Collecting Precanceled Stamps - Full of Variety and Challenge
Precancels (also spelled pre-cancels) have been around for more than 100 years. There are many thousands of varieties, and collecting precancels can present remarkable challenges yet still be pretty inexpensive. Precancel stamp specialists search for those varieties, along with stamp errors such as town or state mis-spellings.
What is a precanceled stamp? The earlier types of US precancels are overprinted stamps, sometimes locally applied, but more often applied by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. These earlier precancels typically consisted of a definitive, commemorative, parcel post, special delivery or Christmas stamp overprinted with a city or town name between two horizontal bars or lines. That practice ended in the 1970s and 1980s, when the US began to produce service-inscribed stamps such as the Butte Nonprofit coil stamp. This type of precancel features the words "bulk rate," "nonprofit," "presorted" and the like as a part of the stamp design itself rather than having any overprint.
But no matter which type, a precancel is what it sounds like: a stamp that has been canceled before being used to carry the mail. Less processing is required by the postal service when precancels are used, so they can be sold at a lower cost to their users. But mailers must have special permits on file in order to take advantage of their reduced price and use precanceled stamps as postage. Most individuals do not qualify.
Because of the plethora of available types of overprints (many different states and even more different cities and towns) as well as the many different stamps that were overprinted, collecting precancels is challenging yet fascinating. How does one begin?
Perhaps the best way is to sort the stamps by city and state. They can then be organized by set, such as the Presidential issue or the later Liberty series. They can be mounted on album pages created by the collector or placed in stock pages.
Precancels are a hot stamp collecting specialty and precancel study groups exist throughout the United States. The Precancel Stamp Society has even created a reference book to assist collectors in identifying the different types, varieties and errors: the Catalog of United States Bureau Precancels.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Stamp Tongs - An Essential Stamp Collecting Tool
Stamp tongs are probably the most important tool that a stamp collector can own. Beginning collectors can, in fact, get by for some time without any other stamp tools. More tools (such as a watermark kit, for example) will be necessary eventually, but for now let's just talk about tongs.
Stamp tongs are used to handle stamps instead of picking them up with the fingers. Don't ever pick up stamps with your fingers, as you'll be likely to leave oils or fingerprints on the stamps. And its easy to crease an old stamp by picking it up that way. Collectors have been using stamp tongs to avoid these potential damaging problems since the early days of stamp collecting.
Stamp tongs are ordinary in appearance and they closely resemble the tweezers you may keep in your medicine cabinet. But don't ever confuse the two, or you'll be sorry. One way to tell the difference: the insides of the blades of tongs are very smoothly polished, while the insides of the blades of tweezers are ridged or almost corrugated. Stamp tongs also have rounded, polished tips while standard tweezers have pointed edges that can pincture or cut into stamps. Tongs are made the way they are in order to protect stamps - the ridges inside regular tweezers could easily damage stamps by leaving a mark on them, especially if the weather is very hot and humid and the stamps have full gum. The polished, rounded tips of tongs similarly protect stamps from being punctured or scratched.
Tongs are available in a variety of blade shapes: rounded tips, spade tips and pointed tips (sometimes called "lethal tips," presumably because an unsteady hand using this type could be lethal to a stamp). and are also available in a couple of different lengths. Which type of stamp tongs a collector uses is largely a matter of individual preference. The pointed tip type are more maneuverable and slide easily underneath a stamp on a flat surface, such as a tabletop. The spade tips provide a firmer grasp of the stamp and are good for holding larger stamps or stamp multiples such as stamp blocks, strips or pairs.
We highly recommend using storage cases for stamp tongs. The case doesn't need to be elaborate, fancy or expensive - in fact a perfectly functional tong case can be purchased for as little as a dollar or two. Cases help prevent scrapes, scratches and bends in the tips of tongs, and so the case itself also protects your stamps. If your tongs are damaged in any way, no matter how minor, replace them before using them again. Tongs are very inexpensive, usually costing somewhere between $3 - $7, so replacing them is not a hardship.
Stamp tongs are probably the most important tool that a stamp collector can own. Beginning collectors can, in fact, get by for some time without any other stamp tools. More tools (such as a watermark kit, for example) will be necessary eventually, but for now let's just talk about tongs.
Stamp tongs are used to handle stamps instead of picking them up with the fingers. Don't ever pick up stamps with your fingers, as you'll be likely to leave oils or fingerprints on the stamps. And its easy to crease an old stamp by picking it up that way. Collectors have been using stamp tongs to avoid these potential damaging problems since the early days of stamp collecting.
Stamp tongs are ordinary in appearance and they closely resemble the tweezers you may keep in your medicine cabinet. But don't ever confuse the two, or you'll be sorry. One way to tell the difference: the insides of the blades of tongs are very smoothly polished, while the insides of the blades of tweezers are ridged or almost corrugated. Stamp tongs also have rounded, polished tips while standard tweezers have pointed edges that can pincture or cut into stamps. Tongs are made the way they are in order to protect stamps - the ridges inside regular tweezers could easily damage stamps by leaving a mark on them, especially if the weather is very hot and humid and the stamps have full gum. The polished, rounded tips of tongs similarly protect stamps from being punctured or scratched.
Tongs are available in a variety of blade shapes: rounded tips, spade tips and pointed tips (sometimes called "lethal tips," presumably because an unsteady hand using this type could be lethal to a stamp). and are also available in a couple of different lengths. Which type of stamp tongs a collector uses is largely a matter of individual preference. The pointed tip type are more maneuverable and slide easily underneath a stamp on a flat surface, such as a tabletop. The spade tips provide a firmer grasp of the stamp and are good for holding larger stamps or stamp multiples such as stamp blocks, strips or pairs.
We highly recommend using storage cases for stamp tongs. The case doesn't need to be elaborate, fancy or expensive - in fact a perfectly functional tong case can be purchased for as little as a dollar or two. Cases help prevent scrapes, scratches and bends in the tips of tongs, and so the case itself also protects your stamps. If your tongs are damaged in any way, no matter how minor, replace them before using them again. Tongs are very inexpensive, usually costing somewhere between $3 - $7, so replacing them is not a hardship.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
What is Stamp Kiloware?
It´s said that stamp collectors live a longer life. We're not sure about that, but stamp kiloware is definitely a pleasure & can stimulate the brain.
Kiloware consists of used stamps on paper that have been cut intact from envelope corners and parcels. Kiloware is usually sold by weight (ounce, pound, gram or kilogram) and can include mixed stamps of all types, including commemorative stamps, definitive stamps, airmail stamps, special stamps (such as Love Stamps and Christmas Stamps for US kiloware) and sometimes back of the book stamps. Or kiloware can consist of only stamps of a single one of these types. And kiloware can be limited to the stamps of a single country - such as a US kiloware mixture - or it can be a group of countries, such as Europe, Scandinavia or Benelux, for example. And worldwide kiloware is also available. But no matter what type you buy, kiloware mixtures are a joy to sort through, and you never know what you'll find. If you collect used stamps, kiloware can be an inexpensive source of stamps for your collection.
Some related terms are mission mixes, charity mixes, on paper stamp mixtures, stamp bags, stamp grab bags, business mixes and bank mixes.
It´s said that stamp collectors live a longer life. We're not sure about that, but stamp kiloware is definitely a pleasure & can stimulate the brain.
Kiloware consists of used stamps on paper that have been cut intact from envelope corners and parcels. Kiloware is usually sold by weight (ounce, pound, gram or kilogram) and can include mixed stamps of all types, including commemorative stamps, definitive stamps, airmail stamps, special stamps (such as Love Stamps and Christmas Stamps for US kiloware) and sometimes back of the book stamps. Or kiloware can consist of only stamps of a single one of these types. And kiloware can be limited to the stamps of a single country - such as a US kiloware mixture - or it can be a group of countries, such as Europe, Scandinavia or Benelux, for example. And worldwide kiloware is also available. But no matter what type you buy, kiloware mixtures are a joy to sort through, and you never know what you'll find. If you collect used stamps, kiloware can be an inexpensive source of stamps for your collection.
Some related terms are mission mixes, charity mixes, on paper stamp mixtures, stamp bags, stamp grab bags, business mixes and bank mixes.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Commemorative Stamps
The word "commemorate" means to honor or remember an event or person of some historical significance. Originally, commemorative stamps were designed to do exactly that, and often depicted a famous person (sometimes together with the "tools of the trade" or other items somehow connected to him or her) or an historical event. For example, the first commemorative stamps that were issued by the United States honored the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. The Columbian Exposition stamps featured various scenes - his fleet of sailing ships, Columbus landing, Columbus and Queen Isabella of Spain, etc. They were issued in 1893 in connection with the World's Columbian Exposition (hence their name) - a World's Fair held in Chicago, Illinois.
Many commemoratve stamps today are still issued to honor significant events or people, but their purpose has evolved over time. Many commemoratives now feature topics or themes which may or may not be historically important. For example, many countries issue now commemorative stamps that feature birds, insects, dinosaurs, horses, dogs, cats, film actors and a plethora of thousands of other topics.
Unlike definitive stamps, most commemorative stamps are printed in limited numbers, and although there are some exceptions, most are only printed once so the likelihood of finding varieties is severely diminished (although some do exist). While definitive stamps are sometimes somewhat boring to look at they are "where the money is" and are collected at least in part because of the possibility of finding a scarce and expensive variety. But commemorative stamps, with their often striking designs, are usually collected for their visual appeal.
The word "commemorate" means to honor or remember an event or person of some historical significance. Originally, commemorative stamps were designed to do exactly that, and often depicted a famous person (sometimes together with the "tools of the trade" or other items somehow connected to him or her) or an historical event. For example, the first commemorative stamps that were issued by the United States honored the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. The Columbian Exposition stamps featured various scenes - his fleet of sailing ships, Columbus landing, Columbus and Queen Isabella of Spain, etc. They were issued in 1893 in connection with the World's Columbian Exposition (hence their name) - a World's Fair held in Chicago, Illinois.
Many commemoratve stamps today are still issued to honor significant events or people, but their purpose has evolved over time. Many commemoratives now feature topics or themes which may or may not be historically important. For example, many countries issue now commemorative stamps that feature birds, insects, dinosaurs, horses, dogs, cats, film actors and a plethora of thousands of other topics.
Unlike definitive stamps, most commemorative stamps are printed in limited numbers, and although there are some exceptions, most are only printed once so the likelihood of finding varieties is severely diminished (although some do exist). While definitive stamps are sometimes somewhat boring to look at they are "where the money is" and are collected at least in part because of the possibility of finding a scarce and expensive variety. But commemorative stamps, with their often striking designs, are usually collected for their visual appeal.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Collecting Definitive Stamps
Definitive stamps are frequently used to pay everyday postage charges that apply to letters rather than parcels. Often featuring the portrait of an important person in the issuing country's history, they are usually smaller and somewhat less attractive than other types of stamps such as commemorative stamps. And many times the design of a particular definitive stamp is used for many years, with several different printings of the same design being required.
But in spite of this relative lack of creativity in their designs, definitive stamps are usually far more appealing to philatelists than other types of stamps. In fact, a common saying is "definitives are where the money is at." This is because the re-printing of a definitive stamp's design - sometimes by a different printing company -over the years tends to give rise to different collectible varieties of that stamp. Some stamp collectors specialize in these varieties and some varieties are quite rare and expensive.
An easy and inexpensive way to obtain varieties of definitive stamps is through buying stamp mixes. You get a lot of stamps for very little money when you buy stamp assortments, and they will entertain you for a long time if you're looking for varieties. A good source of definitive stamp mixes is The Stamp People. You can buy US definitive stamp mixtures (which include sheet stamps, booklet stamps and coil stamps) and or you can buy US all-coil stamp mixtures (no sheet stamps or booklet stamps) at their website, for a very low cost. They also sell definitive stamp mixtures from selected other countries.
So go where the money is - collect definitive stamps.
Definitive stamps are frequently used to pay everyday postage charges that apply to letters rather than parcels. Often featuring the portrait of an important person in the issuing country's history, they are usually smaller and somewhat less attractive than other types of stamps such as commemorative stamps. And many times the design of a particular definitive stamp is used for many years, with several different printings of the same design being required.
But in spite of this relative lack of creativity in their designs, definitive stamps are usually far more appealing to philatelists than other types of stamps. In fact, a common saying is "definitives are where the money is at." This is because the re-printing of a definitive stamp's design - sometimes by a different printing company -over the years tends to give rise to different collectible varieties of that stamp. Some stamp collectors specialize in these varieties and some varieties are quite rare and expensive.
An easy and inexpensive way to obtain varieties of definitive stamps is through buying stamp mixes. You get a lot of stamps for very little money when you buy stamp assortments, and they will entertain you for a long time if you're looking for varieties. A good source of definitive stamp mixes is The Stamp People. You can buy US definitive stamp mixtures (which include sheet stamps, booklet stamps and coil stamps) and or you can buy US all-coil stamp mixtures (no sheet stamps or booklet stamps) at their website, for a very low cost. They also sell definitive stamp mixtures from selected other countries.
So go where the money is - collect definitive stamps.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Stamps as an Investment
The value of a well-chosen, good quality stamp collection with stamps that were purchased for reasonable prices will appreciate over time. This increase in stamp values has been a steady trend ever since stamp collecting began.
Some people have made a lot of money buying and selling stamps, but if you're serious about stamp collecting for investment purposes, you need to become knowledgable about stamps.
This stamp blog is intended to provide information about a wide array of different philatelic items, sources to buy stamps and about stamp collecting in general. Stay tuned, there is a lot more great information to come!
The value of a well-chosen, good quality stamp collection with stamps that were purchased for reasonable prices will appreciate over time. This increase in stamp values has been a steady trend ever since stamp collecting began.
Some people have made a lot of money buying and selling stamps, but if you're serious about stamp collecting for investment purposes, you need to become knowledgable about stamps.
This stamp blog is intended to provide information about a wide array of different philatelic items, sources to buy stamps and about stamp collecting in general. Stay tuned, there is a lot more great information to come!
Stamp Fakes and Forgeries
Many people believe that stamp forgers will only bother with duplicating rare, classic stamps. After all, that type of stamp is likely to sell for large amounts of money, so shouldn't forgeries of rare stamps potentially do the same?
Well, stamp collectors should be advised that forgeries of modern stamps do exist. Forgeries of modern, fairly common stamps are much easier to sell - buyers won't examine forgeries of cheap stamps anywhere near as closely as they would forgeries of rare expensive stamps. And there's another reason too - stamp collectors who buy modern, relatively common stamps may not be as knowledgable as those whose focus is on the more esoteric and expensive stamps. Forgers can and do capitalize on this lack of knowledge.
Forgeries can be fascinating to collect. But make sure you know what you're buying!
Many people believe that stamp forgers will only bother with duplicating rare, classic stamps. After all, that type of stamp is likely to sell for large amounts of money, so shouldn't forgeries of rare stamps potentially do the same?
Well, stamp collectors should be advised that forgeries of modern stamps do exist. Forgeries of modern, fairly common stamps are much easier to sell - buyers won't examine forgeries of cheap stamps anywhere near as closely as they would forgeries of rare expensive stamps. And there's another reason too - stamp collectors who buy modern, relatively common stamps may not be as knowledgable as those whose focus is on the more esoteric and expensive stamps. Forgers can and do capitalize on this lack of knowledge.
Forgeries can be fascinating to collect. But make sure you know what you're buying!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
How to Sell Stamps
If you have duplicate stamps and you don't want to give them to a child or donate them to a charity, they'll just continue to accumulate. There are two solutions to this stamp collecting "problem:" if you know other stamp collectors you can trade your duplicates for other stamps that you don't already have; or you can sell them.
You can often sell stamps and covers at the same places you bought them, except for stamps that you bought at the post office (they won't buy them back). Sell them back to stamp dealers, advertise them for sale in the philatelic press, offer them for sale on an internet stamp auction, or sell them to fellow stamp collectors at stamp club meetings. You can also consign them to a stamp dealer, who will sell them for you in exchange for a commission. Be aware that most stamp dealers at stamp shows are there to buy as well as to sell stamps. When they're not busy with customers they'll be happy to take a look at what you want to sell. If the first dealer you try isn't interested, move on to the next.
Maximize the money you receive by grouping the material that's for sale and offering those groups of stamps separately rather than as a general worldwide mixture. You can group your stamps by country or by topic.
Keep in mind that the stamp Values listed in catalogs are estimated retail prices and represent what a stamp collector might have to spend to buy specific stamps in very fine condition. A stamp dealer will almost always pay less than catalog value when buying stamps - after all, dealers need to make a profit on resale. You may make more money by selling to other collectors, but it may be easier (and quicker) to sell to a dealer.
Stamp values depend on condition, the number that's available, and market demand. These factors interact with each other, and it's a matter of common sense. Condition will have less influence on the value of rare stamps because everyone wants them, even flawed copies. The high market demand together with low supply counteracts, at least to a certain degree, any faults in those rare stamps. But for stamps in large supply and/or unpopular stamps, value will be low even if they're in perfect condition.
Any questions? Just contact us, we'll be happy to help.
If you have duplicate stamps and you don't want to give them to a child or donate them to a charity, they'll just continue to accumulate. There are two solutions to this stamp collecting "problem:" if you know other stamp collectors you can trade your duplicates for other stamps that you don't already have; or you can sell them.
You can often sell stamps and covers at the same places you bought them, except for stamps that you bought at the post office (they won't buy them back). Sell them back to stamp dealers, advertise them for sale in the philatelic press, offer them for sale on an internet stamp auction, or sell them to fellow stamp collectors at stamp club meetings. You can also consign them to a stamp dealer, who will sell them for you in exchange for a commission. Be aware that most stamp dealers at stamp shows are there to buy as well as to sell stamps. When they're not busy with customers they'll be happy to take a look at what you want to sell. If the first dealer you try isn't interested, move on to the next.
Maximize the money you receive by grouping the material that's for sale and offering those groups of stamps separately rather than as a general worldwide mixture. You can group your stamps by country or by topic.
Keep in mind that the stamp Values listed in catalogs are estimated retail prices and represent what a stamp collector might have to spend to buy specific stamps in very fine condition. A stamp dealer will almost always pay less than catalog value when buying stamps - after all, dealers need to make a profit on resale. You may make more money by selling to other collectors, but it may be easier (and quicker) to sell to a dealer.
Stamp values depend on condition, the number that's available, and market demand. These factors interact with each other, and it's a matter of common sense. Condition will have less influence on the value of rare stamps because everyone wants them, even flawed copies. The high market demand together with low supply counteracts, at least to a certain degree, any faults in those rare stamps. But for stamps in large supply and/or unpopular stamps, value will be low even if they're in perfect condition.
Any questions? Just contact us, we'll be happy to help.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Topical Stamp Collections - The Wave of the Future
In the "good old days," most stamp collectors collected stamps from a wide variety of countries throughout the world. When there began to be "just too many stamps" for that to be practical, some collectors began to focus more on stamps from a single country or a group of related countries, such as the British Empire. But now, topical or thematic stamps are beginning to become extremely popular. Topical stamp collecting is collecting stamps according to their topic or subject (theme) and not which country issued them.
There are some advantages to topical stamp collections. You don't have to collect complete sets of stamps - unless they all relate to your favorite subject - and you can collect only what you want to, instead of trying to collect all the stamps of a particular country whether they appeal to you or not.
Unlike the good old days, now there are millions of different stamps so it's important to narrow down your field(s) of interest. Topical stamps are a great way to do this and they're a natural extension of a subject that you're already interested in.
To get you started thinking this way, here's an alphabetical list of a few general topical stamp subjects. You can collect one or more of these subjects or you can pick something entirely different - I'm just giving you some food for thought here. One of the beauties of topical stamp collecting is that you can pick any topic(s) you want!
Airflight and Space (Airplanes, Hot Air Balloons, Helicopters, Zeppelins, Space Satellites, Rockets, Manned Space Flights, etc.)
Animals (with or without subcategories such as Birds, Dogs, Cats, Horses, Fish, Monkeys, Elephants, Tigers, etc.)
Art (Paintings, Sculptures, Statues, etc.)
Charities (Fight Against Cancer, Anti-Aids, Freedom From Hunger, World Peace, etc.)
Clubs and Fraternal Groups (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Rotary, Masons, World Wildlife Fund, etc.)
Education (Universities, Colleges, Teachers, etc.)
Electronics and Electricity (Light Bulbs, Thomas Edison, Computers, etc.)
Explorers (Christopher Columbus, James Cook, Roald Amundsen, etc.)
Flags (Current Flags of Countries, Flags of Countries That No Longer Exist such as Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, the USSR, etc.)
Flowers and Plants (Flowers, Herbs, Crops, Trees, Cacti, Forestry, etc.)
Health (Anti-Malaria, Doctors, Nurses, Hospitals, Red Cross, etc.)
Insects (Butterflies, Ladybugs, Hummingbirds, Bees, etc.)
Military (Soldiers, Tanks, Fighter Planes, Naval Ships, World War Two, etc.)
Music (Composers, Song Lyrics, Jazz Musicians, Conductors, etc.)
Science and Technology (Astronomy and Astronomers, Chemistry, Medicine, etc.)
Sports (Olympic Games, Football (Soccer), American Football, Cycling, Basketball, Boxing, Ice Hockey, Tennis, etc.)
Transportation (Trains, Ships, Automobiles, Airplanes, etc.)
Purchasing stamp assortments is a great way to begin a new topical stamp collection. You never know what you'll get, but there will certainly be stamps that have a wide variety of subjects and even better, they're very inexpensive. So join the wave of the future, begin a new topical stamp collection!
In the "good old days," most stamp collectors collected stamps from a wide variety of countries throughout the world. When there began to be "just too many stamps" for that to be practical, some collectors began to focus more on stamps from a single country or a group of related countries, such as the British Empire. But now, topical or thematic stamps are beginning to become extremely popular. Topical stamp collecting is collecting stamps according to their topic or subject (theme) and not which country issued them.
There are some advantages to topical stamp collections. You don't have to collect complete sets of stamps - unless they all relate to your favorite subject - and you can collect only what you want to, instead of trying to collect all the stamps of a particular country whether they appeal to you or not.
Unlike the good old days, now there are millions of different stamps so it's important to narrow down your field(s) of interest. Topical stamps are a great way to do this and they're a natural extension of a subject that you're already interested in.
To get you started thinking this way, here's an alphabetical list of a few general topical stamp subjects. You can collect one or more of these subjects or you can pick something entirely different - I'm just giving you some food for thought here. One of the beauties of topical stamp collecting is that you can pick any topic(s) you want!
Airflight and Space (Airplanes, Hot Air Balloons, Helicopters, Zeppelins, Space Satellites, Rockets, Manned Space Flights, etc.)
Animals (with or without subcategories such as Birds, Dogs, Cats, Horses, Fish, Monkeys, Elephants, Tigers, etc.)
Art (Paintings, Sculptures, Statues, etc.)
Charities (Fight Against Cancer, Anti-Aids, Freedom From Hunger, World Peace, etc.)
Clubs and Fraternal Groups (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Rotary, Masons, World Wildlife Fund, etc.)
Education (Universities, Colleges, Teachers, etc.)
Electronics and Electricity (Light Bulbs, Thomas Edison, Computers, etc.)
Explorers (Christopher Columbus, James Cook, Roald Amundsen, etc.)
Flags (Current Flags of Countries, Flags of Countries That No Longer Exist such as Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, the USSR, etc.)
Flowers and Plants (Flowers, Herbs, Crops, Trees, Cacti, Forestry, etc.)
Health (Anti-Malaria, Doctors, Nurses, Hospitals, Red Cross, etc.)
Insects (Butterflies, Ladybugs, Hummingbirds, Bees, etc.)
Military (Soldiers, Tanks, Fighter Planes, Naval Ships, World War Two, etc.)
Music (Composers, Song Lyrics, Jazz Musicians, Conductors, etc.)
Science and Technology (Astronomy and Astronomers, Chemistry, Medicine, etc.)
Sports (Olympic Games, Football (Soccer), American Football, Cycling, Basketball, Boxing, Ice Hockey, Tennis, etc.)
Transportation (Trains, Ships, Automobiles, Airplanes, etc.)
Purchasing stamp assortments is a great way to begin a new topical stamp collection. You never know what you'll get, but there will certainly be stamps that have a wide variety of subjects and even better, they're very inexpensive. So join the wave of the future, begin a new topical stamp collection!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Duplicate Stamps - What To Do With Them?
Some stamp collectors are literally swimming in a sea of duplicates. It's easy to have happen - you buy some stamps, find out that some of them duplicate what you already have, and off go the duplicates into a box where they accumulate. It can get quite overwhelming after a while, especially if you buy large quantities of stamps (and hence have large quantities of duplicates).
What to do with all these duplicates?
There's nothing wrong with them, so they're too good to just throw away. After all, they'd be in your stamp collection but for the fact that you already own them (that's why they're duplicates). But if you don't find something to do with them they'll take over your stamp room - or even your house! A couple of ideas pop into mind:
1. give them to a child or a veteran to help them get started in this great hobby.
2. donate them to a non-profit charity. Many charities raise money for their good works by selling donated stamps - as well as stamps gathered by their volunteers from incoming mail - to stamp dealers, who then sell them to stamp collectors. For example, the folks at The Stamp People buy stamps from an assortment of different charities all the time.
It's a win-win situation - the charities raise money, and the stamp dealer gets stock.
A variation on this theme is sell the stamps directly to the stamp dealer. You can then take the money you receive from the sale and donate the cash (instead of the stamps) to the charity of your choice.
Above all, don't just throw your duplicates away - they can be put to a very good use!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Barack Obama Election and Inauguration Day Covers
Barrack Obama envelopes and stamps with the date of his inauguration as US President, along with other envelopes and stamps that mark the historic occasion, are beginning to surface.
Shown above is a "Barack Obama Life in Stamps" cover.
The six American stamps on the cover reflect the story of President Barack Obama's Life. Born in Honolulu Hawaii, graduate of Columbia University, practicing attorney and professor of law, elected to represent Illinois in the U.S. Senate, and elected President of the United States. All six stamps are canceled with the January 20, 2009 Inauguration Day postmark.
We've also seen the following Obama philatelic items on offer:
a Barack Obama cachet with a 42c Flag stamp affixed and canceled with a special Washington, DC Inauguration Day pictorial postmark.
a Barack Obama & Joe Biden cachet with a 42c Flag stamp canceled with a 1/20/09 Inauguration Day Washington, DC pictorial postmark.
a President Obama & First Lady Michelle Obama cachet with a 42c Flag stamp canceled 1/20/09 with Inauguration Day Washington, DC pictorial postmark.
a Barack Obama Election Day Cover canceled on November 4, 2008 in Washington, DC, the day Barack Obama was elected 44th President of the United States.
a Barack Obama Victory Speech Cover canceled on November 4, 2008, in Chicago, IL where Barack Obama gave his famous victory speech in Grant Park after being elected President of the United States.
These items may become very popular with Obama fans as well as stamp collectors.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Collecting No. 1 Stamps - A Different Type of Topical or Thematic Stamp Collection
There are specialized collectors who try to collect all of the first stamps that were issued by every country in the world. These stamp collectors are sometimes called "No. 1 Collectors" because most stamp catalogs number the first stamp issued by any given country as that country's number 1.
Many No. 1 stamps are inexpensive, making it possible for the average stamp collector to specialize and collect many number 1 stamps of the world on a modest budget. The number 1 stamps of some countries are definitely very expensive, but a surprising number are within reach. And some no. 1 stamps are so common that they are priced at the minimum catalog value.
Why would the first stamps issued by many countries be so inexpensive? We don't know, but maybe it's because the postal authorities of those countries printed their first stamps in high numbers and many still survive today. Many countries - especially those in Africa and the Caribbean - issued their first stamps upon achieving independence from their European colonial overlords. Those countries may have flooded the market with stamps in their over-exuberance. What is clear, however, is that it is possible for a collector to start a collection of no. 1 stamps of the world and achieve a fairly high degree of completion.
There are specialized collectors who try to collect all of the first stamps that were issued by every country in the world. These stamp collectors are sometimes called "No. 1 Collectors" because most stamp catalogs number the first stamp issued by any given country as that country's number 1.
Many No. 1 stamps are inexpensive, making it possible for the average stamp collector to specialize and collect many number 1 stamps of the world on a modest budget. The number 1 stamps of some countries are definitely very expensive, but a surprising number are within reach. And some no. 1 stamps are so common that they are priced at the minimum catalog value.
Why would the first stamps issued by many countries be so inexpensive? We don't know, but maybe it's because the postal authorities of those countries printed their first stamps in high numbers and many still survive today. Many countries - especially those in Africa and the Caribbean - issued their first stamps upon achieving independence from their European colonial overlords. Those countries may have flooded the market with stamps in their over-exuberance. What is clear, however, is that it is possible for a collector to start a collection of no. 1 stamps of the world and achieve a fairly high degree of completion.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Selling an Inherited Stamp Collection
As stamp dealers we often get emails that ask about that very question. The emails are often like the one below:
"About a year ago I inherited an old stamp collection from my father. We spent a long time trying to figure out what the stamps were and what they're worth, but we've given up because there are just too many stamps. After looking at your website I decided to contact you. We'd like to sell this old stamp collection, get some money for ourselves and at the same time find a home for the stamps with someone who will enjoy them."
Here are some of our thoughts on this situation:
Trying to value your stamps by using a stamp catalog is a logical first step in selling an inherited stamp collection, but it can often be very time-consuming and frustrating. It can also lead to disappointment - you need to be aware that peopple selling a stamp collection almost never get anywhere near the catalog value of their stamps. Here's why:
The value listed for a specific stamp in a stamp catalog represents what a dealer would charge you if you went to them to purchase that stamp. It is their selling price, not the price they pay when buying. And their selling price doesn't take into account any volume discounts, discounts because of past business dealings, or any other factor that might cause a stamp dealer to sell their stamps for less. For example, most of the 20 cent catalog values that you see in Scott's Standard Postage Stamp Catalog, for example, exist to compensate the dealer for his or her time and effort to secure that one stamp. In reality, many of these minimum value stamps are worth much less. But a dealer has to find them, identify them and stock them, even though they're not worth much. For stamps that have a higher catalog value, a dealer's selling price will be closer to the catalog value, simply because their catalog value is due more to their rarity than for recouping the dealer's time and overhead.
Extremely rare stamps that are in great condition can and do yield a premium value over the catalog value: they sell for more than the value listed in the catalog. But these types of stamps are very rare, and although it's possible, they aren't likely to be in Aunt Fannie's old stamp collection.
A reputable stamp dealer won't take advantage of your lack of knowledge of stamps and offer a ridiculously low price for your stamp collection. Most stamp dealers, especially those that have been in business for a long time, will offer you a fair price. But remember, the name of the game when you're a stamp dealer is to buy low and sell high when you can.
Another factor that works against a non-collector who tries to sell a stamp collection is that they tend to over-estimate the age and condition of the stamps they are trying to sell. Many stamps have to be in absolutely perfect condition to be anywhere close to their catalog value. That would include things like how well-centered the stamp is, if there are any damaged perforations, if the cancellation mark on a used stamp is light, etc. A stamp can quickly lose half of its value, if there is the slightest disturbance of the gum on the back of the stamp. Condition, condition, condition: it's everything in stamp collecting. We can't tell you how many times we've seen stamps where the person selling them has said they're in "good condition," but when we actually see them, they have tears, missing corners, holes, missing perforations, etc.
There are, however, a few thngs you can do to maximize the value of your inherited stamp collection.
1. Consider using the collection as a starting point for your own stamp collection. Stamp collecting is a hobby that can fit just about anyone's budget, and you can usually collect stamps well into your senior years because it is not physically demanding.
2. If you are determined to sell the collection you inherited, you can accept the price that was offered by a dealer. If the collection was inherited, you don't have anything invested in it, so any amount you get will be better than nothing. But try to get quotes from at least two stamp dealers before you sell.
3. If you think the collection has one or more rare stamps, meaning a stamp with a catalog value of more than $250 or so, you could send them off to be expertized. Expertizing is the process by which a philatelic expert will evaluate the stamp by determining if it is genuine and give a definitive opinion on exactly which stamp it is (some stamps have many, many different varieties, in which case it can be very difficult to determine which variety a particular stamp is. Some of those varieties may be valuable, but others may be very inexpensive, even though the stamps may look the same to a non-expert.) Some services will also grade the stamp by evaluating key aspects of the stamp: is it centered on the paper, is the paper in good condition, are the colors bold, etc. But most expertizers will not give an estimate of the stamp's value, they just look at its condition and whether it's a forgery or not. Expertizing services are not free, so you don't want to have it done for every stamp you own. Typically you'd want to expertize only those stamps that may be of significant value.
4. Sell the collection on a stamp auction site. You can sell the collection yourself or you can consign it to someone to sell it for you. If you sell it yourself, you'll make more money because you won't pay a consignment fee, but you'll have to spend some significant amount of time taking pictures of the collection and writing a careful, thorough and accurate description.
5. Consider donating the stamp collection to a charity. Many stamp magazines include ads from recognized charities that request donations of stamps. And local charities such as veterans' hospitals, schools and senior citizen centers might be interested. Be sure to check with a tax consultant regarding the tax implications of donating a stamp collection. Some donations are tax deductible, some are not, and some may trigger additional taxes; it all depends on your individual tax situation.
Oh, and one last thing. We get emails all the time from people who want to sell a "huge" or "very large" stamp collection they just inherited. When we ask how large it is, the person says "there must be at least a couple of hundred stamps in there, but they're too many to count." Well, no offense intended, but that number isn't "huge" or "very large" - in fact it's a very tiny stamp collection and most stamp dealers wouldn't even bother to look at it unless they knew that it contained rare stamps.
As stamp dealers we often get emails that ask about that very question. The emails are often like the one below:
"About a year ago I inherited an old stamp collection from my father. We spent a long time trying to figure out what the stamps were and what they're worth, but we've given up because there are just too many stamps. After looking at your website I decided to contact you. We'd like to sell this old stamp collection, get some money for ourselves and at the same time find a home for the stamps with someone who will enjoy them."
Here are some of our thoughts on this situation:
Trying to value your stamps by using a stamp catalog is a logical first step in selling an inherited stamp collection, but it can often be very time-consuming and frustrating. It can also lead to disappointment - you need to be aware that peopple selling a stamp collection almost never get anywhere near the catalog value of their stamps. Here's why:
The value listed for a specific stamp in a stamp catalog represents what a dealer would charge you if you went to them to purchase that stamp. It is their selling price, not the price they pay when buying. And their selling price doesn't take into account any volume discounts, discounts because of past business dealings, or any other factor that might cause a stamp dealer to sell their stamps for less. For example, most of the 20 cent catalog values that you see in Scott's Standard Postage Stamp Catalog, for example, exist to compensate the dealer for his or her time and effort to secure that one stamp. In reality, many of these minimum value stamps are worth much less. But a dealer has to find them, identify them and stock them, even though they're not worth much. For stamps that have a higher catalog value, a dealer's selling price will be closer to the catalog value, simply because their catalog value is due more to their rarity than for recouping the dealer's time and overhead.
Extremely rare stamps that are in great condition can and do yield a premium value over the catalog value: they sell for more than the value listed in the catalog. But these types of stamps are very rare, and although it's possible, they aren't likely to be in Aunt Fannie's old stamp collection.
A reputable stamp dealer won't take advantage of your lack of knowledge of stamps and offer a ridiculously low price for your stamp collection. Most stamp dealers, especially those that have been in business for a long time, will offer you a fair price. But remember, the name of the game when you're a stamp dealer is to buy low and sell high when you can.
Another factor that works against a non-collector who tries to sell a stamp collection is that they tend to over-estimate the age and condition of the stamps they are trying to sell. Many stamps have to be in absolutely perfect condition to be anywhere close to their catalog value. That would include things like how well-centered the stamp is, if there are any damaged perforations, if the cancellation mark on a used stamp is light, etc. A stamp can quickly lose half of its value, if there is the slightest disturbance of the gum on the back of the stamp. Condition, condition, condition: it's everything in stamp collecting. We can't tell you how many times we've seen stamps where the person selling them has said they're in "good condition," but when we actually see them, they have tears, missing corners, holes, missing perforations, etc.
There are, however, a few thngs you can do to maximize the value of your inherited stamp collection.
1. Consider using the collection as a starting point for your own stamp collection. Stamp collecting is a hobby that can fit just about anyone's budget, and you can usually collect stamps well into your senior years because it is not physically demanding.
2. If you are determined to sell the collection you inherited, you can accept the price that was offered by a dealer. If the collection was inherited, you don't have anything invested in it, so any amount you get will be better than nothing. But try to get quotes from at least two stamp dealers before you sell.
3. If you think the collection has one or more rare stamps, meaning a stamp with a catalog value of more than $250 or so, you could send them off to be expertized. Expertizing is the process by which a philatelic expert will evaluate the stamp by determining if it is genuine and give a definitive opinion on exactly which stamp it is (some stamps have many, many different varieties, in which case it can be very difficult to determine which variety a particular stamp is. Some of those varieties may be valuable, but others may be very inexpensive, even though the stamps may look the same to a non-expert.) Some services will also grade the stamp by evaluating key aspects of the stamp: is it centered on the paper, is the paper in good condition, are the colors bold, etc. But most expertizers will not give an estimate of the stamp's value, they just look at its condition and whether it's a forgery or not. Expertizing services are not free, so you don't want to have it done for every stamp you own. Typically you'd want to expertize only those stamps that may be of significant value.
4. Sell the collection on a stamp auction site. You can sell the collection yourself or you can consign it to someone to sell it for you. If you sell it yourself, you'll make more money because you won't pay a consignment fee, but you'll have to spend some significant amount of time taking pictures of the collection and writing a careful, thorough and accurate description.
5. Consider donating the stamp collection to a charity. Many stamp magazines include ads from recognized charities that request donations of stamps. And local charities such as veterans' hospitals, schools and senior citizen centers might be interested. Be sure to check with a tax consultant regarding the tax implications of donating a stamp collection. Some donations are tax deductible, some are not, and some may trigger additional taxes; it all depends on your individual tax situation.
Oh, and one last thing. We get emails all the time from people who want to sell a "huge" or "very large" stamp collection they just inherited. When we ask how large it is, the person says "there must be at least a couple of hundred stamps in there, but they're too many to count." Well, no offense intended, but that number isn't "huge" or "very large" - in fact it's a very tiny stamp collection and most stamp dealers wouldn't even bother to look at it unless they knew that it contained rare stamps.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Stamp Collecting is Booming
UK's Oxford Times reports, "...in these gloomy economic times, experts are suggesting stamps could be the answer and the stamps business is booming."
According to reporter Andrew Smith, some stamp dealers have never been busier. Andrew McGavin of UPA is quoted as saying “I have never seen the [stamp] market this firm. While I would not say stay it is recession-proof, there are some good returns.”
He believes there are three things that are keeping stamps popular as the economy suffers.
“Firstly, many stamp collectors tend to be aged over 60, meaning they are less likely to have a mortgage and be affected by day-to-day rises in the cost of living.
“Secondly, stamps tend to hold their value over the long-term. At the moment they are seen by collectors as an enjoyable hobby with profit potential.
“Finally, the Internet has been kind to stamp collecting. Demand is truly international and valuable stamps can be easily shipped worldwide.”
UK's Oxford Times reports, "...in these gloomy economic times, experts are suggesting stamps could be the answer and the stamps business is booming."
According to reporter Andrew Smith, some stamp dealers have never been busier. Andrew McGavin of UPA is quoted as saying “I have never seen the [stamp] market this firm. While I would not say stay it is recession-proof, there are some good returns.”
He believes there are three things that are keeping stamps popular as the economy suffers.
“Firstly, many stamp collectors tend to be aged over 60, meaning they are less likely to have a mortgage and be affected by day-to-day rises in the cost of living.
“Secondly, stamps tend to hold their value over the long-term. At the moment they are seen by collectors as an enjoyable hobby with profit potential.
“Finally, the Internet has been kind to stamp collecting. Demand is truly international and valuable stamps can be easily shipped worldwide.”
New U.S. Stamp Issue Honoring Edgar Allen Poe
What do Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Meriwether Lewis, Tennessee Williams, Audrey Hepburn and Edgar Allen Poe have in common?
The answer: their portraits have all been displayed on postage stamps designed and painted by artist Michael Deas.
Edgar Allan Poe is the latest in the series. The stamp was released Jan. 16th 2009.
What do Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Meriwether Lewis, Tennessee Williams, Audrey Hepburn and Edgar Allen Poe have in common?
The answer: their portraits have all been displayed on postage stamps designed and painted by artist Michael Deas.
Edgar Allan Poe is the latest in the series. The stamp was released Jan. 16th 2009.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The UPU - What IS It?
The Universal Postal Union (the UPU) is the "governing" body for international postal services, and all legitimate postal authorities are members. Founded in 1874, it's basic purpose is (and was) to set standard rates for international postage. For many years it even specified colors for domestic and international postage, which is why so many early monocolor stamps from different countries are red for basic postal rate stamps.
As of the year 2000, over 10,000 different commemorative stamps, mini-sheets and stamp-related items had been issued by postal authorities around the world in honor of the UPU. Collecting stamps with a UPU topic or theme is a popular and generally inexpensive stamp collecting specialty.
The Universal Postal Union (the UPU) is the "governing" body for international postal services, and all legitimate postal authorities are members. Founded in 1874, it's basic purpose is (and was) to set standard rates for international postage. For many years it even specified colors for domestic and international postage, which is why so many early monocolor stamps from different countries are red for basic postal rate stamps.
As of the year 2000, over 10,000 different commemorative stamps, mini-sheets and stamp-related items had been issued by postal authorities around the world in honor of the UPU. Collecting stamps with a UPU topic or theme is a popular and generally inexpensive stamp collecting specialty.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Here's a question that we get emails about all the time.
It's a very common question so we thought you might be interested.
It's a very common question so we thought you might be interested.
Q: "What is my collection of gold replica stamps worth?"
Gold foil covers and related "gold" replica stamps exist in many different forms from first day covers with gold replicas of the stamps used as the cachets and covers simply commemorating an event, to fancy boxed or neatly packaged ingot-like items. The covers can be either addressed and unaddressed.
The current buying price from most dealers is .25¢ each to $1.00 each for the FDC-type items, depending on the topical value of the item, and dealers sell them to collectors for just a little bit more than what they pay - often $1.00 to $2.50 or so. Most dealers prefer unaddressed covers, but many dealers would rather not deal with them at all - they're just not worth the bother.
Unfortunately, stamp dealers have the sometimes unpleasant task of telling the owners that they overpaid for these items (they typically sell for $5.95 to $9.95 each).
Friday, January 16, 2009
Flag Over Porch Stamps
"Many collectors love to hate the Flag Over Porch stamps because they can be so overwhelming. There are many befuddling varieties and any collector with a regular life probably can't spend the time to bother with the Porches"
(Michael Schreiber in Linn's Stamp News, Febr. 16, 1998)
The United States Flag Over Porch stamps were the most frequently used stamps in the US between 1995 and 1998. Although they're pretty recent stamps they're a stamp collector's dream, featuring a dizzying number of different varieties and types: there are more than 250 different collectible varieties. They were issued in several formats and by several different printers: water-activated "lick & stick" sheet stamps, lick & stick booklet stamps, lick & stick coil stamps, self-adhesive coil stamps, etc. Booklets came as either convertible booklets and makeshift booklets.
The water-activated versions were issued with shiny gum, dull gum and a combination of dull and shiny gum (called "dull-shiny gum" - shiny at the top and dull at the bottom) and the coils bear a large number of different plate numbers (which themselves have varieties). There are die cut varieties, perforation varieties, shade varieties, large and small year date varieties, different back numbers and more. Coil stamps were issued both with liners and also as experimental linerless coil stamps.
Flag Over Porch stamps are developing into a hot collecting specialty for diligent US stamp collectors. Many of the varieties are readily available and they can still easily be found in inexpensive kiloware, mission mixes and off paper stamp mixtures, even scarce varieties.
Happy Hunting!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
What stamp materials can I collect in addition to single stamps?
Many philatelists collect postal stationery—paper envelopes (covers) or cards with a pre-paid, printed or embossed stamp design — Stamped Envelopes, Stamped Cards (or postal cards), and Aerogrammes.
Another type of philatelic collectible are plate numbers (including plate blocks). Found most often on sheet stamps, plate number blocks are the stamps — usually a block of 4 but sometimes more — that have the printing plate numbers in the adjoining selvage, or margin.
Booklet panes are panes of stamps affixed in, or as part of, a thin folder to form a booklet. Collectors of booklet panes usually save the entire pane or booklet. If entire booklets are collected completely intact, meaning the panes of stamps inside are all still attached to the booklet cover, they are called unexploded booklets or full booklets.
Marginal blocks (including copyright blocks) feature marginal inscriptions other than plate numbers. The most common is the copyright block, which in the case of United States stamps features the copyright symbol ©, copyright date, and U.S. Postal Service. All U.S. stamp designs since 1978 are copyrighted.
First Day Covers (FDCs) are envelopes bearing newly-issued stamps postmarked on the first day of sale. For each new issuance, the U.S. Postal Service (or the postal authority of some other country that issued the stamps) generally selects one location, usually related to the stamp subject, as the place for the first day dedication ceremony and the first day postmark.
First Day Ceremony Programs are passed out to those who attend first day ceremonies. They contain a list of participants and information on the stamp subject, with the actual stamp attached and postmarked.
Many philatelists collect postal stationery—paper envelopes (covers) or cards with a pre-paid, printed or embossed stamp design — Stamped Envelopes, Stamped Cards (or postal cards), and Aerogrammes.
Another type of philatelic collectible are plate numbers (including plate blocks). Found most often on sheet stamps, plate number blocks are the stamps — usually a block of 4 but sometimes more — that have the printing plate numbers in the adjoining selvage, or margin.
Booklet panes are panes of stamps affixed in, or as part of, a thin folder to form a booklet. Collectors of booklet panes usually save the entire pane or booklet. If entire booklets are collected completely intact, meaning the panes of stamps inside are all still attached to the booklet cover, they are called unexploded booklets or full booklets.
Marginal blocks (including copyright blocks) feature marginal inscriptions other than plate numbers. The most common is the copyright block, which in the case of United States stamps features the copyright symbol ©, copyright date, and U.S. Postal Service. All U.S. stamp designs since 1978 are copyrighted.
First Day Covers (FDCs) are envelopes bearing newly-issued stamps postmarked on the first day of sale. For each new issuance, the U.S. Postal Service (or the postal authority of some other country that issued the stamps) generally selects one location, usually related to the stamp subject, as the place for the first day dedication ceremony and the first day postmark.
First Day Ceremony Programs are passed out to those who attend first day ceremonies. They contain a list of participants and information on the stamp subject, with the actual stamp attached and postmarked.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
We all know about mold and dampness causing damage to stamps, but what about dryness? Is using air conditioning in the home bad for stamps?
The cleanest collections we've ever seen had been stored where the humidity is low. Low humidity is why the nearly perfectly preserved human mummies from the Valley of The Kings in Egypt, and the northern Atacama Desert in Chile, exist. Very low humidity kept them nearly perfectly preserved. And it works on stamps as well as mummies. But if the humidity is too low, gummed stamps will tend to curl and eventually the gum will crack. The ideal humidty is definitely not zero, it's probably something closer to around 30%.
The cleanest collections we've ever seen had been stored where the humidity is low. Low humidity is why the nearly perfectly preserved human mummies from the Valley of The Kings in Egypt, and the northern Atacama Desert in Chile, exist. Very low humidity kept them nearly perfectly preserved. And it works on stamps as well as mummies. But if the humidity is too low, gummed stamps will tend to curl and eventually the gum will crack. The ideal humidty is definitely not zero, it's probably something closer to around 30%.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Sale on Off-Paper US Stamp Mixtures!
The Stamp People just made an exciting purchase of a large accumulation of off-paper United States stamps. They want to pass their savings on to their customers, so they're having a special sale on all their great off-paper US stamp mixtures.
The Stamp People is holding a two-week only sale on all United States off-paper stamp assortments and mixtures. All US off-paper stamp mixtures will be marked down by 10% starting tomorrow (January 10th). The sale will end two weeks later (January 24th), so be sure to visit before then if you want to take advantage of this special offer. Don't delay, because they expect this to be a very popular sale and some of these great mixtures will sell out early: more and more people are turning to building their stamp collections as a hedge against stock market losses.
The quality of the mixtures will be the same as before, the only difference is that prices will be reduced while the sale is on.
They continue to add more stamps and other philatelic material to www.thestamppeople.com every day. And they also plan on future sales that will be similar to this one.
Stamp Trivia Question:
What is a stamp vignette? It just sounds like some fancy French word to me ......
It is a French word, but it definitely means something to stamp collectors from all countries. A vignette is the center design of a stamp that is surrounded by a frame that's usually printed a different color. The vignette often is a portrait or an image of an important event or place. Stamps with vignettes sometimes produce stamp errors known as "Inverts," which is a stamp that has the vignette upside down. Inverts can be true rarities and extremely valuable - such as the Inverted Jenny - US Scott No. 3a - worth well over $100,000.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
United States Fourth Bureau Definitives (the "1922s")
Beautifully designed, beautifully engraved, a wealth of varieties, and inexpensive - what more could a US stamp collector ask?
A newcomer to US philately might be overwhelmed by the number of stamps, their topics and the available specialties, but if a stamp collector wants to dive into the heart of the American stamp scene, one particular set of regular definitive postage stamps, all printed by the BEP, stands out for its significance, classic designs, collecting possibilities and inexpensive cost. The USA's Fourth Bureau Series of definitives, issued from 1922 through 1938 (and sometimes called the "1922 series") presents many rich opportunities for stamp collectors.
The Fourth Bureau runs from the flat plate, from 1/2-cent face value to five dollar face value stamps, and the rotary press ranges from 1/2-cent to ten cent issues. There are a host of overprints, some of which are the "poor man's commemoratives" (the Hawaii overprints and the Molly Pitcher overprint), and some security overprints: the "Kans." and "Nebr." overprints. These were designed to help stop post office thefts in the States of Kansas and Nebraska. Some 1922s were overprinted Canal Zone for use in that US territory. A number of forged and faked Kansas and Nebraska overprints exist, along with varieties of the legitimate overprints. There are also errors and specialties, such as the US-administered Canal Zone with its own series of Fourth Bureau overprints, die varieties and a wide range of different town precancels.
Throughout the Fourth Bureau issues there are perforation and color varieties, double transfers and plate errors, and coil stamps with government as well as private perforations. Star Plates, experiments in cliche spacing, and various gum breakers also add variety to the series. A few of the stamps are quite expensive, such as the two-cent rotary President Harding issue, perf 11, but most issues are very affordable yet challenging.
With all these varieties, errors, overprints and other peculiarities, it's easy to picture a specialty stamp collection that would be challenging but easy on the wallet.
Beautifully designed, beautifully engraved, a wealth of varieties, and inexpensive - what more could a US stamp collector ask?
A newcomer to US philately might be overwhelmed by the number of stamps, their topics and the available specialties, but if a stamp collector wants to dive into the heart of the American stamp scene, one particular set of regular definitive postage stamps, all printed by the BEP, stands out for its significance, classic designs, collecting possibilities and inexpensive cost. The USA's Fourth Bureau Series of definitives, issued from 1922 through 1938 (and sometimes called the "1922 series") presents many rich opportunities for stamp collectors.
The Fourth Bureau runs from the flat plate, from 1/2-cent face value to five dollar face value stamps, and the rotary press ranges from 1/2-cent to ten cent issues. There are a host of overprints, some of which are the "poor man's commemoratives" (the Hawaii overprints and the Molly Pitcher overprint), and some security overprints: the "Kans." and "Nebr." overprints. These were designed to help stop post office thefts in the States of Kansas and Nebraska. Some 1922s were overprinted Canal Zone for use in that US territory. A number of forged and faked Kansas and Nebraska overprints exist, along with varieties of the legitimate overprints. There are also errors and specialties, such as the US-administered Canal Zone with its own series of Fourth Bureau overprints, die varieties and a wide range of different town precancels.
Throughout the Fourth Bureau issues there are perforation and color varieties, double transfers and plate errors, and coil stamps with government as well as private perforations. Star Plates, experiments in cliche spacing, and various gum breakers also add variety to the series. A few of the stamps are quite expensive, such as the two-cent rotary President Harding issue, perf 11, but most issues are very affordable yet challenging.
With all these varieties, errors, overprints and other peculiarities, it's easy to picture a specialty stamp collection that would be challenging but easy on the wallet.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Adopt a Young Stamp Collector - Sponsor Their Hobby
Wouldn't it benefit stamp collecting as a hobby if we all sponsored a child and helped that young person build a new stamp collection? Wouldn't this practice help to ensure the future of stamp collecting? And what a great way to spend quality time with the child!
It would be easy to do, and very inexpensive. And it would help you, the child and stamp collecting itself.
Steps:
1. Pick a child, everyone knows at least a few!
2. Give stamps to your child. You can give single country stamps, worldwide stamps or topical / thematic stamps, whatever seems most interesting to the child.
Stamp assortments are generally very inexpensive and are perfect for a beginner.
3 Teach the child how to identify the stamps, how to care for the stamps and how to mount them for display. Mounting can be done very inexpensively with hinges and blank notebook paper, or you can go a bit further and use stamp mounts and a beginner's stamp album.
4. Additional stamps can be given to the child on special days such as birthdays or Christmas.
As the child's stamp collection progresses you can give him or her an older stamp catalog (used older catalogs are very inexpensive).
Wouldn't it benefit stamp collecting as a hobby if we all sponsored a child and helped that young person build a new stamp collection? Wouldn't this practice help to ensure the future of stamp collecting? And what a great way to spend quality time with the child!
It would be easy to do, and very inexpensive. And it would help you, the child and stamp collecting itself.
Steps:
1. Pick a child, everyone knows at least a few!
2. Give stamps to your child. You can give single country stamps, worldwide stamps or topical / thematic stamps, whatever seems most interesting to the child.
Stamp assortments are generally very inexpensive and are perfect for a beginner.
3 Teach the child how to identify the stamps, how to care for the stamps and how to mount them for display. Mounting can be done very inexpensively with hinges and blank notebook paper, or you can go a bit further and use stamp mounts and a beginner's stamp album.
4. Additional stamps can be given to the child on special days such as birthdays or Christmas.
As the child's stamp collection progresses you can give him or her an older stamp catalog (used older catalogs are very inexpensive).
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Why People Become Collectors
The joys of collecting ultimately are based on two factors: the “thrill of the hunt,” meaning that the challenges of searching for new items are a large part of a collector's enjoyment; and the collector's appreciation for the items that are already in his or her collection. If you're the type of person that gets a kick out of finally locating an elusive item, and enjoys looking at (and displaying for others) the items you've found, you're a prime candidate to collect antiques and other collectibles such as postage stamps, vintage postcards or even old costume jewelry.
How to Display Your Antiques and Collectibles
A few collectors simply pack their collectibles into boxes and then put them away, but they're missing out on much of the joy of collecting. Other, more involved collectors actively look for ways to incorporate their collections into their everyday life. Some collectors – depending on what they collect - discover that finding a way to display their collections can be challenging. This is especially true for people who collect large pieces, like antique furniture. But most collectors of smaller items eventually realize that their collectibles are most effectively displayed together, in one place, rather than scattered throughout the house.
Keep in mind, though, that if you place a large number of small collectibles on a single flat surface, the result will probably be a very cluttered look. If you want to display small collectibles on a dresser, table, bookshelf, desk or other flat surface, keep it to just a few. The smaller number will emphasize the pieces that are displayed this way – they won't get “lost” among a jumble of many pieces. Small collectibles are very effectively displayed inside a glass case like a curio cabinet, which also protects collectibles from dirt, dust, and damage. Some collectibles are best displayed in a specialized display case, made for that type of item. Examples of this type of item include golf balls, golf tees, thimbles and spoons. Other items, such as stamps and postcards, should be displayed in albums or books.
If your collection is too extensive (or many of the pieces are too large) to be able to display all your items at the same time, consider rotating your items – that way each one can be enjoyed, even though it's at different times. Every so often, switch one for another.
Things To Avoid When Collecting
Always be financially responsible when buying new items for your collection. By that we mean, no matter how much you want a new piece, never put it before paying your mortgage and other bills.
Don't get obsessive about it. Being unable to stop buying items for your collection, buying them when you really can't afford them, or letting your collection interfere with daily life or your relationships are all signs of obsession. Your family comes first, and your collection should never take priority.
Things to Keep in Mind When Collecting
Some collectors seek to collect every item in a set, or every item of a specific type that's been produced, but this is often not very realistic. Common obstacles to this accomplishment include expense and rarity, which are often tied together. A good way to get around these obstacles is to narrow your collection down to one subset of the type of items that interest you.
Don't start a collection for someone else. Just because you're interested in a particular type of collectible doesn't mean someone else will be. Let them start up their own collection – they'll be much more likely to keep it up.
Don't buy antiques or collectibles simply as investments. Your collection, whatever it is, should fascinate and intrigue you, not just be a way to possibly make some money (although that would be nice too). If a particular item doesn't appeal to you, don't collect it for its investment value – although it could become more valuable, it also might lose value in the future. If you only collect items that you like, and for some reason their value diminishes over time, you'll still have a collection that you enjoy.
Antiques and collectibles can be an engrossing hobby, full of challenge and reward. They can be decorative, functional, and sometimes financially rewarding too.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Blocks of Stamps - Do They Carry a Premium?
We love to see a nice block of stamps, especially when they've been postally used. But what is the value of a block compared to the single stamps that make it up? In other words, are blocks of stamps worth more by their very nature - being still attached to other stamps - or not? Is a block of 4 stamps worth more than 4 times what the singles of the same stamps are worth?
Usually, like everything else, it depends on the stamps. Although there are exceptions, modern blocks are generally not worth much, if any, premium. But many earlier multiples can be worth huge premiums over singles, and in a number of cases, the premium remains unknown until the block actually comes onto the market.
The lovely block of 4 "Baby Zeppelin" stamps that's pictured (US Scott #C18) commands a nice premium over the single stamps. But even single C18's are highly desired by many collectors and fetch a very nice price when sold.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Identifying Stamps - Which Country?
Examine your stamp for an inscription. All stamps -except for those issued by one specific country - are required to include their country's name. The country name may be in English or in the country's native language, but it will be there. The trick is in knowing how non-English speaking countries identify themselves; i.e., what are those countries' names in their native language, using their native alphabet. Some may look quite strange to a native English speaker.
For example, the stamps of Albania:
| Shqipenia | Albania |
| Shqipenie | Albania |
| Shqiperia | Albania |
| Shqiperie Korce Vetqeveritale | French Forces » occupation Of Albania » Korytza |
| Shqiperija | Albania |
| Shqiperise R.P. | East Albania |
| Shqiperise RPS | East Albania |
| Shqiperise | Albania |
| Shqipni | Albania |
| Shqipnija | Albania |
| Shqiponies | Albania |
Confused yet? We'll have more on this subject later.
Please Note: Stamps that are not required to have a country name on them are from Great Britain (the United Kingdom). This is in honor of the fact that it was Great Britain, under Queen Victoria and with the leadership of Sir Rowland Hill, that first published adhesive postage stamps. British stamps will have either a "p" (pence or penny) or a £ (pounds).
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