pay attention to the colors that were used and rely on the above tips to help you determine whether or not it is authentic. Always look for stamps that are in good condition, have never been used, or still contain the original adhesive. These are the most valuable, in addition to the ones with specific dates.

You may also want to get an appraisal or have an expert examine a Third Reich stamp before you buy it. There are counterfeit stamps running around, and you may end up wasting your money if you are not careful and go through the authentication process. If you are buying a stamp at auction, the organizers or seller will usually provide you with additional information about the history of the stamp as well as its value. You can use these figures to help you determine whether or not this is a stamp that should be added to your collection.

Originally posted 2008-09-03 05:00:12. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• French Stamps 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......
• US Civil War Stamps -> Topic & Specialty -> War The United Postal Service issued a sheet of 20 stamps in 1995 with the theme of the US Civil War. The Civil War was the deadliest war in American history, resulting in the death of 620,000 soldiers and an untold number of civilians.......
• Queen Victoria Stamps Stamps -> UK (Great Britain) -> Victoria For 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......
• 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.......
• United States Stamps Stamps -> Books and Manuscripts -> Back of Book United States stamps are fun to collect and you will have many different varieties from which to choose. If you are looking for a hobby for your kids, or you are just interested in US history, these stamps are a great......

• Top 5 Freebie Websites [This post is written and copyrighted by FIRE Finance (http://firefinance.blogspot.com).]Oct 21, 2009: We like to collect freebies. Over the years this liking has developed into a creative hobby which has a tidy annual payoff worth hundreds of dollars in savings. But this habit involves investment of time and energy. Too......
• Brief History of the Mandolin A mandolin is a musical instrument that belongs to the lute family meaning that it can either be plucked or strummed. It is a direct descendant of a instrument called the Mandore, which is a soprano member of the same family. The mandolin instrument has a body that possesses a......
• Japanese Tattoos Few tattoo designs are more colorful, aesthetically pleasing, and steeped in history than the Japanese tattoo. You might find it ironic that a culture known for its subtlety has inspired a breed of tattoo designs that are so colorful and eye-catching. Irony aside, this is one tattoo that will definitely......
• Why P2P Lending is Not a Substitute for High-Interest Savings As with other money-making vehicles in this economy, high-interest savings has taken a major plunge. It's still much higher than what I was earning before, but it's not the impressive 4% returns that we were seeing even a year back. Because of its dip, some people are looking for other......
• Silver Tea Sets Collectibles -> Housewares-and-Kitchenware -> Tableware The first silver tea set was created in 1790, almost 100 years after the first known silver tea pot was created. That first silver tea pot is now in a London museum and is much smaller than what we think of as a tea pot......

• Non-Country Specific License Plates Automobilia Transportation Collectibles
• Germany Area Europe Stamps
• Germany Original Period Items WW II 1939-45 Militaria Collectibles

Stamps -> Stamps -> Asia

The first India stamps were called Scinde District Dawk, getting their name from the place of their first use in the Sindh district of India. Typically the paper stamps were on some shade of white paper with the design stamped in blue ink, and the wax discs were usually made from red wax. The Scinde District Dawk stamps were only used for about 2 years before the British Eash India Company suppressed them, so these early stamps are the most valuable.

These early India stamps were used for the first time in 1852, when India was attempting to reform its postal system. Messages had been carried on foot for centuries by runners, but over the previous year the use of horses and camels to transport messengers more quickly had become the standard. With the postage reform, the stamps were used to show that postage had been paid, an innovation that was set to allow the British East India Company to earn more profits because messages would be delivered more quickly.

Anything that would speed the delivery of messages and goods would benefit the ruling power in India at the time, the East India Company. While deliveries were still snail-slow by today’s standards, they did improve with the new postal system allowing a message to be delivered in a month or two, rather than 5 or 6. In 1854 the East India Company attempted to make a new stamp the standard postage, but the citizens wouldn’t embrace the new design. A later India stamps design featured Queen Victoria as well as the East India marking and was used until 1858 when India rebelled against the company.

In 1931, India stamps began features other things besides monarchs and profiles, instead bearing images of fortresses and even animals. Another exciting facet for stamp collectors are India’s commemorate stamps, like the stamp commemorating the 1950 inauguration of India, and stamps that honor Mahatma Gandhi.

India stamps are popular with world stamp collectors because the earliest stamps produced in this country typically cost less than the first stamps produced by most other countries. And the early hand-embossed stamps are not so rare that you’ll likely never find one. In fact, early stamps are still discovered from time to time even by the most casual collector, making a great addition to any comprehensive stamp collection. Later India stamps bear some of the most beautiful stamps designs in the world.

As when buying any stamps, be sure the India stamps seller is knowledgeable about the stamps, whether you’re buying from a shop or an online auction on eBay or other auction site. If the picture on the stamp isn’t clear, ask the seller to provide another, clearer picture. Be sure to ask questions about the condition of the stamp, like whether it’s been damaged, whether the back is gummed and what condition the gumming is in, if the stamp has been canceled and if there are any imperfections or creases of which the seller is aware.

Originally posted 2008-11-18 14:00:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Swiss Soldier Stamps Stamps -> Europe -> Switzerland Some people, even those who have been collecting stamps for years, may never have heard of Swiss soldier stamps. That’s because these stamps weren’t actually postage stamps for use at large, they were created for the Swiss soldiers who were activated to full duty to......
• Postage Stamp Collecting Terms 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......
• Spain Stamps 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......
• Stamps of Greece   Stamps -> Europe -> Greece Stamp collectors who collect world stamps usually have a fondness for the stamps of Greece, with the bold designs, and the history they represent. The first stamps of Greece are called Hermes head stamps, because they feature a profile of the Greek god Hermes......
• Collecting Postage Stamps Many people do not think of collecting postage stamps as a suitable collection, because collecting small sticky images and placing them in plastic sheets in a binder or book does not appear to be the most exciting past time in the world. The truth is, however, that collecting stamps can......

• Packers and Movers in Chennai India People often shift from one location to another for growth in Life or for the better future. Some people shift with the change of job, to start a new business and for various other reasons. So to make the shifting easier for customers packers and movers companies are providing their......
• HUMAN RESOURCE ACCOUNTING (HRA) PRACTICES IN INDIA Success of corporate undertakings purely depends upon the quality of human resources. It is accentuated that; Human element is the most important input in any corporate enterprise. The investments directed to raise knowledge; skills and aptitudes of the work force of the organization are the investments in human resource. In......
• 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......
• India's Top 10 cities If you have been reading for the Nielsen report for the Country's top urban centers, this one's even one ste ahead in mapping the affluent consumer centers in the coming decade. take a look. it's mostly bangalore, ahmedabad and some surprises: India's 10 Fastest Growing Cities M. Tharini Thursday, 29......
• Just How Valuable Are You? Building long term value is a topic that can not be quickly covered.  I have been reading about this topic for several years, and I still feel like I am a total amateur.  Even though I am an amateur in this field, I recently had a long conversation with someone that was, more or......

• Postal History Covers United States Stamps
• Kitty Collier Collection Tonner By Brand, Company, Character Dolls Dolls Bears
• Rare Handbags
• Postage Stamp Vending Machines Banks, Registers Vending Collectibles
• Ann Estelle Collection Tonner By Brand, Company, Character Dolls Dolls Bears

Stamps -> Worldwide

Stamps of Newfoundland were first issued in 1857, with the country continuing to issue its own stamps until 1949. Newfoundland has over 300 of its own stamp issues, making this a popular category for collectors who need to impose boundaries in their collecting to reign themselves in a bit from wanting to buy everything. These stamps are sought out by collectors because of their beauty and uniqueness.

Few countries show their entire histories in their stamps like Newfoundland. A study of the stamps of Newfoundland can reveal all the major events in the country’s history until Newfoundland became part of Canada in 1949. Every major milestone in the nation’s development is featured on stamp, making these stamps unique and interesting.

The earliest stamp was a Pence issue. Of all the early stamps of Newfoundland, the 12 pence orange stamps of 1860 rank as some of the most valuable because only 1000 were produced. One went at auction for 5 figures. It’s no wonder that counterfeiters sought to fool the public by counterfeiting this “rare” stamp. When one would appear, people bought them for top dollar, making counterfeiting a profitable venture.

The first people to appear on the stamps of Newfoundland were Queen Victoria together with her husband, Prince Albert, 8 years after the first stamps were issued. The Queen is white against a pale reddish background. Forty years after the first stamps were issued, Newfoundland printed its first commemorative stamps, marking the 400th anniversary of Cabots’ discovery of the country in 1497. The date of the stamp issue also marked the 60th anniversary of Victoria’s coronation. The themes on the stamps were popular activities at the time—hunting and fishing, logging and even mining.
A dozen stamps of Newfoundland were issued in 1919 to honor soldiers and sailors from WWI with stamps following that honored the first non-stop transatlantic flight, and the first airmail stamp. These airmail stamps are valuable to collectors and can to for hundreds to thousands of dollars at auction. Besides the investment value, the stamps are colorful, beautiful and unique and would be fabulous in any collection.

You can find a huge variety of stamps online in auctions like eBay. The drawback is that you can’t see the stamp in person before you purchase it. A reputable and concerned seller will offer up-close and detailed pictures of any item for sale including stamps of Newfoundland, and will take more pictures when asked to make sure they represent the item correctly to you.

You’ll want to ask about the gumming on the back, if there is any and what condition it’s in—original condition gumming is the most valuable on stamps of Newfoundland and any type of stamps, in general. Ask about tiny tears on the stamp and any perforation damage or irregularities. Do a little research into this nation’s stamps, because you might just come across one worth hundreds of dollars or more that’s for sale for less than a hundred because the seller isn’t familiar with stamp values.

Originally posted 2008-12-03 14:00:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Benefits of Collecting Old Stamps 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......
• First Day Cover Stamps Stamps -> Worldwide -> First Day Covers Collecting first day cover stamps is a popular subset of stamp collecting in general. Those who look for these types of stamps are an enthusiastic and passionate group, many even belonging to societies designed to promote first day covers and first day cover......
• Collecting Commemorative Stamps A commemorative stamp is essentially a stamp that was created in order to honor something, such as for example a special occasion, a special person or a special place. Most commemorative stamp varieties are printed in very small batches, and sometimes they are only printed one time and then never......
• Swiss Soldier Stamps Stamps -> Europe -> Switzerland Some people, even those who have been collecting stamps for years, may never have heard of Swiss soldier stamps. That’s because these stamps weren’t actually postage stamps for use at large, they were created for the Swiss soldiers who were activated to full duty to......
• Old Postage Stamps 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......

• Friday Traffic Report Latest Issue The Friday Traffic Report: Whadya Know? It's Actually Friday! Quick Traffic Programs: Instant Buzz Pro/Elite gives me lots more clicks because I can use HTML in my ads. I noticed a drastic improvement in click through by simply being able to use yellow and red to catch peoples' eyes. It......
• Facebook CFO Gideon Yu resigns Facebook's finance chief, Gideon Yu, is leaving the fast-growing social-networking site as the company looks for a replacement with "public company experience." It's the latest sign that the site may be looking to go public in the not-so-distant future, though the company has said it has no immediate plans for......
• Sony Walkman turns 30 Thirty years ago Sony launched the Walkman, a gadget which revolutionised the way people around the world listened to music but has since been overtaken by an icon of the digital age -- the iPod. The July 1, 1979 rollout of the portable cassette player helped transform the Japanese company......
• Own A Home? You're On Welfare. Well, at least that's what a columnist in Time magazine thinks. (It is in the current paper issue, so it's not available online yet.) I never really thought about it that way, but he is kinda right - owning a home does provide the homeowner with a kind of welfare......
• Euro Coins Coins & Paper Money -> Coins: World -> Europe Euro coins were first put into circulation in 2002 by the European Union. There are 8 coins: 1, 2 5, 10 and 20 cent coins, as well a the 100 and 200 cent coins, which equal 1 and 2 Euros, respectively.......

• Newfoundland Dog Animals Collectibles
• Postage United States Stamps
• Unique Handbags
• Famous People Topical Specialty Stamps
• Postage Stamp Vending Machines Banks, Registers Vending Collectibles

Stamps -> United States -> Collections

Post office stamps are a great collectible for kids to enjoy, and luckily, it isn’t all that hard to start a collection. Before you start building your collection, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have all the supplies you’ll need. This includes a stamp book with sheets of plastic to protect your collection, and it is also a good idea to subscribe to at least one stamp publication to keep on top of trends and to learn more about rare stamps. There are also many different books on the subject that are quite enlightening about the practice of collecting post office stamps.

For kids, many local post offices have special programs that will help them start their own collection. You can contact the post master at your local branch for more information. Typically however, there will be a box of canceled stamps near the front window that are reserved for children or collectors. While these may not have a lot of value, they keep it fun for kids to get involved and start searching for the stamps they want to have in their collection. Don’t forget to throw in a couple of your own canceled stamps to help out a child whenever you’re in the post office. You could be providing a child with the very post office stamps they were looking for.

It’s a good idea to start off small when you are collecting post office stamps. Do your research and learn about the different kinds of stamps that are available. Don’t forget to think about post office stamps from other countries as well. These can be very valuable and the designs are often very interesting as well. By learning ahead of time about the many different kinds of stamps that are available, you can start to develop a plan for the ones that you would like to collect.

Many people find it easier to focus on one specific era, or a specific type of stamp when they are first getting started. For example, you can start collecting only US post office stamps that were printed during a specific era. Once you have all of these saved in your book, you can start on the next set. By keeping that focus you’ll be able to build up a very strong collection.

Lastly, you’ll need to know where to find post office stamps to collect. There are specific stamp stores that cater to collectors, providing them not only with the necessary stamp collecting supplies they need, but also a good supply of rare stamps. You can also find them at private auctions, where it is possible to get entire collections at once. Online auctions are also a great resource for stamp collectors and open up an entire world of possibilities.

No matter what type of post office stamps you decide to collect, remember to have fun and it will come naturally to you. It may take a few years to build up your collection, but you’ll have a lot to show for your time when you are done.

Originally posted 2008-10-07 05:00:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Stamps of Newfoundland Stamps -> Worldwide Stamps of Newfoundland were first issued in 1857, with the country continuing to issue its own stamps until 1949. Newfoundland has over 300 of its own stamp issues, making this a popular category for collectors who need to impose boundaries in their collecting to reign themselves......
• Monroe Stamp Stamps -> Topical-and-Specialty -> Famous People The Marilyn Monroe stamp was released on June 1, 1995, on what would have been Marilyn’s 69th birthday. It joined the ranks of what the United States Postal Service calls “blockbuster” stamps, like the Elvis stamp, and some commemorative stamps like those honoring Civil......
• Collecting Commemorative Stamps A commemorative stamp is essentially a stamp that was created in order to honor something, such as for example a special occasion, a special person or a special place. Most commemorative stamp varieties are printed in very small batches, and sometimes they are only printed one time and then never......
• Canceled Postage Stamps Stamps -> United States -> 1901: to Now: Used 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......
• United States Stamps Stamps -> Books and Manuscripts -> Back of Book United States stamps are fun to collect and you will have many different varieties from which to choose. If you are looking for a hobby for your kids, or you are just interested in US history, these stamps are a great......

• Advantages of Electronic Bill Pay Are you still holding on to the idea of writing a check for each of your bills? Are you still rifling through your desk for stamps and trying to calculate the number of days your check needs to travel through your vendor’s processing department? If this sounds like your method......
• Old Street Signs Collecting old streets signs is a hobby for many people. If you choose to deal in old street signs, there are some collection tips and tricks that you'll want to follow. Avoid collecting modern/current street signs. Collecting them is a crime, as is selling them, so stay away from teens......
• Collecting Rare Collectibles 102 Rare collectibles are items that are perceived to be hard to find by a collectible, and they may also be antique in nature seeing as many antique collectibles are also rare collectibles. Any item that has a high quality craftsmanship, that is relatively old in nature and that reflects the......
• Post Office Instant Saver The Instant Saver savings account by Post Office Ltd. currently gives a promotional interest rate of 2.10% Gross/AER variable on balances of at least 500£. This rate includes a limited offer 2% gross introductory bonus for new Instant Saver Customers only, for 12 months from account opening. The interest rate......
• Learning to Collect Books There are many different people in the world that decide to collect books, and surprisingly enough, they decide to collect books for a whole host of different reasons that are just about as diverse as the books themselves. Classic works from the greats like Homer, Shakespeare, Dante and Dickens can......

• Postage Stamp Vending Machines Banks, Registers Vending Collectibles
• Postage United States Stamps
• Build a Bear Bears Dolls Bears
• Local US Political Historical Memorabilia Collectibles

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 that it goes smoothly.

1. Start with a target

It often helps to have a target in mind when you begin building up your stamp collection. For example, you can set out to collect nothing but French stamps, or you can try to find British stamps that were produced during the reign of Queen Victoria. By picking a narrow target, you can start to see results in less time and you’ll be more motivated to keep working on your stamp collection. This is also a great way to build up a very valuable collection, especially if you are targeting only rare stamps.

2. Buy a proper stamp collection book

In order to keep track of your stamp collection, it is vital to have a book. This will allow you to find stamps that you may be missing, and you will also have a safe place to store your stamps where they won’t be exposed to air and dust. This will help them hold their value longer. It is also neat to see your book being filled up as you increase your stamp collection and this can be a great motivator to keep looking for more stamps.

3. Always be on the lookout for new stamps

You never know when you may come across a rare stamp and it’s a good idea to keep updated on any auctions in your area that may contain these collectibles. Estate sales are another great place to shop and sometimes, you may be able to purchase a stamp collection that has already been put together for you. Other great places to find stamps include second hand stores, antique stores and at online auctions.

4. Stay informed and learn about stamps

In order to be able to build a good stamp collection, you need to have a good idea of the different values of stamps, as well as which ones you may be more interested in. Buy a few books about collecting stamps and subscribe to newsletters and magazines that are devoted to this hobby. You can learn a lot just by reading them and you’ll be able to keep in the loop on new stamp editions, as well as upcoming auctions for rare stamps.

5. Getting children interested in stamp collections

Local post offices sometimes hold stamp drives or encourage people to place used stamps in a box so that children can start their own collections. This is a great hobby for kids, and with a little help, they can start building their own stamp collection while they are still young. Try to find something that they are interested in, and use this as a springboard to help you find stamps that they may enjoy based on these interests.

Originally posted 2008-09-05 14:00:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Collecting Rare Stamps Online You may already have started up your own stamp collection, but how are you going to set your stamp collection apart from other people and their stamp collections? You are going to need to know where to look and shop around in order to find the best rare stamps, and......
• United States Stamps Stamps -> Books and Manuscripts -> Back of Book United States stamps are fun to collect and you will have many different varieties from which to choose. If you are looking for a hobby for your kids, or you are just interested in US history, these stamps are a great......
• Ireland Stamps Stamps -> Europe -> Ireland When postage stamps were first issued in 1840, Ireland was still a part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Ireland used the stamps created by Britain until the Irish government took power in Ireland in 1922. Then they printed Irish text over the British......
• US Postage Stamps Stamps -> United States -> Collections, Lots When it comes to finding stamps of great value, US postage stamps are usually the most popular. In fact, many of these stamps may be worth more than $100k, and frequently will go well above that. When you are shopping for collectible US......
• Spain Stamps 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......

• Learning the Rope Tow Before you can learn how to ski, you’ve got to learn how to get to the top of the mountain. While the widespread use of chair lifts has made this a lot easier, many mountains still use rope tows, especially on beginner areas. They may look like simple contraptions, but......
• Principles for Good Blog Design, pt 2 4 - To reiterate... Some of your blog posts are going to be more popular than others. Once you recognize which blog posts these are, keep them from being buried by finding a way to highlight them. You may have a popular posts section in the sidebar of your blog,......
• How to Lose Weight Over the Long Term When you first start a diet, it's easy to get all excited about the amount of weight you're losing and how great you look. Unfortunately, most of us reach our goals and then go off of our diets. Within a few months, we may be back where we started, or......
• Present Yourself for the Win - Posture and Attitude Whenever we enter into a competition, our greatest opponent can be ourselves. We will misguide ourselves into thinking we are doing something we aren't. For many, when faced with the realization that this is happening, will bridge the gap and improve greatly as an athlete and player. The one thing......
• Review of Jim McLean The Eight Step Swing If you are looking for a great DVD that will help you improve your swing, this one may be just the ticket. There are literally hundreds of different golf instructional DVDs on the market and many fail to deliver. This is one exception that proves just how useful this medium......

• Collections, Lots Worldwide Stamps
• Collections, Lots UK Great Britain Europe Coins World Coins Paper Money
• Booklets Back of Book United States Stamps
• Collections, Lots Latin America Stamps
• Back of Book Canada Stamps

Stamps -> United States -> 1901: to Now: Used

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.

Originally posted 2008-09-16 05:00:06. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• French Stamps 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......
• Benefits of Collecting Old Stamps 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......
• 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......
• All About Collectible Postage Stamps 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......
• U.S. Air Mail Stamps Stamps -> United-States -> Postage Collecting US Airmail stamps has become such a popular hobby, by both those who collect all sorts of stamps and those who are just interesting in United States airmail stamps, that there are clubs and associations based on just that hobby. The American Air......

• 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......
• Here is a segment from my book, what do you think? I was in school scarcely a week when at 2:30 am, my father announces that he is flying to California and divorcing my mother. My mother starts having a breakdown, and instead of staying with my mother, I don’t know why, I leave with my dad along with my little......
• Antique Lamps Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Lamps There is a huge market right now for collectible antique lamps and these functional decorative collectibles can brighten any home. If you’re looking for a collectible that is not only beautiful but also functional, antique lamps are the perfect answer. There are literally hundreds......
• Collectible Pocket Knives Collectibles -> Advertising -> Agriculture -> Pocket Knives Out of all of the advertising related collectibles on the market at the current time, some of the most popular are agriculture related collectible pocket knives. These collectibles hearken back to a simpler time and collectors snap them up in droves. Many......
• Home is Where the Money Is I would like to introduce to you today the foremost of money saving tips: staying home. I am not talking about staying in instead of going to a movie on a Friday night, but something much more fundamental and often overlooked. Allowing this philosophy and the following ideas a permanent......

• Postage Stamp Vending Machines Banks, Registers Vending Collectibles
• Sheets UK Great Britain Stamps
• Edward VIII UK Great Britain Stamps
• FDCs UK Great Britain Stamps
• Booklets UK Great Britain Stamps

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

• 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......
• First Day Cover Stamps Stamps -> Worldwide -> First Day Covers Collecting first day cover stamps is a popular subset of stamp collecting in general. Those who look for these types of stamps are an enthusiastic and passionate group, many even belonging to societies designed to promote first day covers and first day cover......
• Valuing your Stamp Hobby Many aspiring stamp hobby collectors end up wondering if it would be possible to get rich through the collection of stamps. The truth is, no, you are not likely to turn a stamp hobby into a million dollar endeavor. Most philatelic stamp hobbyists are never going to become rich from......
• Collectible Stamps Stamps -> United States -> 19th Century - Unused Finding the best collectible stamps can sometimes be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for. It’s never easy to guess when it comes to stamps, and if you are a serious collector, it pays to subscribe to stamp......
• Beginning a Stamp Collecting Hobby Starting a stamp collecting hobby can be popular and rewarding if you like the idea of stamps. If you are just getting started with your own stamp collecting hobby and you are trying to figure out where you need to get started, the following tips should prove to be helpful.......

• Stamp Prices Going Up The price of stamps goes up an entire penny on Monday. If you use a lot of stamps you may consider buying 100 of the Forever Stamps at $41. This will save $1 vs. buying them next week. I know a great many people that will consider this. Some of......
• Cash Registers Collectibles -> Banks-Registers-and-Vending Some of us remember going into the local Mom & Pop shop and having our penny candy rang up on a tall brass cash register. Some of us have seen such registers in dime stores or in antique stores. There are many things to be appreciated about......
• Bon Jovi Posters Memorabilia -> Music Memorabilia -> Rock, Pop-> Bon Jovi One of the biggest rock bands of the 1980’s is still popular today and as such, many people are still trying to find their posters. Whether you are a new fan of the group, or you remember a certain poster that......
• DVD Review: The Ultimate Golf Learning Experience When it comes to instructional golf DVD’s the content can be a bit dry, but this was one DVD that completely broke that mold. By incorporating funny little movies, and some world class tips from professional golfers, The Ultimate Golf Learning Experience is really just that. Whether you’re brand new......
• Mantle Clocks Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Clocks- Antique mantle clocks are a wonderful investment that not only beautify your home, but also provide you with a great conversation piece. Many antique mantle clocks are true works of art and with careful shopping, you may even end up with one that used......

• Netherlands Colonies Europe Stamps
• Rare Handbags
• France Colonies Europe Stamps
• Postal History Covers United States Stamps
• Belgium Colonies Europe Stamps

Stamps -> Australia

The first proper Australian stamps appeared in 1913, with the stamps Australia King George V varieties appearing about 6 months after the first stamps showed up in January. While some Australian stamps were originally issued in 1902, it was 1913 before stamps for the Commonwealth of Australia were issued. Australia was made up of six colonies, each with its own postal service and stamps. But in 1901, a department was created to serve the entire Commonwealth. Early colony-specific stamps could actually be used until 1966, however, when decimal currency was adopted and made them invalid.

The first stamp bearing the term “Australia” appeared in 1913 as a red 1 penny stamp that featured a kangaroo and a map. At the time, governing officials were greatly opposed to the idea of monarchs on their country’s stamps, but in 1913 a new government ordered a series of red stamps bearing none other than King George V. Stamps Australia King George V varieties marked a change from what the earlier government had wanted, yet the stamps were so popular, they lasted 23 years.

Stamps Australia King George V varieties are important because they were the first, but more than that they show great craftsmanship and skill on the part of the engravers. And don’t think that the first plain stamps are the ones you’ll be stuck with if you choose to collect King George V. In 1935, Australia issued a silver jubilee to entice people to buy the stamp.
A qualified stamp appraiser is your best bet for giving you quite an accurate price on the stamps. Though online stamp shops, stamp message boards, forums and Usenet groups can be used to get an initial impression of the value of the stamp. If you can get expert advice and thoughts on the stamps you want to buy, it will help you a great deal when shopping. When you’re looking for stamps Australia King George V varieties, the value can range quite a bit, even though these stamps aren’t particularly valuable ones.

Stamps Australia King George V varieties are for the avid collector, especially one who focus on world stamps or Australian stamps. When purchasing these stamps in an online auction, you’ll find almost every variety you could ever dream of. But you’ll also want to ask the seller about any damage, creasing or tearing around the edge. The condition of the back of the stamp is also important. Any gumming should be as close to the original state as possible.

Stamps Australia King George V varieties should be perforated evenly on all sides, but if not then an explanation about why the perforation is variable should help immensely. If stamps sustained damage at some point, some people will trim off the torn perforation and redo it, leaving the design on the stamp no longer in the center, but off to one side which lowers the value. Stamps with their cancellations and envelopes intact are great finds for your stamp collection, too, and overstamps can also add to the value.

Originally posted 2008-12-01 14:00:55. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• US Stamps Stamps -> US Stamps : 19th Century Unused, 19th Century Used Collecting stamps from around the world is a popular hobby for many, but there are also many valuable stamps that are hard to find. US Stamps in particular can be very rare, and there are quite a few that......
• 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......
• French Stamps 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......
• First Day Cover Stamps Stamps -> Worldwide -> First Day Covers Collecting first day cover stamps is a popular subset of stamp collecting in general. Those who look for these types of stamps are an enthusiastic and passionate group, many even belonging to societies designed to promote first day covers and first day cover......
• India Stamps Stamps -> Stamps -> AsiaThe first India stamps were called Scinde District Dawk, getting their name from the place of their first use in the Sindh district of India. Typically the paper stamps were on some shade of white paper with the design stamped in blue ink, and the......

• 1925 Coin Penny Coins & Paper Money -> Coins: World -> Australia The 1925 coin penny is the 3rd rarest copper coin from Australia. According to records from their Royal Mint, this coin was struck late in the year to make sure that Australian merchants had plenty of pennies during the Christmas season.......
• Get Rich, Stay Rich, Pass It On: A Mini Review Catherine S. McBreen and George H. Walper Jr.'s book may be misleading Every now and again, publishers sense me books to read. More often than not it takes me a long time to read them. I was sent Get Rich, Stay Rich, Pass It On: The Wealth-Accumulation Secrets of......
• How to Host a Holiday Cookie Swap Many families like to bake a variety of cookies around the holidays.  They're great to have when people drop in unexpectedly, which tends to happen more around the holidays.  It's also a wonderful way to give a little something to people you wouldn't necessarily buy gifts for - your neighbors,......
• Antique Jewelry Sports Memorabilia -> Fantasy, Mythical and Magical -> Jewelry Antique jewelry is a wonderful collectible that is not only valuable, but also very beautiful. Whether you are a fan of precious stones, interesting settings or you just have a love of everything vintage, buying antique jewelry is a lot of......
• Growing Number of Working Class Now Accepting Food Stamps What was once thought as a welfare-only program, the Food Stamp program is seeing a steady increase in working-class citizens turning in applications for assistance in order to keep food in the home and dinner on the table. Two years ago, an estimated 25% of income-earning families were receiving food......

• Collections, Lots UK Great Britain Stamps
• Kangaroos Australia Stamps
• Covers Australia Stamps
• FDCs UK Great Britain Stamps
• George VI UK Great Britain Stamps

Stamps -> United-States -> Postage

Collecting US Airmail stamps has become such a popular hobby, by both those who collect all sorts of stamps and those who are just interesting in United States airmail stamps, that there are clubs and associations based on just that hobby. The American Air Mail Society was established in 1923 as a place for people interested in these stamps to come together, talk stamps, make exchanges and enjoy their unique hobby.

If you want to collect US Air Mail stamps, you should learn a little bit of the history of this stamp so you’ll know what to look for, and you’ll be able to tell which stamps are the ones you want to collect and which aren’t really worth the purchase price. If you shop for these stamps in online auctions like those found on eBay, which is an excellent way to find a variety of stamps, then you’ll want to know which stamps would make a great part of your collection.

Sellers on eBay will almost always use the words “rare,” “vintage,” “antique,” and “hard to find” in their auctions, if even the item is readily available and not really worth anything. These words make their items come up in a searches for rare and vintage items, and increase their chances of selling at a good price. Knowing a little of the history of US Airmail stamps will help you distinguish between stamps that are a little more valuable and ones that they’re only saying are rare and highly collectible.

The first US Airmail stamps were created in 1918 at a value of 24 cents, because airmail postage was established at 24 cents per ounce. This stamp is known as the Curtis Jenny issue, and is number as the Scott C3. There are two other stamps from this “series” but the C3 24 cent Curtis Jenny was the first. A few months after this stamp was created, the airmail rate was actually reduced to 16 cents, so the 16 cent Curtis Jenny was released (these are known as the Scott C2) and then about 6 months later the price dropped again to 6 cents, necessitating the Scott C1 issue in that amount.

These early releases are distinguishable by color. The C3, the earliest stamp, came in rose and blue, while the 16 cent stamps were green and the 6 cent stamps were orange. All featured an airplane and look similar aside from their color and denomination. These are probably the most valuable US Airmail stamps because they were the first. Later stamps showed a US map, different types of airplanes, and some stamps were long thin stamps while others were tall.

The American Air Mail Society has pictures of almost every US Airmail stamp all the way back to those first Curtis Jenny stamps, and is a valuable resource when you’re searching for stamps online. Stamps rarely bear the date, so comparing the stamps with the pictures at this website will ensure that you’ll purchase the exact stamps you want.

Originally posted 2008-11-15 12:35:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Old Postage Stamps 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......
• Buying your Postage Stamps Online With the wide availability of different stamps from all over the world, there is an enormous selection from you to take from when it comes to buying postage stamps online. The following tips should help you when it comes to expanding your stamp hobby by purchasing and even selling your......
• US Postage Stamps Stamps -> United States -> Collections, Lots When it comes to finding stamps of great value, US postage stamps are usually the most popular. In fact, many of these stamps may be worth more than $100k, and frequently will go well above that. When you are shopping for collectible US......
• 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......
• 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......

• My non no-spend day I had to laugh yesterday, because I decided on a whim to make it a no-spend day. I'd heard of those before, and it sounded like a fun little challenge that would at the very least make me more aware of the things I tend to buy during the course......
• Save Money By Making Your Own Beer A couple of years ago, we started making our own beer. My brother was kind of enough to buy me this beer making kit as a present. My wife and I were eager to try our hand at making beer and gave it a shot soon after receiving it. It......
• New Bus to Rail Discount for DC Metro Riders As I've mentioned before, I use the metro for some of my commuting. Most DC Metro riders use SmarTrip cards to make our commute faster and so that we don't keep buying paper passes. At this point, SmarTrip cards are very handy for transfers. If you're transferring from bus-to-bus during......
• 1971 Canadian Fifty-Cent Piece Money -> Coins-Canada -> Fifty-Cents If you're a coin collector, specifically a Canadian coin collector, you might enjoy looking for a 1971 Canadian fifty cent piece to add to your collection. The trick to this is finding the right fifty cent piece to know whether the coin is worth merely......
• Will you switch to paying bills online? The post office recently issued a press release announcing that they've approved a rate increase effective May 14th, 2007. (And along with that rate increase comes the advent of the new Forever Stamp.) Is a two cent hike enough to convince you to make the switch to paying bills online?......

• Air Mail Back of Book United States Stamps
• Postage Stamp Vending Machines Banks, Registers Vending Collectibles
• Postage United States Stamps
• Rare Handbags