The History of Stamp Collecting - Part III
This post continues and completes our series on the history of stamp collecting.
The 20th century saw a steady increase in the popularity of stamp collecting, with the number of stamps that were available for collecting positively exploding. Many of the stamps from the 1910s-1940s are not rare, but they are nonetheless fine examples of design and engraving.
Although the period between 1840 and 1940 is often called the "Classic Era" of stamps, the period right around 1940 probably represents the peak of the so-called "Golden Age" of stamp collecting, at least in the US. Franklin D. Roosevelt, an avid stamp collector himself, was President and stamp collecting garnered publicity and prestige through him. During this period almost every young boy (and many young girls) collected stamps. They spent many an hour every week happily trading stamps and otherwise working on their stamp collections. Philatelic periodicals and stamp shops were plentiful, and even ordinary department stores all had stamp departments stocked with stamps and stamp supplies. I well remember the Gimbels store stamp department and how going there was the highlight of every weekend.
The periods immediately before and after World War II gave birth to a variety of interesting philatelic items - everything from Weimar inflation stamps through Hitler head stamps to stamps from behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. Some countries that formerly issued stamps went away and became so-called dead countries, while other countries, such as East Germany, sprung up. The British Empire was seeing its final days but stamps from exotic British colonies were still of very high quality, and seeing them let us have a glimpse of life in those exotic places.
After the war, new stamp printing technologies were developed. Stamp issuing countries began to realize that they could garner significant income by marketing their stamps directly to collectors. Collecting mint never hinged stamps became the rage. Some countries (and pseudo-countries) issued stamps solely for the purpose of selling them to collectors, with no intent to ever be used on the mail. The number of stamps issued throughout the world hugely increased, with the result that building a comprehensive worldwide collection is now very difficult if not impossible - there are just too many stamps being issued.
Even though the US now produces more than 100 new stamps every year, in today's era we see post offices printing postage labels to be affixed to mail. Post offices should be selling stamps at the counter for use on the mail, and in truth they do, but they'd rather just print those labels and sell stamps to a few die-hard users and collectors. But that's not the only strike against the future fate of stamps: postage also can be printed using peoples' home computers and printers.
Are stamps becoming irrelevant to the mail? Perhaps so. In the future it may well be that the only stamps sold are sold to collectors. A dire prediction and a bleak thought, because that will likely bring the hobby to a crashing end.
How to avoid this? Buy stamps, but use them on your mail in addition to adding them to your collection. And don't just buy self-adhesive definitive stamps, either - buy some commemorative stamps. Don't let the post office put those postage labels that they print out onto your mail. Use stamps whenever possible. That's the best way to ensure the hobby continues.
Showing posts with label stamp collecting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stamp collecting. Show all posts
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
A Primer on the History of Stamp Collecting - Part II
As we mentioned yesterday, stamps were one of the main causes of the American Revolution. Great Britain's Stamp Act of 1765 imposed a tax on the population of the American British colonies without any input from the colonists. This tax led to one of the most famous rallying cries of the colonists and one of the founding principles of the USA: "No taxation without representation." But those types of stamps are different than the postage stamps that most people collect today.
The first government-issued postage stamps were issued by Great Britain in 1840, and they were a hit right from the beginning. Although many private and local post stamps had been issued by then, Britain's Penny Black and Penny Blue were the first "official" stamps printed by a national postal authority. Sir Rowland Hill came up with the idea as a means to prepay postage at the expense of the mailer instead of charging the recipient on delivery, but an additional benefit was a standardized rate for all mail carried throughout the country. His idea caught on quickly and spread throughout the world, with the United States issuing its first postage stamp in 1847.
Stamp collecting also became popular very quickly, and the wares of stamp dealers began to be in demand. By the end of the 19th century stamp albums, along with stamp collecting tools such as stamp tongs, stamp hinges, magnifiers and stamp catalogs had come into common use. Around this same time, at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, some of the world's most important stamp sets were issued. Classic US stamps falling into this category include the Columbian set of 1892, issued in connection with Chicago's Columbian Exposition - the World's Fair that celebrated the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. Prized for their beautiful engraving and designs, the Columbians were also the first (technically, anyway) commemorative stamps issued by the US. Other important US stamp sets from this period include the Trans-Mississippi Exposition set and the Pan-American Exposition set. Far more (in my opinion) than the coveted (and in my opinion highly overpriced) Graf Zeppelin set, when taken together, the Columbians, the Trans-Mississippis and the Pan-Americans represent the pinnacle of US stamps, and I do not believe their quality and beauty will ever be surpassed.
The Universal Postal Union, created in the late 19th century, also significantly impacted stamp collecting. We'll discuss the UPU more in a couple of days, but for now suffice it to say that the UPU imposed standardized stamp colors for international mail, causing a plethora of new stamps to be issued in order to comply.
Tomorrow we'll add the final post in this short series on the history of stamp collecting.
As we mentioned yesterday, stamps were one of the main causes of the American Revolution. Great Britain's Stamp Act of 1765 imposed a tax on the population of the American British colonies without any input from the colonists. This tax led to one of the most famous rallying cries of the colonists and one of the founding principles of the USA: "No taxation without representation." But those types of stamps are different than the postage stamps that most people collect today.
The first government-issued postage stamps were issued by Great Britain in 1840, and they were a hit right from the beginning. Although many private and local post stamps had been issued by then, Britain's Penny Black and Penny Blue were the first "official" stamps printed by a national postal authority. Sir Rowland Hill came up with the idea as a means to prepay postage at the expense of the mailer instead of charging the recipient on delivery, but an additional benefit was a standardized rate for all mail carried throughout the country. His idea caught on quickly and spread throughout the world, with the United States issuing its first postage stamp in 1847.
Stamp collecting also became popular very quickly, and the wares of stamp dealers began to be in demand. By the end of the 19th century stamp albums, along with stamp collecting tools such as stamp tongs, stamp hinges, magnifiers and stamp catalogs had come into common use. Around this same time, at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, some of the world's most important stamp sets were issued. Classic US stamps falling into this category include the Columbian set of 1892, issued in connection with Chicago's Columbian Exposition - the World's Fair that celebrated the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. Prized for their beautiful engraving and designs, the Columbians were also the first (technically, anyway) commemorative stamps issued by the US. Other important US stamp sets from this period include the Trans-Mississippi Exposition set and the Pan-American Exposition set. Far more (in my opinion) than the coveted (and in my opinion highly overpriced) Graf Zeppelin set, when taken together, the Columbians, the Trans-Mississippis and the Pan-Americans represent the pinnacle of US stamps, and I do not believe their quality and beauty will ever be surpassed.
The Universal Postal Union, created in the late 19th century, also significantly impacted stamp collecting. We'll discuss the UPU more in a couple of days, but for now suffice it to say that the UPU imposed standardized stamp colors for international mail, causing a plethora of new stamps to be issued in order to comply.
Tomorrow we'll add the final post in this short series on the history of stamp collecting.
Friday, September 25, 2009
A Primer on the History of Stamp Collecting - Part I
Stamp collecting has a long and rich history, and few hobbies have enjoyed such enduring popularity. Although stamp collecting is sometimes called the "hobby of kings," you don't have to be rich to enjoy it. Many people of somewhat limited means have built beautiful, and above all, rewarding stamp collections.
Collecting stamps can be the hobby of a lifetime, but if you're anything like me, the more you know about its history, the more you'll enjoy it. The fact that many famous and important people have been dedicated stamp collectors has probably added much to its appeal. Kings, queens, United States Presidents, corporate CEOS and people in just about every other profession you can think of have been stamp collectors, and you can share their passion for philately.
Most people collect postage stamps and those types of stamp collections could not exist before 1840, when the world's first government-issued postage stamp - Great Britain's Penny Black - was issued. However, stamps of other types could be collected before 1840, including collecting tax stamps, revenue stamps, seals and more. No one knows how many people collected these other types of stamps before 1840, but mankind's predilection to collect just about anything makes me pretty sure that at least some did.
The Netherlands issued the first tax stamp way back in 1624. They soon came into popular use throughout Europe, including Great Britain, and were used to indicate prepayment of taxes that were levied by those countries' governments.
Did you know that stamps were one of the main causes of the American Revolution?
Stay tuned for more stamp collecting history tomorrow.
Stamp collecting has a long and rich history, and few hobbies have enjoyed such enduring popularity. Although stamp collecting is sometimes called the "hobby of kings," you don't have to be rich to enjoy it. Many people of somewhat limited means have built beautiful, and above all, rewarding stamp collections.
Collecting stamps can be the hobby of a lifetime, but if you're anything like me, the more you know about its history, the more you'll enjoy it. The fact that many famous and important people have been dedicated stamp collectors has probably added much to its appeal. Kings, queens, United States Presidents, corporate CEOS and people in just about every other profession you can think of have been stamp collectors, and you can share their passion for philately.
Most people collect postage stamps and those types of stamp collections could not exist before 1840, when the world's first government-issued postage stamp - Great Britain's Penny Black - was issued. However, stamps of other types could be collected before 1840, including collecting tax stamps, revenue stamps, seals and more. No one knows how many people collected these other types of stamps before 1840, but mankind's predilection to collect just about anything makes me pretty sure that at least some did.
The Netherlands issued the first tax stamp way back in 1624. They soon came into popular use throughout Europe, including Great Britain, and were used to indicate prepayment of taxes that were levied by those countries' governments.
Did you know that stamps were one of the main causes of the American Revolution?
Stay tuned for more stamp collecting history tomorrow.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
United Nations Postage Stamps
The United Nations is a loose organization of more than 100 countries that issues its own stamps. It's the world's only non-postal organization that is allowed to issue postage stamps. Reflecting its multi-national nature, UN stamps are issued in three different currencies; the US Dollar, Swiss Francs and the Euro. But even though many are denominated in US Dollars, UN stamps cannot be purchased in any US post office. The only way to buy United Nations stamps in the US is at the UN Headquarters in New York City, through the mail or online, or through stamp dealers. Oddly enough, letters and parcels using UN stamps that are denominated in US currency are valid for postage throughout the United States as long as they're mailed from the UN's New York Headquarters.
UN stamps are beautifully designed and printed. Many of their subjects relate to social issues, including environmental issues, endangered animals, AIDS awareness and world peace. Other topics of UN stamps include art and museums, landscapes around the world, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the flags of member nations.
UN stamp collections are colorful, pretty inexpensive and easy to begin.
The United Nations is a loose organization of more than 100 countries that issues its own stamps. It's the world's only non-postal organization that is allowed to issue postage stamps. Reflecting its multi-national nature, UN stamps are issued in three different currencies; the US Dollar, Swiss Francs and the Euro. But even though many are denominated in US Dollars, UN stamps cannot be purchased in any US post office. The only way to buy United Nations stamps in the US is at the UN Headquarters in New York City, through the mail or online, or through stamp dealers. Oddly enough, letters and parcels using UN stamps that are denominated in US currency are valid for postage throughout the United States as long as they're mailed from the UN's New York Headquarters.
UN stamps are beautifully designed and printed. Many of their subjects relate to social issues, including environmental issues, endangered animals, AIDS awareness and world peace. Other topics of UN stamps include art and museums, landscapes around the world, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the flags of member nations.
UN stamp collections are colorful, pretty inexpensive and easy to begin.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Acid-Free Paper in Stamp Album Pages
Acid-free paper used for stamp album pages. It's something no one in "the good old days" ever concerned themselves with, or even thought about. But most, if not all, commercial stamp album publishers emphasize the necessity of the acid-free paper they use.
Is acid-free paper really needed in stamp albums? Like many things in life, it all depends. It doesn't really matter for most stamp collections unless they're stored in hot, humid locations with very little air circulation. The grandchildren who inherit your stamp collection may notice some darkening on the edges of the pages if you use acid paper, but you'll be long gone before anything bad happens, as long as your collection is properly stored in an appropriate location.
Although damage from acid paper is possible if you store your stamp collection in a hot and humid attic or for long periods of time in a tropical climate without air conditioning, proper storage can usually prevent it. Store your stamp albums vertically (upright), not laying on their side. This allows them to "breathe," with air circulating among the pages. Don't keep your collection anywhere that's hot and humid, or you'll be taking a chance.
Acid-free paper used for stamp album pages. It's something no one in "the good old days" ever concerned themselves with, or even thought about. But most, if not all, commercial stamp album publishers emphasize the necessity of the acid-free paper they use.
Is acid-free paper really needed in stamp albums? Like many things in life, it all depends. It doesn't really matter for most stamp collections unless they're stored in hot, humid locations with very little air circulation. The grandchildren who inherit your stamp collection may notice some darkening on the edges of the pages if you use acid paper, but you'll be long gone before anything bad happens, as long as your collection is properly stored in an appropriate location.
Although damage from acid paper is possible if you store your stamp collection in a hot and humid attic or for long periods of time in a tropical climate without air conditioning, proper storage can usually prevent it. Store your stamp albums vertically (upright), not laying on their side. This allows them to "breathe," with air circulating among the pages. Don't keep your collection anywhere that's hot and humid, or you'll be taking a chance.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Philately and Stamp Collecting
Philately is the study of postage stamps and revenue stamps, including their design, printing method, paper types, gum types and method of separation (perforations, rouletting or cutting). Let me emphasize: philatelists study stamps. Some philatelists are also stamp collectors, but others are not. For example, some philatelists study rare stamps without ever expecting to own them, either because they're expensive or because there just aren't enough copies in existence. In contrast, the goal of stamp collectors is the acquisition of stamps, not necessarily to study them.
Philately - the study of stamps - reveals that a pile of stamps that all appear to be the same may actually include stamps with different paper types or different watermarks, as well as stamps with perforation varieties and different shades of color. Stamp varieties may be intentional or accidental. And many stamp forgeries have been produced since postage stamps were first introduced in 1840: some forgeries are very good and only detectable by a serious philatelist.
Philately is the study of postage stamps and revenue stamps, including their design, printing method, paper types, gum types and method of separation (perforations, rouletting or cutting). Let me emphasize: philatelists study stamps. Some philatelists are also stamp collectors, but others are not. For example, some philatelists study rare stamps without ever expecting to own them, either because they're expensive or because there just aren't enough copies in existence. In contrast, the goal of stamp collectors is the acquisition of stamps, not necessarily to study them.
Philately - the study of stamps - reveals that a pile of stamps that all appear to be the same may actually include stamps with different paper types or different watermarks, as well as stamps with perforation varieties and different shades of color. Stamp varieties may be intentional or accidental. And many stamp forgeries have been produced since postage stamps were first introduced in 1840: some forgeries are very good and only detectable by a serious philatelist.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Cinderella Stamps - Not A Fairy Tale, But A Collecting Specialty
Cinderella stamps are collectible items that are stamp-like adhesive labels, not usable for postage. Because there is no adhesive involved, and because they do pre-pay postal fees, the imprinted postage on postal stationery is not considered to be cinderella in nature.
Cinderella stamps usually resemble regular postage stamps, but they usually do not bear a denomination or a country's name, although sometimes a fictitious country's name or denomination may be present (for example, the Lundy stamps that bear a denomination in "puffins"). In some cases the name of the organization or cause being promoted or publicized is printed on Cinderellas.
Cinderellas are often collected in the same way as postage stamps. Many are common, but others were produced in very limited numbers and are quite scarce. Cinderellas are not normally included in stamp catalogs, although Scott's Specialized Catalog of U.S. Stamps and Covers does include Christmas Seals in a separate section.
Some of the Types of Cinderella Stamps
There are many different types of cinderellas, none of which have anything to do with the famous fairy tale. An incomplete list of cinderella stamps includes advertising poster stamps, local stamps and stamps issued by pseudo-countries that are not recognized in the postal and political world, court fee stamps, propaganda labels, Christmas Seals, Easter Seals and other charity labels, most telegraph stamps and decorative labels. Revenue stamps, although not used to pay postage charges, are generally not considered to be cinderella stamps.
More Detail on a Couple of Types of Cinderellas
Local stamps
Local stamps began to be printed soon after the invention of the adhesive postage stamps. Seen in many countries, many local stamps performed postal functions where the national postal service was lacking for some reason. But other local stamps are essentially nothing more than decorative labels. One example of a local carriage stamp that truly was used for postal purposes: the well-known Rattlesnake Island (Ohio) stamps, used because postal service wasn't available from the island to the mainland.
Other examples include the many offshore islands in the United Kingdom that issue local carriage labels. In some cases, these local stamps have a genuine use, paying for transport of the mail to the mainland by ferry; the regular British postal service - Royal Mail - takes over the delivery of such mail once it reaches the mainland. Other local stamps were (and are) produced simply to sell to collectors and tourists. Usually they are placed on the back of the envelope, with a conventional stamp on the front to pay for onward delivery by the official postal service. Islands for which such labels have been issued include the Summer Isles, Lundy, Staffa and the Calf of Man.
Political and propaganda stamps
Stamps issued by the various countries of the world often feature patriotic themes. Propaganda stamps differ in that they are unofficial stamps produced solely to promote or publicize a particular political agenda or ideology, or to create confusion or bad morale among the country's enemies.
Some stamps have been issued by breakaway governments or governments in exile, in both cases to give those governments a greater sense of greater legitimacy in the public's eye. But these stamps have no postal validity and must be considered to be Cinderella stamps.
Cinderellas are fascinating creatures to collect. Most are inexpensive and provide a lot of fun, but some are quite serious in their message. Give cinderella stamps a shot.
Cinderella stamps are collectible items that are stamp-like adhesive labels, not usable for postage. Because there is no adhesive involved, and because they do pre-pay postal fees, the imprinted postage on postal stationery is not considered to be cinderella in nature.
Cinderella stamps usually resemble regular postage stamps, but they usually do not bear a denomination or a country's name, although sometimes a fictitious country's name or denomination may be present (for example, the Lundy stamps that bear a denomination in "puffins"). In some cases the name of the organization or cause being promoted or publicized is printed on Cinderellas.
Cinderellas are often collected in the same way as postage stamps. Many are common, but others were produced in very limited numbers and are quite scarce. Cinderellas are not normally included in stamp catalogs, although Scott's Specialized Catalog of U.S. Stamps and Covers does include Christmas Seals in a separate section.
Some of the Types of Cinderella Stamps
There are many different types of cinderellas, none of which have anything to do with the famous fairy tale. An incomplete list of cinderella stamps includes advertising poster stamps, local stamps and stamps issued by pseudo-countries that are not recognized in the postal and political world, court fee stamps, propaganda labels, Christmas Seals, Easter Seals and other charity labels, most telegraph stamps and decorative labels. Revenue stamps, although not used to pay postage charges, are generally not considered to be cinderella stamps.
More Detail on a Couple of Types of Cinderellas
Local stamps
Local stamps began to be printed soon after the invention of the adhesive postage stamps. Seen in many countries, many local stamps performed postal functions where the national postal service was lacking for some reason. But other local stamps are essentially nothing more than decorative labels. One example of a local carriage stamp that truly was used for postal purposes: the well-known Rattlesnake Island (Ohio) stamps, used because postal service wasn't available from the island to the mainland.
Other examples include the many offshore islands in the United Kingdom that issue local carriage labels. In some cases, these local stamps have a genuine use, paying for transport of the mail to the mainland by ferry; the regular British postal service - Royal Mail - takes over the delivery of such mail once it reaches the mainland. Other local stamps were (and are) produced simply to sell to collectors and tourists. Usually they are placed on the back of the envelope, with a conventional stamp on the front to pay for onward delivery by the official postal service. Islands for which such labels have been issued include the Summer Isles, Lundy, Staffa and the Calf of Man.
Political and propaganda stamps
Stamps issued by the various countries of the world often feature patriotic themes. Propaganda stamps differ in that they are unofficial stamps produced solely to promote or publicize a particular political agenda or ideology, or to create confusion or bad morale among the country's enemies.
Some stamps have been issued by breakaway governments or governments in exile, in both cases to give those governments a greater sense of greater legitimacy in the public's eye. But these stamps have no postal validity and must be considered to be Cinderella stamps.
Cinderellas are fascinating creatures to collect. Most are inexpensive and provide a lot of fun, but some are quite serious in their message. Give cinderella stamps a shot.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Legendary Stamp Collectors - Ferrary
Philipp von Ferrary, probably the world's foremost stamp collector with the possible exception of Queen Elizabeth II, assembled the most complete stamp collection in the world. A member of the French nobility, he eventually renounced his titles and asked to simply be known as "Ferrary," which is how most stamp dealers and collectors refer to him even today.
Stamps were Ferrary's passion, and he began collecting at a young age. Eventually it became so large that he hired people to maintain it. His worldwide stamp collection was amazingly complete, and included true stamp rarities such as the unique Tre Skilling Yellow of Sweden, the 1856 one cent "Black on Magenta" of British Guiana and an unused copy of the two cent Hawaiian
Missionary stamp of 1851, for which its previous owner had been murdered by a fellow stamp collector.
After the outbreak of World War I, Ferrary willed his stamp collection to the Berlin Postmuseum in hopes that it would be made accessible to the public after his death. Late in the war he moved from France to Switzerland, leaving several hundred stamp albums in the safekeeping of the Austrian embassy in Paris. He died shortly after moving, so he was fortunate to not witness what happened next. After the war's end the French government seized his incredible collection, claiming it as reparations for the war. It was broken up and sold off, bit by bit, over the next several years for a total of around 30 million francs.
His legacy lives on, however: many rare stamps proudly bear an "ex-Ferrary" in their provenance. Ferrary compiled an unequalled collection, and his name will live on in philatelic history for as long as the hobby exists.
Philipp von Ferrary, probably the world's foremost stamp collector with the possible exception of Queen Elizabeth II, assembled the most complete stamp collection in the world. A member of the French nobility, he eventually renounced his titles and asked to simply be known as "Ferrary," which is how most stamp dealers and collectors refer to him even today.
Stamps were Ferrary's passion, and he began collecting at a young age. Eventually it became so large that he hired people to maintain it. His worldwide stamp collection was amazingly complete, and included true stamp rarities such as the unique Tre Skilling Yellow of Sweden, the 1856 one cent "Black on Magenta" of British Guiana and an unused copy of the two cent Hawaiian
Missionary stamp of 1851, for which its previous owner had been murdered by a fellow stamp collector.
After the outbreak of World War I, Ferrary willed his stamp collection to the Berlin Postmuseum in hopes that it would be made accessible to the public after his death. Late in the war he moved from France to Switzerland, leaving several hundred stamp albums in the safekeeping of the Austrian embassy in Paris. He died shortly after moving, so he was fortunate to not witness what happened next. After the war's end the French government seized his incredible collection, claiming it as reparations for the war. It was broken up and sold off, bit by bit, over the next several years for a total of around 30 million francs.
His legacy lives on, however: many rare stamps proudly bear an "ex-Ferrary" in their provenance. Ferrary compiled an unequalled collection, and his name will live on in philatelic history for as long as the hobby exists.
Invert Stamp Errors - Collectible and Valuable Stamps
One of the attractions of stamp collecting is its potential for profit down the road. Stamps as investments are currently outperforming the stock market by a wide margin.
We've already discussed some of the most valuable stamps in the world, including the one cent British Guiana black on magenta, the Treskilling Banco Yellow stamp and the US Benjamin Franklin one cent Z Grill. But many other stamps are valuable too. Some of the most interesting valuable stamps are invert errors.
Invert stamp errors are stamps where part of the image is accidentally printed upside-down. They occur (very rarely, hence their high value) in multi-color stamps that are printed by passing the stamp paper through the printing press more than once. After one or more passages through the press (each passage prints a particular color used in the stamp), someone accidentally feeds the paper through the wrong way for the next color, and that part of the image is then printed upside-down relative to the other image components. The invert stamps are usually caught almost immediately and destroyed by the printer before they ever reach the public. But every so often a glorious moment (for stamp collectors) occurs, and invert stamps are purchased by the public before the mistake is ever noticed. Because they're so rare, many are worth a small fortune.
A few famous invert errors include the US "CIA Invert," Scott 1610c, the Canadian "St. Lawrence Seaway Invert," Scott 387a, and the US "Inverted Jenny," Scott C3a, but there are others.
One of the attractions of stamp collecting is its potential for profit down the road. Stamps as investments are currently outperforming the stock market by a wide margin.
We've already discussed some of the most valuable stamps in the world, including the one cent British Guiana black on magenta, the Treskilling Banco Yellow stamp and the US Benjamin Franklin one cent Z Grill. But many other stamps are valuable too. Some of the most interesting valuable stamps are invert errors.
Invert stamp errors are stamps where part of the image is accidentally printed upside-down. They occur (very rarely, hence their high value) in multi-color stamps that are printed by passing the stamp paper through the printing press more than once. After one or more passages through the press (each passage prints a particular color used in the stamp), someone accidentally feeds the paper through the wrong way for the next color, and that part of the image is then printed upside-down relative to the other image components. The invert stamps are usually caught almost immediately and destroyed by the printer before they ever reach the public. But every so often a glorious moment (for stamp collectors) occurs, and invert stamps are purchased by the public before the mistake is ever noticed. Because they're so rare, many are worth a small fortune.
A few famous invert errors include the US "CIA Invert," Scott 1610c, the Canadian "St. Lawrence Seaway Invert," Scott 387a, and the US "Inverted Jenny," Scott C3a, but there are others.
Stamp Mounts - Safe and Beautiful
Stamps can be mounted in a stamp album in several different ways, but the two most common methods are (1) by using stamp hinges, and (2) by using stamp mounts.
Stamp hinges, which have been around in one form or another for almost as long as stamps themselves, are extremely inexpensive and very easy to use. With one exception, they're an almost perfect choice for mounting used stamps, mint stamps that have already been hinged at least once, and inexpensive stamps. But for mint never hinged stamps and stamps that have some significant value,
aren't such a hot choice.
Why?
Hinges, no matter how lightly applied, always leave a mark on the gum side of a stamp. You don't want that to happen if you're mounting mint never hinged stamps because using hinges will significantly devalue the stamps. This isn't a concern with used stamps because they have no gum to leave a mark on, and it isn't really a concern for mint stamps that have already been hinged, because a hinge mark is already there. But you also shouldn't use hinges on expensive stamps, even if they're used or have been hinged already: hinges allow the mounted stamps to move a bit, and sometimes they can get tangled up with each other with the potential for damage. So our advice is to only use hinges to mount used or mint hinged stamps that are common or fairly inexpensive.
Stamp mounts provide more protection for your valuable stamps, and they're also more appealing to look at. They preserve the pristine state of mint never hinged stamps because unlike hinging, no salvia or hinge material is ever applied to the stamp itself. And when mounts are used, the stamps don't lift up from the stamp album pages as much as they can when hinges are used, so the potential for damaging valuable stamps is significantly reduced.
Appearance is another factor in favor of stamp mounts. Appearance is important for two main reasons: (1) the sense of pleasure a stamp collector experiences when looking at an attractively presented stamp collection; and (2) if the stamps are eventually to be sold, an attractively and safely mounted collection will almost always fetch a higher price than a collection that's been haphazardly or
unsafely mounted. And stamps are an investment that sometimes require waiting several years before a significant profit can be made. Keeping the stamps in a collection in their best condition during the waiting period is essential. Mounts are ideal for these purposes - they provide an attractive little frame for the stamps and they protect them at the same time.
All stamp mounts have a clear front, but some come with a black background (our favorite) and others with a clear background. Other than that, there are two styles of mounts: top-opening mounts and center-opening mounts. The top-opening style might be slightly easier to use, because you can easily slide a stamp into the mount from the top, using your stamp tongs. But the center-opening mounts are better: although you have to lift up both ends of the mount in order to insert a stamp, there is almost no chance that the stamp will ever
slide out of the mount and become damaged. Whether you use top-mounts or center-mounts, the backs of the mounts are pre-gummed and ready to be applied to stamp album pages once the stamps are inside.
Stamp mounts are sold in pre-cut sizes to fit individual items and also in strips of varying sizes, from sizes to fit the smallest stamps to large souvenir sheets and mini-sheets. Mounts can be trimmed to size with a guillotine-type mount cutter, an inexpensive but essential tool.
Safe and beautiful, mounts are well worth their extra expense, protecting your treasured stamp collection over the years.
Stamps can be mounted in a stamp album in several different ways, but the two most common methods are (1) by using stamp hinges, and (2) by using stamp mounts.
Stamp hinges, which have been around in one form or another for almost as long as stamps themselves, are extremely inexpensive and very easy to use. With one exception, they're an almost perfect choice for mounting used stamps, mint stamps that have already been hinged at least once, and inexpensive stamps. But for mint never hinged stamps and stamps that have some significant value,
aren't such a hot choice.
Why?
Hinges, no matter how lightly applied, always leave a mark on the gum side of a stamp. You don't want that to happen if you're mounting mint never hinged stamps because using hinges will significantly devalue the stamps. This isn't a concern with used stamps because they have no gum to leave a mark on, and it isn't really a concern for mint stamps that have already been hinged, because a hinge mark is already there. But you also shouldn't use hinges on expensive stamps, even if they're used or have been hinged already: hinges allow the mounted stamps to move a bit, and sometimes they can get tangled up with each other with the potential for damage. So our advice is to only use hinges to mount used or mint hinged stamps that are common or fairly inexpensive.
Stamp mounts provide more protection for your valuable stamps, and they're also more appealing to look at. They preserve the pristine state of mint never hinged stamps because unlike hinging, no salvia or hinge material is ever applied to the stamp itself. And when mounts are used, the stamps don't lift up from the stamp album pages as much as they can when hinges are used, so the potential for damaging valuable stamps is significantly reduced.
Appearance is another factor in favor of stamp mounts. Appearance is important for two main reasons: (1) the sense of pleasure a stamp collector experiences when looking at an attractively presented stamp collection; and (2) if the stamps are eventually to be sold, an attractively and safely mounted collection will almost always fetch a higher price than a collection that's been haphazardly or
unsafely mounted. And stamps are an investment that sometimes require waiting several years before a significant profit can be made. Keeping the stamps in a collection in their best condition during the waiting period is essential. Mounts are ideal for these purposes - they provide an attractive little frame for the stamps and they protect them at the same time.
All stamp mounts have a clear front, but some come with a black background (our favorite) and others with a clear background. Other than that, there are two styles of mounts: top-opening mounts and center-opening mounts. The top-opening style might be slightly easier to use, because you can easily slide a stamp into the mount from the top, using your stamp tongs. But the center-opening mounts are better: although you have to lift up both ends of the mount in order to insert a stamp, there is almost no chance that the stamp will ever
slide out of the mount and become damaged. Whether you use top-mounts or center-mounts, the backs of the mounts are pre-gummed and ready to be applied to stamp album pages once the stamps are inside.
Stamp mounts are sold in pre-cut sizes to fit individual items and also in strips of varying sizes, from sizes to fit the smallest stamps to large souvenir sheets and mini-sheets. Mounts can be trimmed to size with a guillotine-type mount cutter, an inexpensive but essential tool.
Safe and beautiful, mounts are well worth their extra expense, protecting your treasured stamp collection over the years.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Stamp Finds
Some people say that stamp box lots and mixtures never contain any good finds. We guess everything is relative, but considering the low cost of most box lots, it's our opinion that the potential for finding quality stamps and uncommon stamp varieties in stamp mixtures, for a very low price, is surprisingly high.
The Stamp People sell low-priced stamp kiloware and stamp mixtures and assortments along with classic stamps, vintage stamps and recent stamps and sets from the US and around the world. One of their customers recently wrote to inform us of a nice find that was in a box lot purchased from The Stamp People.
The stamp was Scott # E1, the first Special Delivery stamp issued by the US, from 1885. It's not extraordinarily valuable - it's catalog value is about $60 - but the buyer only paid about $10 for the US stamp assortment it was found in.
We'd say that was a pretty good return on the buyer's investment.
Some people say that stamp box lots and mixtures never contain any good finds. We guess everything is relative, but considering the low cost of most box lots, it's our opinion that the potential for finding quality stamps and uncommon stamp varieties in stamp mixtures, for a very low price, is surprisingly high.
The Stamp People sell low-priced stamp kiloware and stamp mixtures and assortments along with classic stamps, vintage stamps and recent stamps and sets from the US and around the world. One of their customers recently wrote to inform us of a nice find that was in a box lot purchased from The Stamp People.
The stamp was Scott # E1, the first Special Delivery stamp issued by the US, from 1885. It's not extraordinarily valuable - it's catalog value is about $60 - but the buyer only paid about $10 for the US stamp assortment it was found in.
We'd say that was a pretty good return on the buyer's investment.
Collecting Rare Stamps
Investing in rare stamps is a normal occurrence that's undertaken by intermediate to advanced stamp collectors. Rare stamps are tangible investments with potential similar to collecting art. But in addition to their investment potential, rare stamps also give their owners a great deal of pleasure. A sense of accomplishment. A sense of completion.
The value of any given stamp is directly proportional to its scarcity, in other words, how rare (or not) it is. Many stamps, such as the one cent British Guiana black on magenta, the Treskilling Banco Yellow stamp or the US one cent Z Grill, are extremely rare because only one (or just a few) were ever produced, and even fewer survive today. Because there are so few, and because so many stamp collectors covet them, the value of these stamps - and those in similarcircumstances - is very high.
Collecting rare stamps is a challenge, and can be quite expensive. But not always - some are found in a neglected old desk drawer or in an attic. Rare stamp varieties can even be found in stamp kiloware or off-paper stamp assortments. The lucky collector who finds a rare stamp this way is lucky indeed - if he or she decides to sell it, they might be able to live out their lives on the proceeds.
Investing in rare stamps is a normal occurrence that's undertaken by intermediate to advanced stamp collectors. Rare stamps are tangible investments with potential similar to collecting art. But in addition to their investment potential, rare stamps also give their owners a great deal of pleasure. A sense of accomplishment. A sense of completion.
The value of any given stamp is directly proportional to its scarcity, in other words, how rare (or not) it is. Many stamps, such as the one cent British Guiana black on magenta, the Treskilling Banco Yellow stamp or the US one cent Z Grill, are extremely rare because only one (or just a few) were ever produced, and even fewer survive today. Because there are so few, and because so many stamp collectors covet them, the value of these stamps - and those in similarcircumstances - is very high.
Collecting rare stamps is a challenge, and can be quite expensive. But not always - some are found in a neglected old desk drawer or in an attic. Rare stamp varieties can even be found in stamp kiloware or off-paper stamp assortments. The lucky collector who finds a rare stamp this way is lucky indeed - if he or she decides to sell it, they might be able to live out their lives on the proceeds.
Some Fun Facts About Stamps
Stamp collecting is an educational, engaging hobby that is enjoyed all over the world by people of all ages, young and old. It can be the hobby of a lifetime or a means of investing money that's relatively safe since it's not subject to the ups and downs of the stock market.
Here are some fun facts about stamps and stamp collecting:
Postage stamps are currently produced by more than 200 countries, and despite the advent of the Internet and email, more and more stamps are being issued each year.
Many children collect stamps, but even more stamp collectors are adults.
Stamps come in a variety of shapes, including rectangular, square, round and triangular. Tonga issued banana-shaped stamps, and Bhutan produced circular stamps that looked like vinyl records. If they were put onto a record player, they played the Bhutanese national anthem!
The world's first self-adhesive stamp was issued by African country Sierra Leone in 1964. Now, only 45 years later, it almost seems like every new stamp is a self-adhesive.
The world's first adhesive postage stamp was issued by Great Britain in 1840. It's known as the "Penny Black" because it's black and it's original cost was one penny. Nowadays it's worth a lot more than that.
Stamp collecting is an educational, engaging hobby that is enjoyed all over the world by people of all ages, young and old. It can be the hobby of a lifetime or a means of investing money that's relatively safe since it's not subject to the ups and downs of the stock market.
Here are some fun facts about stamps and stamp collecting:
Postage stamps are currently produced by more than 200 countries, and despite the advent of the Internet and email, more and more stamps are being issued each year.
Many children collect stamps, but even more stamp collectors are adults.
Stamps come in a variety of shapes, including rectangular, square, round and triangular. Tonga issued banana-shaped stamps, and Bhutan produced circular stamps that looked like vinyl records. If they were put onto a record player, they played the Bhutanese national anthem!
The world's first self-adhesive stamp was issued by African country Sierra Leone in 1964. Now, only 45 years later, it almost seems like every new stamp is a self-adhesive.
The world's first adhesive postage stamp was issued by Great Britain in 1840. It's known as the "Penny Black" because it's black and it's original cost was one penny. Nowadays it's worth a lot more than that.
Stamp Collecting in the Internet Age
A recent blogger suggested that with the advent of the Internet, email, texting and tweeting, stamp collecting is essentially dead, with the stamp collecting hobby holding little appeal for today's youth.
If this is true it's a shame, because boys and girls all around the world used to collect and trade stamps, some keeping their stamp collections into adulthood. Many young stamp collectors would set their collections aside when the responsibilities of adulthood came calling, but resurrected their interest once their children grew up and they had more leisure time to work with stamps again.
The implication of the blogger's post is that the Internet has "killed" stamp collecting. But is this really true? We believe that the Internet may have changed stamp collecting, but it certainly hasn't killed it off. Take a look at all the philatelic websites that are available nowadays. Check out the number of virtual stamp clubs on the Internet. And what about all the successful online stamp auctions and stamp shops? Sales of stamps are actually up, not down, and some stamps are fetching record prices.
So in the end, we think the stamp collecting hobby is re-inventing itself as a result of the Internet, email and all the other new-age electronic communication modes. It's not dying, not even a little bit.
A recent blogger suggested that with the advent of the Internet, email, texting and tweeting, stamp collecting is essentially dead, with the stamp collecting hobby holding little appeal for today's youth.
If this is true it's a shame, because boys and girls all around the world used to collect and trade stamps, some keeping their stamp collections into adulthood. Many young stamp collectors would set their collections aside when the responsibilities of adulthood came calling, but resurrected their interest once their children grew up and they had more leisure time to work with stamps again.
The implication of the blogger's post is that the Internet has "killed" stamp collecting. But is this really true? We believe that the Internet may have changed stamp collecting, but it certainly hasn't killed it off. Take a look at all the philatelic websites that are available nowadays. Check out the number of virtual stamp clubs on the Internet. And what about all the successful online stamp auctions and stamp shops? Sales of stamps are actually up, not down, and some stamps are fetching record prices.
So in the end, we think the stamp collecting hobby is re-inventing itself as a result of the Internet, email and all the other new-age electronic communication modes. It's not dying, not even a little bit.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Revenue Stamps
Revenue stamps, sometimes called tax stamps or fiscal stamps, are adhesive labels that can be very similar in appearance to postage stamps. But instead of being used to indicate payment for mailing an item, revenue stamps are used to indicate the payment of taxes or fees. Revenues have been used by many countries throughout the world, including the United States, Canada and Great Britain. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes - some are the size and shape of a regular postage stamp, while others are very large rectangles; still others are very long but narrow strips.
Revenue stamps have been used to collect taxes or fees on wines, beer, playing cards, hunting licenses, cigars, cigarettes, drugs, the recording of documents, stock certificates and many other types of items. They are normally affixed to the item being taxed.
Some revenues have cancellations, often the signature or initials of the person collecting the fee along with the date. But some cancellations are hand stamped and others are simply punch marks.
The use of revenue stamps is much less common now than it was in the 19th and 20th centuries. But they are extremely popular with certain stamp collectors, and they make for a colorful, intriguing and challenging specialty collection. Prices for revenue stamps range from the minimum catalog value to very expensive.
Revenue stamps, sometimes called tax stamps or fiscal stamps, are adhesive labels that can be very similar in appearance to postage stamps. But instead of being used to indicate payment for mailing an item, revenue stamps are used to indicate the payment of taxes or fees. Revenues have been used by many countries throughout the world, including the United States, Canada and Great Britain. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes - some are the size and shape of a regular postage stamp, while others are very large rectangles; still others are very long but narrow strips.
Revenue stamps have been used to collect taxes or fees on wines, beer, playing cards, hunting licenses, cigars, cigarettes, drugs, the recording of documents, stock certificates and many other types of items. They are normally affixed to the item being taxed.
Some revenues have cancellations, often the signature or initials of the person collecting the fee along with the date. But some cancellations are hand stamped and others are simply punch marks.
The use of revenue stamps is much less common now than it was in the 19th and 20th centuries. But they are extremely popular with certain stamp collectors, and they make for a colorful, intriguing and challenging specialty collection. Prices for revenue stamps range from the minimum catalog value to very expensive.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
US Postal Service Running Out of Money
The Associated Press is reporting that US Postmaster General John Potter told Congress that the US Postal Service will run out of money unless it gets some help this year from the US government. Potter has also asked to reduce delivery from six days a week to five days a week. His testimony was given at a Federal Workforce, Postal Service and District of Columbia subcommittee hearing on the financial stability of the Postal Service.
The USPS lost almost $3 billion last year and the PMG says it is looking at losing even more this year. According to Potter, if the reduced delivery schedule is approved, the USPS could save up to $3.5 billion each year.
It's hard to believe that cutting delivery by one day could save that much money. But we can think of even more ways the USPS could save: stop printing more than 100 different stamps each year (no country needs that many different stamps, and they're expensive to design and produce), stop advertising on television (that's expensive, and the USPS essentially has a monopoly over many of its services, so why bother advertising!), stop paying people to take surveys about current or proposed postal services and products (sure, I'd take one if they paid ME $10 to do so), stop giving away free boxes and other shipping supplies, and more. The USPS should get lean and mean, not bloated the way it is now, and has been for a long time.
The Associated Press is reporting that US Postmaster General John Potter told Congress that the US Postal Service will run out of money unless it gets some help this year from the US government. Potter has also asked to reduce delivery from six days a week to five days a week. His testimony was given at a Federal Workforce, Postal Service and District of Columbia subcommittee hearing on the financial stability of the Postal Service.
The USPS lost almost $3 billion last year and the PMG says it is looking at losing even more this year. According to Potter, if the reduced delivery schedule is approved, the USPS could save up to $3.5 billion each year.
It's hard to believe that cutting delivery by one day could save that much money. But we can think of even more ways the USPS could save: stop printing more than 100 different stamps each year (no country needs that many different stamps, and they're expensive to design and produce), stop advertising on television (that's expensive, and the USPS essentially has a monopoly over many of its services, so why bother advertising!), stop paying people to take surveys about current or proposed postal services and products (sure, I'd take one if they paid ME $10 to do so), stop giving away free boxes and other shipping supplies, and more. The USPS should get lean and mean, not bloated the way it is now, and has been for a long time.
More Evidence Stamp Collecting is a Winner in a Recession
Are you looking for a way to invest in today's economy, but don't want to play the stock market?
The Whitney Gazette of the United Kingdom reports that "When it comes to the recession, one West Oxfordshire man is hoping that his business has got it licked."
Andrew McGavin of Universal Philatelic Auctions says he has seen a rise of interest in investing in quality philatelic material. In fact, the company's last stamp auction at the end of February attracted more than 1,200 bidders from around the world.
McGavin is quoted as saying, "Stamp collecting looks like being one of the winners of the recession." He went to say, "With interest rates being as low as they are right now, people look at money that is sitting in their savings, and are looking at new ways to make this work."
So investing in stamps may pay off even in today's troubled economy. Add some stamps to your stamp collection today.
Are you looking for a way to invest in today's economy, but don't want to play the stock market?
The Whitney Gazette of the United Kingdom reports that "When it comes to the recession, one West Oxfordshire man is hoping that his business has got it licked."
Andrew McGavin of Universal Philatelic Auctions says he has seen a rise of interest in investing in quality philatelic material. In fact, the company's last stamp auction at the end of February attracted more than 1,200 bidders from around the world.
McGavin is quoted as saying, "Stamp collecting looks like being one of the winners of the recession." He went to say, "With interest rates being as low as they are right now, people look at money that is sitting in their savings, and are looking at new ways to make this work."
So investing in stamps may pay off even in today's troubled economy. Add some stamps to your stamp collection today.
Monday, March 23, 2009
A Great Reason To Collect Stamps - Investing in our Children for the Future
Stamp collecting has been one of the most popular hobbies in the world for many, many years. We've discussed some of the benefits of stamp collecting in other articles so we'll just briefly mention that stamp collecting as a hobby is fun, has potential for increasing in value, and is an intellectual challenge. But there's another benefit to be gained through stamp collecting.
A study by Royal Mail (the United Kingdom's postal administration) indicates that children who collect stamps grow up to be more successful, more intelligent, and have a better quality of life than those who do not. Stamp collecting teaches important skills and knowledge that transfers into everyday adult life.
The study's results indicated that 74% of stamp collectors have a college or university degree, in contrast to only 20% of the general population. The study also revealed that stamp collectors, in general, make more money per year than non-stamp collectors, typically have larger homes, and often have a second home for vacation purposes. According to the study, stamp collectors also take more vacations per year than do non-stamp collectors.
The study was conducted in England and so the results only apply to the people of that country, but there's no real reason to suspect similar results would be obtained if the same type of research was conducted elsewhere. So the bottom line is, stamp collectors tend to be more intelligent, better educated and more successful. What a great reason to begin a stamp collection, either as a child or as an adult!
Stamp collecting has been one of the most popular hobbies in the world for many, many years. We've discussed some of the benefits of stamp collecting in other articles so we'll just briefly mention that stamp collecting as a hobby is fun, has potential for increasing in value, and is an intellectual challenge. But there's another benefit to be gained through stamp collecting.
A study by Royal Mail (the United Kingdom's postal administration) indicates that children who collect stamps grow up to be more successful, more intelligent, and have a better quality of life than those who do not. Stamp collecting teaches important skills and knowledge that transfers into everyday adult life.
The study's results indicated that 74% of stamp collectors have a college or university degree, in contrast to only 20% of the general population. The study also revealed that stamp collectors, in general, make more money per year than non-stamp collectors, typically have larger homes, and often have a second home for vacation purposes. According to the study, stamp collectors also take more vacations per year than do non-stamp collectors.
The study was conducted in England and so the results only apply to the people of that country, but there's no real reason to suspect similar results would be obtained if the same type of research was conducted elsewhere. So the bottom line is, stamp collectors tend to be more intelligent, better educated and more successful. What a great reason to begin a stamp collection, either as a child or as an adult!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Famous Stamps: The US Graf Zeppelin Stamp Set
This famous United States stamp set honors the Graf Zeppelin, a huge German airship that carried passengers and mail over the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to the Americas. Capable of flying completely around the world, the Graf Zeppelin was taken out of service after the fiery crash of the Hindenburg, another German airship of the same era.
All mail carried by the Graf Zeppelin bore one or more of the three stamps in this very collectible set. Each of the stamps show the giant lighter-than-air airship in flight over the Atlantic Ocean. The stamps were only available for sale to the public for about five weeks, and stamp collectors have been fascinated by them ever since. A complete set of these classic stamps is worth several thousand dollars in mint never hinged condition.
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