Stamp Collecting

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 some that are truly unique and very valuable. When you’re looking for collectible old postage stamps, there are a few things to look for to see whether or not you have a truly valuable stamp in front of you.

1. Ink Color

Typically, old postage stamps used either red, brown, green or blue ink. The colors should be a bit faded, especially if the stamp was made in the late 1800’s. During this time more intricate designs were put into circulation but for the most part, the colors stayed the same. There is no real theory behind why these ink colors were used, but it does make it easier to find old postage stamps and authenticate them.

2. Designs

Old postage stamps will typically contain historical events or figures that were popular during that time. Just as we have celebrity stamps today, old postage stamps commemorated special events and people as well. In countries where there was a monarch, that would typically be the person that would adorn the majority of stamp designs. In republics, symbols of freedom were commonly used. Very old stamps will generally be less intricate, but towards the 19th century, design capability improved and many stamps produced during this time period are very ornate.

3. The Adhesive

Stamps that were produced before the late 1800’s typically did not have any form of adhesive. They were usually glued into place by the send of the mail or the post office. However, in the 1880’s, special adhesives were introduced that allowed people to easily attach their stamps to their mail on their own. Old postage stamps will usually have what is referred to as “gum” on the back. This “gum” will typically be brown or yellow in color due to age. If you can find an old postage stamp that still has the “gum” intact, you have a very rare find indeed.

4. The Condition

The condition of old postage stamps will have a large bearing on their value. Collectors usually try to find stamps that were never circulated, and that are still intact and free of rips or tears. While there are few old postage stamps that are incredibly valuable no matter what condition they may be in, it is important to try to find the best possible stamps if you are collecting with an eye of amassing valuable old postage stamps. One or two flaws are generally acceptable, but collectible stamps should be free of any major damage.

5. Demand

There are many old postage stamps that are in high demand and at times, you will see new ones that suddenly come into vogue. If you are trying to save money, you can collect old postage stamps that may not yet be popular. If they are still in good condition, you may just have a future winner on your hands.

Originally posted 2008-09-02 05:00:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Stamps -> United States -> Back of Book-> Duck Stamps

If you are a lover of wildlife, or simply enjoy collectible stamps, the US stamp collection called the Duck Stamp is a terrific stamp to consider learning more about. These are not actually valid for postage, and were first released in 1934 as a way to raise money for conservation projects. They quickly became incredibly popular and through the years this popularity has only grown.

The Duck Stamps are actually made for the US Fish and Wildlife Service by the US Postal Service and every year a new design is introduced. Recently, the postal service began holding contests were amateur designers could submit their duck stamp designs for a chance to win the prize of having their stamp be the one that was produced that year. This is a competitive, but fun event and thousands take part every year.

For every dollar that is spent on a duck stamp, the US Postal Service donates 98 cents to the Fish and Wildlife service. Through the years, this funding has become vital and has gone to many special waterfowl and wildlife conservation projects. Without the duck stamp, it is highly possible that many wildlife would now be extinct or at the very least, could have lost their habitats.

The popularity of the regular duck stamp led to a new program that was introduced in 1989. Called the Junior Duck Stamp program, the proceeds from this go back into education. Through this program, children are encouraged to design their own stamps for inclusion in the project and they also learn more about conservation. This project also took off and once more, the stamps became very popular.

Another recent change was the introduction of the pass system, where a duck stamp could be used to gain admittance to a National Park free of charge. While few people like to part with their duck stamps, this program has also been a success. The success of the numerous duck stamp programs has spread, and now many states have their own special national park and stamp programs that are modeled on this original.

The most collectible duck stamps are the ones that were produced during the early stages of the program, but nearly all carry some value. While the primary purpose of the stamps may be to fund conservation and education programs, there is also a large selection of the population that collects these stamps for their artistic value. You can typically find a new US duck stamp for around $15, but the collectible and desirable stamps from many years ago can fetch much more than that at auction.

Many consider the duck stamp to be the perfect introduction for children into stamp collecting. Since they can participate in the design process and enter the contest to have their design chosen, it is a great interactive form of stamp collecting that could spark a life long interest in becoming a philatelist. If you have children, consider getting them their first duck stamp and watch their creativity and love of nature blossom.

Originally posted 2008-08-20 05:00:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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