How to Store or Display your Valuable Stamps

victoriantorontostampsIf you are collecting valuable stamps of any type, then you need to have a good understanding of how to store and display them. Your collection of valuable stamps is going to require a lot of attention as well as care. If you are investing time and money into the accumulation of your stamps, then why wouldn’t you put time and effort into knowing how to store and display them?

There are plenty of ways to store your valuable stamps without putting them on display - But what if you want them to be on display so that you can enjoy them and take pride in them – But you want to keep them safe at the same time? Most collectors of valuable stamps tend to prefer for them to be kept in stamp albums, which are reliable in terms of storage and display, there are other options that are available to you and that typically provide a greater level of flexibility when it comes to storing the variety of different items that you are collecting.

Having a good display is vitally important if you are serious about enjoying your valuable stamps. Your valuable stamps should absolutely be a source for entertainment as well as pleasure since you have put a lot of time and work into acquiring them. To get the most out of your collection of valuable stamps, you will need clear plastic sheeting, stamp pages, paper or cardboard, a scanner and printer and clear book folders as well.

You should be growing with your collection of valuable stamps, rather than just trying to grow your collection. This means that your method of storing your stamps and displaying your stamps needs to grow and evolve along with you. You should not end up finding yourself buried in stamps with no place to store them or display them. Instead, your method of storage should also be growing along with your collection so that there is always a place waiting for a new stamp.

The real key to storing your valuable stamps is to know how you want to display them. When you have a solid idea of how you feel your stamps will be most visually appealing, you can create a display or storage method that coincides with that belief. This way, you can create a unique method of storage and display that meets your unique and individual needs. Commercial and store bought options very rarely are able to achieve this. Let your collection grow, and collect all of the valuable stamps that you can get your hands on, but you must absolutely make sure that you have a storage and display method that accommodates them if you want to get the most that you possibly can out of your collection.

Photo Credits: yorkville

Originally posted 2009-10-18 03:17:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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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. In addition to their value as a collector’s item, valuable stamps are also fun to find since many of them are quite rare. If you’re ready to start getting serious about stamp collecting, here are some of the most valuable stamps to look for.

1. Queen Victoria Stamps

The Queen Victoria stamps that were produced during her reign are some of the most valuable you can find. Look for the ones that still have their original gum on the back. These were the first stamps to actually have an adhesive, so they are worth more. The most valuable stamps from this era are the ones that are still in very good condition, without any rips or tears.

2. Famous President Stamps

The United States may not have monarchs, but we do have famous presidents and their faces grace some of the most valuable stamps. Abraham Lincoln stamps are very popular and many of these are worth several thousand dollars. The majority of the older stamps from this era do not have adhesive, but if you can find some that have not been circulated, they are incredibly valuable. Once again, you’re going to want to look for the ones that are in the best condition.

3. Colonial Stamps

Stamps that were made during the colonial period in the United States are considered to be very valuable stamps, but this also extends to other countries. For example, stamps produced in the French colonies are very valuable, especially the ones from Polynesia. These are quite often red, green or brown and although the colors may be faded, they are still worth a lot of money.

4. Duck Stamps

Duck stamps are a type of stamp that is produced in the United States and the proceeds of sales go to benefit wildlife funds. Although these cannot be used for mailing letters, they are valuable stamps in a large part due to their stunning artwork. Every year, new Duck Stamps are released, and artists submit their work for consideration to be on the new stamp. The Duck Stamps from the first few years of this program are very valuable stamps.

5. Stamps from Turbulent Times

Stamps that were produced during revolutions, wars and uprisings are considered to be among the most valuable stamps, simply because they commemorate important events. For example, the stamps that were made during the French Revolution are highly collectible and hard to find. Stamps produced in Germany during the Third World War are also considered to be quite rare and collectible.

When you’re trying to find valuable stamps remember that condition does count. Ideally, they should not be circulated, but if they were, they should be as free from marks as possible and they should not be torn or overly worn.

Originally posted 2008-09-22 14:00:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Stamp Collector


Stamps -> Worldwide -> Collections, Lots

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.

Photo Credits: creative location

Originally posted 2008-10-13 05:00:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Stamps of Newfoundland

Stamps -> Worldwide

Stamps of Newfoundland

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

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India Stamps

Stamps -> Stamps -> Asia

India StampsThe 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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India Stamps

stamps -> Stamps -> Asia

India StampsIndia 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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  • India StampsIndia 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......
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US Stamps

Stamps -> US Stamps : 19th Century Unused, 19th Century Used

US StampsCollecting 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 collectors would give their eye teeth for. Here is a quick guide to most collectible US stamps that are currently available.

1. US Franklin Z Grill – 1867  US Stamp
This one may be hard for the average collector to find since only two were ever made. While all Z Grills are considered to be collectible, these two stamps are by far the most valuable. One recently sold at auction for just under $1 million.

2. Hawaiian Missionary Stamps – 1851 US Stamp
The first stamps that were issued by what would later become the state of Hawaii are considered to be incredibly rare and will fetch upwards of $225k at auction. The first series were missionary stamps. They got this name from the multitude of American missionaries that were stationed in the islands during that time period. These were the same stamps that they used to write home and report on their efforts at spreading the gospel.

3. Abraham Lincoln – 1867 US Stamp
This is a very rare stamp indeed, but you may be able to find one since there are least more than two in existence. It features the Z Grill and is considered to be collectible due to the Civil War that was raging at the time and the history behind the stamp. If you are lucky enough to come across one of these, it can easily sell for more than $200k if it is in good condition.

4. Shield, Eagle and Flags – 1869 US Stamp
This stamp is so valuable that even one that no longer has gum on the back can still be worth more than $3500 if the rest of the stamp is in good condition. These are a little easier to come by for the average collector. Keep your eyes open however for one that is both unhinged and has gum since this can be worth more than $200k.

5. The Declaration of Independence – 1869 US Stamp
One of these used will sell more for more than $800, but if you can find one that is still intact, it can be worth a lot more. Many of these stamps, in mint condition, will sell at auction for more than $200k. Again, this is an easier stamp to find since more of them were issued.

US Stamps offer more than just a valuable collectible. Each one has a rich history tied to it that links us to our past. If you are just starting your collection, it is fun to see just how many rare stamps you can come across, and you never know just what treasures you may find. This is a great hobby for kids, and you can teach them a lot about the United States through these rare and valuable stamps.

Originally posted 2008-08-17 05:00:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Valuing your Stamp Hobby

romaniastampsMany 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 their stamp collections. Rather, most of these collectors are going to collect simply based on the sheer joy of having their collection as well as the thrill that is associated with searching for each individual stamp. Some philatelic stamp hobby collectors get a thrill from the beauty associated with the finished collection, and they also derive joy from the camaraderie that is associated with meeting other collectors. Having said that, it is also important to know that yes, some stamps are valuable.

According to Stamps.org, for example, the 1857 3 skilling stamp from the Banco Yellow of Sweden has a catalog value which is $2,000,000. The United States 1868 1 cent Z Grill stamp is reported to have sold for a value of $935,000 in the year 1988. Assuming that you do not own one of these million dollar stamps, how much is your stamp hobby worth?

Many stamps are only worth equal to their face value or less. Some, however, are worth more. A stamp’s value is going to be based on a number of factors, including the age of the stamp, the rarity of the stamp, whether the stamp is new or used and the condition of the stamp.

  • Older stamps tend to be worth more value than newer stamps. The most valuable stamps are older than 40 years of age.
  • How many of the stamp is currently in circulation? A stamp that is limited edition in nature is going to be worth more than a stamp that was released in mass circulation. If there are ten or less of a stamp, it may be truly valuable.
  • New and unused stamps are worth more than stamps that have already been used on a piece of mail.
  • Stamps that are in excellent condition will be worth more than stamps that are in poor condition. You should be checking for imperfections such as color problems, brightness problems, ink smears and tears in the stamp.

In order to value your stamp hobby, you should buy a book that lists the stamps and their values. Make sure that you are figuring in the condition of your stamp when using these valuation books. You also need to take care to be as objective as you possibly can. Only a professional is going to b able to give you an exact answer on the value of your stamps, but these books are also quite helpful. Check online or in your yellow pages to find a professional stamp appraiser if you want to know what your stamp hobby is really worth.

Photo Credits: karen horton

Originally posted 2009-07-26 05:35:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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