A lot of people decide to take up stamp collecting as a hobby across the world and it continues to be a popular pastime. With many thousands of examples to choose from it can take years to build up an extensive collection. There are a few things that will determine their value and those who collect rare postage stamps will do many hours of research before buying.
The first postage stamp the penny black was issued in Great Britain in 1840 and featured a picture of Queen Victoria. This remains one of the most sought after examples and although unused ones are rare a used one in average condition can be found for around 150 dollars. There are many others which are rarer than this and they will command a much higher figure when sold.
Many collectors will specialize in one particular type of stamp that interests them. Categories that are popular include commemorative issue, airmail and first day covers. Some other philatelists will look for examples featuring animals, insects or influential people. Other rare items such as stamps printed wrongly or prototypes can also be very rare and sought after.
When a postage stamp is offered for sale it will be graded by experts and this can range from a poor example to an extra fine one. Poor means it is in bad condition and will be the least sought after and of little value. An extra fine example will be perfect and these are the ones that most serious buyers and enthusiasts will be looking for.
If you are planning to take up the hobby you will need a few items to manage your collection and keep it in good condition. A book will be needed to display and organize your stamps and you will need a magnifying glass to look at the fine detail on some examples. A pair of tongs or tweezers will also be needed to avoid touching the stamp with your bare hands and damaging it.
There are a few options for you when you are looking for rare and valuable items to add to your collection. Established stamp dealers can be found who will have fine examples in stock and will be happy to help you find what you are looking for. Auction sale rooms and internet retailers are also good places to source examples. Fellow collectors are always useful contacts and many will swap, sell or trade parts of their collection with others.
When you are thinking of starting a stamp collection or buying to improve an existing one there is a little homework to be done to avoid costly errors. Many examples of postage stamp have an extremely high value and so they are often forged and offered for sale as the genuine article. If you choose to buy privately it is advisable to get any potential purchases authenticated by an expert before buying.
As with any collection of rare and valuable items you should always make sure that it is insured against loss, theft or damage. Most homeowners will have some kind of contents insurance to cover their possessions but this will not usually cover valuable collectibles. Specialist insurance companies can be found who specialize in valuables and antiques and these are worth contacting to obtain quotes.
The first postage stamp the penny black was issued in Great Britain in 1840 and featured a picture of Queen Victoria. This remains one of the most sought after examples and although unused ones are rare a used one in average condition can be found for around 150 dollars. There are many others which are rarer than this and they will command a much higher figure when sold.
Many collectors will specialize in one particular type of stamp that interests them. Categories that are popular include commemorative issue, airmail and first day covers. Some other philatelists will look for examples featuring animals, insects or influential people. Other rare items such as stamps printed wrongly or prototypes can also be very rare and sought after.
When a postage stamp is offered for sale it will be graded by experts and this can range from a poor example to an extra fine one. Poor means it is in bad condition and will be the least sought after and of little value. An extra fine example will be perfect and these are the ones that most serious buyers and enthusiasts will be looking for.
If you are planning to take up the hobby you will need a few items to manage your collection and keep it in good condition. A book will be needed to display and organize your stamps and you will need a magnifying glass to look at the fine detail on some examples. A pair of tongs or tweezers will also be needed to avoid touching the stamp with your bare hands and damaging it.
There are a few options for you when you are looking for rare and valuable items to add to your collection. Established stamp dealers can be found who will have fine examples in stock and will be happy to help you find what you are looking for. Auction sale rooms and internet retailers are also good places to source examples. Fellow collectors are always useful contacts and many will swap, sell or trade parts of their collection with others.
When you are thinking of starting a stamp collection or buying to improve an existing one there is a little homework to be done to avoid costly errors. Many examples of postage stamp have an extremely high value and so they are often forged and offered for sale as the genuine article. If you choose to buy privately it is advisable to get any potential purchases authenticated by an expert before buying.
As with any collection of rare and valuable items you should always make sure that it is insured against loss, theft or damage. Most homeowners will have some kind of contents insurance to cover their possessions but this will not usually cover valuable collectibles. Specialist insurance companies can be found who specialize in valuables and antiques and these are worth contacting to obtain quotes.
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