October 14th, 2009 — Stamp Collecting, stamp collection, stamp collector
The art of collecting collectible postage stamps is a hobby that has become popular with several millions of Americans as well as people all throughout the world, including young and old alike. Many people that are just beginning with collectible postage stamps enjoy the thrill and the challenge that comes with finding stamps that come from a variety of different time periods. There are also sophisticated hobbyists collecting collectible postage stamps that are rare or particularly valuable because their primary focus is placed on increasing the financial value of the collection that they are putting together. In other words, collectible postage stamps are capable of appealing to a wide variety of different people including young and old, serious or beginner, and for a variety of different reasons as well.
It should definitely be noted that the collection of collectible postage stamps differs greatly from the formal study of collectible postage stamps, which is a concept known as philately. Therefore, not all postage stamp collectors are philatelists, and not every philatelist is a postage stamp collector.
The History of Collectible Postage Stamps
The first ever postage stamp was issued back in the year 1840 in Britain. The stamp, which is known as the Penny Black, pictured an image of Queen Victoria, and it was printed without any perforations, which meant that it needed to be cut out from a single sheet in order to be used by the owner of the stamp.
Postage stamp collecting finally became a hobby in around 1860, and then around the 1920s is when the hobby really began to pick up steam. Stamps that were issued during this period of time do not generally carry very much value because they are still quite widely available today.
Collecting Facts for Collectible Postage Stamps
There are errors that are made when stamps are printed, and this will result in stamp images that are upside down or off center for example, and these collectible postage stamps tend to be the ones that greatly increase the value of the stamp. There are many collectors out there that are specifically looking for collectible postage stamps that contain these types of printing errors since they are rare and likely to fetch a higher price.
Many people that collect collectible postage stamps tend to focus on one specific type of stamp, like those issued by a certain nation for example. Some of the most popular collectible postage stamps are European stamps and Asian stamps for example because they feature stunning artistic qualities. There are other types of collectible postage stamps as well including commemorative stamps, revenue stamps and pictorial collectible postage stamps for example.
Photo Credits: aldo c zavala
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September 20th, 2009 — Stamp Collecting, collectible stamps, stamp collector
Few types of collectors get more excited and enthusiastic about a new acquisition than a stamp collector. Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, enjoyed by young children, the elderly, and every age in between. Over 20 million people in the United States collect stamps, with some of them enjoying the hobby very casually without much in depth knowledge of the individual stamps and their histories. But some enjoy the study of stamps, also known as philately, and use that detailed knowledge to amass a large and comprehensive collection of stamps from all over the world.
Stamp collecting is so popular that some small countries produce beautiful stamps in limited editions of far more than necessary for their country’s postal needs because collectors buy them and increase their revenue. Stamp collectors interested in collecting, not just for the satisfaction of acquiring certain stamps but as an investment, go in search of rare and valuable stamps.
A young Queen Victoria graced the first postage stamp issued in Britain in 1840. Called the Penny Black, one had to cut it from a sheet of stamps with scissors. Mint and unused Penny Blacks are scarce and valuable, but even a casual collector could find used Penny Blacks in online auctions for affordable prices. Those that are in the worst condition can even be purchased for $20-$40 dollars, and those in the best condition are usually available for less than $200—a very affordable price when you consider you’d be owning the first stamp ever created, with a value that’s only likely to rise.
Most stamps, even very old ones, can be found and collected affordably, making it a great hobby for children and people from any walk of life. While the advent of email and electronic bill paying have greatly reduced the need for stamps, decreased stamp production could put a damper on those who collect modern stamps. But a stamp collector with a collection of older stamps would do well to maintain the collection as the value will likely rise even as stamps become less necessary to our society.
A stamp collector has a variety of choices when choosing which stamps to collect. Some only collect stamps from one country, but aim to acquire one of each type. Others choose only certain types of stamps, like commemorative stamps, stamps in other shapes like circles or triangles, or stamps bearing images of certain things like celebrities or a type of animal. Other collectors choose to collect in general, gathering stamps from all over the world with no real rhyme or reason, just choosing the ones that appeal to them. There’s no wrong way to collect stamps because it’s a very individual hobby.
When purchasing stamps, a stamp collector should ask a few key questions. Is the stamp uncirculated or used, and is it damaged? Also find out if it’s an irregular stamp or one with an error, both of which can sometimes make the stamp more valuable.
Originally posted 2008-10-13 05:00:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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September 19th, 2009 — Antique Postage Stamps, Canceled Postage Stamps, India Stamps, Old Postage Stamps, Rare Stamps, Stamp Collecting, Used Stamps, collectible stamps, stamp collection, stamp collector, valuable stamps
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
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September 16th, 2009 — Canceled Postage Stamps, India Stamps, Old Postage Stamps, Stamp Collecting, Used Stamps, collectible stamps, stamp collection, stamp collector, valuable stamps
India stamps were first used in 1852, and were known as the Scinde Dawk stamps, during the country’s postal system reform. This came after centuries of messages being carried in India on foot by runners who followed paths, and about a year of horses and camels transporting messengers instead of runners. The whole system was revamped to offer better communication, and mostly to make commerce easier for the British East India Company. The stamps showed that the fee for the transport of the message had been paid in advance.
These first India stamps were hand stamped onto paper or a small disc of wax, with the British East India Company’s mark in the center, and the name of the stamp around the edge. They derived their name, Scinde District Dawk, because they were first used in the Sindh district. These stamps were on white or off-white paper, printed in blue. The wax stamps were red wax affixed to paper. Because these stamps were only used for 2 years and then suppressed, they’re rare and highly collectible.
The East India Company had a great stake in making the postal system work more efficiently, because faster deliveries meant more profits, and a better system could cut months off delivery time. They tried introducing new India stamps in early 1854 but were unsuccessful. Then in 1855, a new stamp featuring Queen Victoria that stated East India Postage on its face was used until 1858, after India rebelled against the East India Company’s hold over the country.
The first stamps featuring images besides profiles and heads came in 1931, with fortresses and buildings representing their government’s move from city to city. The first India stamps after India gained its independence were issued in 1947, and feature India’s flag. Many commemorative stamps have been released over the years, including those that commemorate India’s inauguration in 1950, and one memorializing Mahatma Gandhi.
Part of what makes collecting India stamps such a fun and rewarding hobby, is that these early hand-embossed stamps are still being discovered today by collectors. Also, the early imperforate stamps are less expensive than early stamps from most other countries across the world, and so easier to acquire and collect, especially for the casual and beginning collector. For those who collect more modern and current stamps, the designs on Indian stamps are some of the most varied and beautiful in the world.
If you’re looking for India stamps online in auctions like eBay, be sure that all the pertinent information is available in the auction. If it’s not, ask the seller pointed questions. If he picture of the stamps is blurry or from too far away, you might not be able to see any imperfections or damage on the stamp, so ask for a clearer picture or move on to a seller who provides them. India stamps with military covers are a popular specialty within India stamp collecting, so if you can find these you’ll have an interesting and historical piece for your collection.
Originally posted 2008-11-13 05:03:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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September 14th, 2009 — Stamp Value, collectible stamps
If you’re a stamp collector or you want to start collecting stamps, there are many resources available to you to help you determine stamp value. Books, websites and organizations allow you to look up a stamp and determine the likely value of it based on the type of the stamp and its condition. How exactly a stamp’s value is determined might seem a vague process to you, but it’s actually a very detailed one.
Stamp value is determined by a variety of factors such as centering, gumming, the degree of cancellation, and the perforation condition.
How the stamp design is centered is the first marker of stamp value. There’s no system or scale for precisely grading how a stamp is centered, though, just a careful examination of the stamp lets you determine if the design is centered. Not surprisingly, this “eyeballing” approach leaves lots of room for some interpretation and argument. A professional who studies stamps, known as a philatelist, can judge the centering with a more practiced eyes.
If a glance tells you the design is off-center enough that the design is lost to the edge of the stamp and the perforation, the centering is considered to be poor. Average centering means that the design suffers from lack of space on one side or two, without the perforation cutting into the design. A fine to very fine center will have a more centered design, but with uneven borders ranging in degree. Superb centering is perfect, and much more valuable, while jumbo refers to stamps with over-sized margins, which generally carry the most stamp value.
Gumming also determines stamp value. The condition of the back of the stamp, whether the stamp has been hinged for collection, whether the gum is in its original condition or has been removed, all affect the price and can be a major factor in determining the value of early 19th century stamps.
The degree of cancellation is used to determine stamp value when the stamp is used and the gum is gone because of it. The cancellation or postage mark on the stamp either makes the stamp lightly canceled and more valuable, when the design still shows well, or heavily canceled, which means the design is obscured and rarely visible.
The condition of the perforation is also considered when determining stamp value. Some stamps aren’t perforated at all and need to be cut, while others are designed with a straight, cut edge. Perforations are judged by whether they show some design of the stamp next to it on a sheet, whether they’re shorter than normal, and whether or not the punch is good or bits of paper remain between the teeth of the perforation. The least valuable type is reperforated, where someone has trimmed and reperforated a stamp to give it a more uniform appearance.
Judge your stamp by these benchmarks and you’ll be better able to determine stamp value with a book, or when browsing for new stamps in stores or auctions.
Originally posted 2008-10-11 05:00:16. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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September 12th, 2009 — Antique Postage Stamps, Australia Stamps King George V Varieties, Canceled Postage Stamps, Old Postage Stamps, Rare Stamps, Stamp Collecting, Used Stamps, collectible stamps, stamp collection, stamp collector, valuable stamps

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
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September 9th, 2009 — Monroe Stamps, Stamp Collecting, Stamp Value, US Postage Stamps, US Stamps, United States Stamps, collectible stamps, stamp collection, stamp collector, valuable stamps

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 War veterans. 400 million stamps were printed (almost as many as Elvis’ 500 million stamp print run), and while they’re popular with collectors, the value is generally no more than the face value of the stamp.
A stamp collector might enjoy owning a sheet of these stamps, or a single Monroe stamp, because they’re boldly colored, with Marilyn’s platinum hair, bright red lipstick and glitzy dress. And because they represent one of the most famous pin-up and movie stars of all time. But a Marilyn Monroe buff and collector will surely want these stamps in their collection because they’re just one more way to show that America never could get enough of Marilyn, and even over 30 years after her death they still feel the need to immortalize her beauty.
While Marilyn was a bonafide bombshell and movie star, maybe her humble beginnings and her struggle once she became popular help keep her an object of obsession and interest, one worthy of being honored with a Monroe stamp, after all these years. Born Norma Jean Baker, she started out in a way that few would associate with later fame. Childhood sexual abuse and poverty were just some of the tragedies of her early life. She lived in a series of foster homes and orphanages because her mother suffered from breakdowns that left her institutionalized.
She married at 16 to escape such a life, and soon began posing for pin-ups after her picture was taking while working in a factory. She didn’t get the name Marilyn Monroe until she was signed with RKO pictures, dyed her hair blonde and began appearing in small parts in films. Nude calendar photos in Playboy and a few starring roles shot her to fame in the early 1950s, and less than 10 years later she was dead of a sleeping pill overdose. Few stars are with us so short a time and then memorialized in ways like the Monroe stamp, but Marilyn captured the national consciousness and made people take notice.
A Marilyn fan and collector can find the Marilyn Monroe stamp on eBay or almost anywhere Marilyn memorabilia is sold. Chances are that a person wanting the stamp because it features Marilyn Monroe will care less about the stamp quality than the picture. So cancelled stamps, degummed stamps and other things that make it less desirable for a stamp collector are easy to find, and are relatively cheap.
But for those who want the stamp because it’s part of US stamp history, you’ll want to find a sheet of uncut stamps in excellent condition on eBay or elsewhere. Though given the date of its release, a Monroe stamp with a first day cancellation can be a great part of your collection.
Originally posted 2008-12-24 14:00:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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September 8th, 2009 — Antique Postage Stamps, Canceled Postage Stamps, Cuba Stamps, Old Postage Stamps, Rare Stamps, Stamp Collecting, Used Stamps, collectible stamps, stamp collection, stamp collector, 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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August 18th, 2009 — Canceled Postage Stamps, Rare Stamps, Stamp Collecting, Stamp Value, Swiss Soldier Stamps, Used Stamps, collectible stamps, stamp collection, stamp collector, valuable stamps

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 protect Switzerland’s borders during WWI. They were good only at the soldiers’ field posts.
The first of these Swiss soldier stamps were designed in 1915 with two different motifs, and were really intended just to be souvenirs for the soldiers. Then in 1916, stamps that were cancelled on envelopes were sold to provide money to help support Swiss soldiers and their families who were in a financial crisis over the long period of time the soldiers were on alert for invasion. Swiss stamp dealers recognized the value in these small circulation stamps, and profited from them.
Because Swiss soldier stamps were issued by the regiment or individual company and not good for mail in general, they were then classified as charity stamps. In 1939, many Swiss units began issuing soldier stamps, with many of them being overprints of the original WWI stamps. They had official approval to print stamps, and even though the Swiss mail had to approve each issuance, they didn’t recognize them as valid postage outside of military use.
Very quickly, though, stamp collectors and dealers recognized how dangerous the unlimited printing of these stamps could be, and the Swiss army had to set rules allowing only one print runoff Swiss soldier stamps and one stamp design per unit. Plates were supposed to be destroyed after this time to prevent unlimited printing and overflooding the market for the stamps, as well as making it impossible for collectors to acquire every stamp.
By the time these rules were in place, though, collectors weren’t interested in Swiss soldier stamps anymore, so few were printed. Today they’re a collectible stamp and can add interest to any stamp collection. Whether it’s a world stamp collection, a European collection or a collection of stamps aside from official postage, Swiss soldier stamps are an interesting addition to even the largest collection.
Because so many different types were printed in the early 20th century, though, it’s all but impossible to achieve a complete collection of the stamps. It’s difficult to even manage a comprehensive collection. A better aim might be to attempt to collect certain types of Swiss soldier stamps from one year, or even just choose stamps from a particular period, like the first ones issued during WWI or those issued during WWII.
Online auctions like eBay are a great place to look for Swiss soldier stamps, because the variety is usually much larger than you can typically find through a stamp dealer or a local shop. Do try to purchase from sellers who are knowledgeable about the stamps and can answer any questions you have about the stamp’s origin and how its condition would be classified—uncirculated, mint, circulated, and other stamp-collecting terms should be right in the auction description.
Originally posted 2008-12-13 14:00:51. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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August 18th, 2009 — Stamp Collecting, stamp collection, stamp collector
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.
First and foremost, it is said that the first rule of a stamp collecting hobby is to determine what type of stamp you would like to collect. You need to take care of your collection as well, as part of your stamp collecting hobby. When it comes to choosing a type of stamp to collect for your stamp collecting hobby, some of the options that are available are to choose a specific type of location, a specific type of design or a specific period of time. You can just as easily choose a historical period to collect, a specific country, an animal that you fancy or a holiday or special occasion, because there are a multitude of different stamps out there to choose from.
Some people with a stamp collecting hobby like to collect one issue of a certain stamp within a volume, one type of stamp only, or some collect as many different stamps as they can. Once you have decided what variety of stamp collector that you would like to be and what type of stamps you most want to collect, the next step in the process is going to be for you to learn how to care for your stamps properly and completely.
The first thing that you should know is that when handling your stamps you should always be using stamp tongs. While stamp tongs are similar to tweezers, they are not like tweezers because their ends are not pointy. You should never substitute tweezers for actual stamp tongs, otherwise you may end up severely damaging your stamps. Stamp tongs are vital because you should never touch the stamps with your fingers, otherwise the oils in your skin may damage the stamps. When you view stamps, they should always be laid out across a clean sheet of paper in order to minimize the amount of contamination that they experience.
The basic necessary types of tools and supplies that you are going to need for your stamp collecting hobby will require stamp tongs, an envelope for storage, a storage box for the envelopes to be stored in, and anything else you need to get the full enjoyment out of your stamps. As your collection grows, so should your arsenal of stamp collecting hobby tools, including glassine envelopes and nice books for you to store your stamps in. The more that you invest in your stamp collecting hobby, the better the results will be because your stamps will be better cared for and will last a lot longer as a result.
Photo Credits: architekt2
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