Many people around the world collect stamps as a hobby and it has been very popular for many years. There are thousands of different examples available to collectors from hundreds of countries. There are many factors which can make a stamp collectible and those who collect rare postage stamps will spend many years building their extensive collections.
The first stamps that were issued were the penny blacks in Britain in the mid 19th century and featured a portrait of the queen on a black background. A mint example of this stamp would command a huge sum of money if it came up for sale but they are scarce. Many stamps from later periods and from other countries also fetch huge amounts when they are offered for sale.
Some collectors will tend to stick to one specific area of postage stamp. Airmail, commemorative and first day issues are popular with many philatelists. Others will specialize in stamps featuring birds, animals or famous people. Some will collect misprints where the image on the stamp has been printed upside down or maybe in the wrong color than was intended.
Postage stamps are usually sold according to a grading system which is recognized by philatelists and the grades range from poor to extra fine. A poor stamp is one which is badly worn, damaged or soiled and not in very good condition. Extra fine means it is a perfect example and these are the most desirable ones for most serious collectors.
When collecting stamps you will need a few items to keep your collection in a presentable condition. An album or stock book can be used to display your collection and this will have clear plastic envelopes or the stamp can be attached to pages using adhesive hinges. A magnifying glass for examination and stamp tongs will be needed to handle them.
Rare and valuable examples can be found in a few different places and some care is needed when paying a lot of money for an example. Dealers can be found in many cities who deal in collectible examples and many are sold at auction. There are also online dealers who buy and sell valuable stamps and also many private collectors. Philatelists clubs are also a good place to find items and to meet other collectors.
If you are planning to start a new collection or add to an existing one by buying rarer items there are a few things to think about before buying to avoid any costly mistakes. Due to the high value of some of the items on the market many have been faked over the years. If buying from anyone other than a reputable established dealer or auction house you should always get an item checked by a qualified expert before making a purchase.
Any valuable collection of rare items should always be insured against any theft, loss or damages and this is the case with a stamp collection. Your standard home insurance policy will not be enough to cover any claims so alternative cover should be found. Specialized firms are available to insure your collection and it is worth getting some quotes from these companies and getting cover in place.
The first stamps that were issued were the penny blacks in Britain in the mid 19th century and featured a portrait of the queen on a black background. A mint example of this stamp would command a huge sum of money if it came up for sale but they are scarce. Many stamps from later periods and from other countries also fetch huge amounts when they are offered for sale.
Some collectors will tend to stick to one specific area of postage stamp. Airmail, commemorative and first day issues are popular with many philatelists. Others will specialize in stamps featuring birds, animals or famous people. Some will collect misprints where the image on the stamp has been printed upside down or maybe in the wrong color than was intended.
Postage stamps are usually sold according to a grading system which is recognized by philatelists and the grades range from poor to extra fine. A poor stamp is one which is badly worn, damaged or soiled and not in very good condition. Extra fine means it is a perfect example and these are the most desirable ones for most serious collectors.
When collecting stamps you will need a few items to keep your collection in a presentable condition. An album or stock book can be used to display your collection and this will have clear plastic envelopes or the stamp can be attached to pages using adhesive hinges. A magnifying glass for examination and stamp tongs will be needed to handle them.
Rare and valuable examples can be found in a few different places and some care is needed when paying a lot of money for an example. Dealers can be found in many cities who deal in collectible examples and many are sold at auction. There are also online dealers who buy and sell valuable stamps and also many private collectors. Philatelists clubs are also a good place to find items and to meet other collectors.
If you are planning to start a new collection or add to an existing one by buying rarer items there are a few things to think about before buying to avoid any costly mistakes. Due to the high value of some of the items on the market many have been faked over the years. If buying from anyone other than a reputable established dealer or auction house you should always get an item checked by a qualified expert before making a purchase.
Any valuable collection of rare items should always be insured against any theft, loss or damages and this is the case with a stamp collection. Your standard home insurance policy will not be enough to cover any claims so alternative cover should be found. Specialized firms are available to insure your collection and it is worth getting some quotes from these companies and getting cover in place.
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