A very popular hobby worldwide is stamp collecting or philately as it is known. Enthusiasts and collectors often build up huge collections of examples from hundreds of countries and in many different types. There are a few main factors that make a stamp a rare or give it an increased value and if you are planning to buy rare postage stamps there are a few things to think about before you make any purchases.
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.
Many collectors will specialize in one particular type of stamp that interests them. Categories that are popular include commemorative issue, airmail and first day covers. Some other philatelists will look for examples featuring animals, insects or influential people. Other rare items such as stamps printed wrongly or prototypes can also be very rare and sought after.
A postage stamp when sold on the market will have been given a graded rating by an expert. These grades are recognized worldwide and range from poor for a bad example to extra fine for perfect examples. Many mint condition examples can be found and these are extremely sought after by serious collectors.
When collecting stamps you will need a few items to keep your collection in a presentable condition. An album or stock book can be used to display your collection and this will have clear plastic envelopes or the stamp can be attached to pages using adhesive hinges. A magnifying glass for examination and stamp tongs will be needed to handle them.
There are a few options for you when you are looking for rare and valuable items to add to your collection. Established stamp dealers can be found who will have fine examples in stock and will be happy to help you find what you are looking for. Auction sale rooms and internet retailers are also good places to source examples. Fellow collectors are always useful contacts and many will swap, sell or trade parts of their collection with others.
Whenever you are buying stamps some care should be exercised to avoid making mistakes. Due to the high value and vast prices they fetch many examples of stamp have been sold that are counterfeit. If you are buying privately it is essential to have the items looked at by an expert to check they are the real thing and not faked.
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.
Many collectors will specialize in one particular type of stamp that interests them. Categories that are popular include commemorative issue, airmail and first day covers. Some other philatelists will look for examples featuring animals, insects or influential people. Other rare items such as stamps printed wrongly or prototypes can also be very rare and sought after.
A postage stamp when sold on the market will have been given a graded rating by an expert. These grades are recognized worldwide and range from poor for a bad example to extra fine for perfect examples. Many mint condition examples can be found and these are extremely sought after by serious collectors.
When collecting stamps you will need a few items to keep your collection in a presentable condition. An album or stock book can be used to display your collection and this will have clear plastic envelopes or the stamp can be attached to pages using adhesive hinges. A magnifying glass for examination and stamp tongs will be needed to handle them.
There are a few options for you when you are looking for rare and valuable items to add to your collection. Established stamp dealers can be found who will have fine examples in stock and will be happy to help you find what you are looking for. Auction sale rooms and internet retailers are also good places to source examples. Fellow collectors are always useful contacts and many will swap, sell or trade parts of their collection with others.
Whenever you are buying stamps some care should be exercised to avoid making mistakes. Due to the high value and vast prices they fetch many examples of stamp have been sold that are counterfeit. If you are buying privately it is essential to have the items looked at by an expert to check they are the real thing and not faked.
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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