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 stamps that were issued were the penny blacks in Britain in the mid 19th century and featured a portrait of the queen on a black background. A mint example of this stamp would command a huge sum of money if it came up for sale but they are scarce. Many stamps from later periods and from other countries also fetch huge amounts when they are offered for sale.
Some collectors will tend to stick to one specific area of postage stamp. Airmail, commemorative and first day issues are popular with many philatelists. Others will specialize in stamps featuring birds, animals or famous people. Some will collect misprints where the image on the stamp has been printed upside down or maybe in the wrong color than was intended.
A postage stamp when sold on the market will have been given a graded rating by an expert. These grades are recognized worldwide and range from poor for a bad example to extra fine for perfect examples. Many mint condition examples can be found and these are extremely sought after by serious collectors.
When collecting stamps you will need a few items to keep your collection in a presentable condition. An album or stock book can be used to display your collection and this will have clear plastic envelopes or the stamp can be attached to pages using adhesive hinges. A magnifying glass for examination and stamp tongs will be needed to handle them.
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.
Whenever you are buying stamps some care should be exercised to avoid making mistakes. Due to the high value and vast prices they fetch many examples of stamp have been sold that are counterfeit. If you are buying privately it is essential to have the items looked at by an expert to check they are the real thing and not faked.
With any collection of valuable items or antiques, adequate insurance should be in place to cover your items against and loss or damages. Many homes will have contents cover in place but this will probably not be sufficient for a valuable stamp collection. There are insurance firms in business who specialize in providing cover for collectibles and a few quotes should be obtained and prices compared.
The first stamps that were issued were the penny blacks in Britain in the mid 19th century and featured a portrait of the queen on a black background. A mint example of this stamp would command a huge sum of money if it came up for sale but they are scarce. Many stamps from later periods and from other countries also fetch huge amounts when they are offered for sale.
Some collectors will tend to stick to one specific area of postage stamp. Airmail, commemorative and first day issues are popular with many philatelists. Others will specialize in stamps featuring birds, animals or famous people. Some will collect misprints where the image on the stamp has been printed upside down or maybe in the wrong color than was intended.
A postage stamp when sold on the market will have been given a graded rating by an expert. These grades are recognized worldwide and range from poor for a bad example to extra fine for perfect examples. Many mint condition examples can be found and these are extremely sought after by serious collectors.
When collecting stamps you will need a few items to keep your collection in a presentable condition. An album or stock book can be used to display your collection and this will have clear plastic envelopes or the stamp can be attached to pages using adhesive hinges. A magnifying glass for examination and stamp tongs will be needed to handle them.
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.
Whenever you are buying stamps some care should be exercised to avoid making mistakes. Due to the high value and vast prices they fetch many examples of stamp have been sold that are counterfeit. If you are buying privately it is essential to have the items looked at by an expert to check they are the real thing and not faked.
With any collection of valuable items or antiques, adequate insurance should be in place to cover your items against and loss or damages. Many homes will have contents cover in place but this will probably not be sufficient for a valuable stamp collection. There are insurance firms in business who specialize in providing cover for collectibles and a few quotes should be obtained and prices compared.
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