|
Worldwide Collectibles Forum
|
Enter the message board here:-
Stamp Collecting Message Board
|
|
Stamp
collecting is the collecting of postage stamps and related objects, such
as covers (envelopes or packages with stamps on them). It is one of the
world's most popular hobbies, with estimates of the number of collectors
ranging up to 20 million in the United States alone.
Collecting is not the same as philately, which is the study of stamps. A
philatelist often
 does,
but need not, collect the objects of study, nor is it necessary to
closely study what one collects. Many casual collectors enjoy
accumulating stamps without worrying about the tiny details, but the
creation of a large or comprehensive collection generally requires some
philatelic knowledge. This is especially important for those who intend
to spend large amounts for stamps.
Stamp collectors are an important source of revenue for some small
countries who create limited runs of elaborate stamps designed mainly to
be bought by stamp collectors. The stamps produced by these countries
far exceed the postal needs of the countries.
Some collectors, observing the generally rising prices of rare stamps,
have taken to Philatelic Investment. Rare stamps are among the most
portable of tangible investments, and are easy to store. They offer an
attractive alternative to art, other collectible investments, and
precious metals.
 The
first postage stamp, the One Penny Black, was issued by Britain in 1840.
It pictured a young Queen Victoria, was produced without perforations
(imperforate), and consequently had to be cut from the sheet with
scissors in order to be used. While unused examples of the "Penny Black"
are quite scarce, used examples are common, and may be purchased for $25
to $150, depending upon condition.
Children and teenagers were early collectors of stamps in the 1860s and
1870s. Many adults dismissed it as a childish pursuit.
During the late 1800s many of those collectors, now adults, began to
systematically study the available postage stamps and published research
works on their production, plate flaws, etc.
Some stamps such as the triangular issues of the Cape of Good Hope
became legendary. (See Stamps of the Cape of Good Hope).
It was not until the 1920s that publicity about valuable stamps
encouraged a large increase in the number of stamp collectors. This
rapid increase in postage stamp values was largely due to very few of
the older stamps being saved in good condition. Especially difficult to
find were pairs, triples, and large blocks of older stamps.
Because many U.S. stamp issues of the 1920s rose rapidly in value,
during the 1930s many American collectors stockpiled mint U.S. stamps
with the hopes of selling them for a sizeable profit in a few years'
time. This never materialized. Even today, more than 60 years later, one
can find many 1930s U.S. issues in mint condition for close to face
value, and many stamp dealers and collectors still use stamps issued as
far back as the 1930s for postage when mailing letters.
 Most
U.S. postage stamps issued since the 1930s are easy to obtain and have
minimal value. Some high face value stamps, such as the $2.60 United
States Graf Zeppelin issued in 1930, are worth substantial amounts of
money. Other stamps issued since 1930 that are usually worth something
are souvenir sheets from popular countries, hard to find plate number
coils, and errors in printing.
|
|
|
|
