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Thứ Tư, 6 tháng 4, 2016

Thinking Of Buying Rare Postage Stamps

By Angela Turner


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 postage stamp the penny black was issued in Great Britain in 1840 and featured a picture of Queen Victoria. This remains one of the most sought after examples and although unused ones are rare a used one in average condition can be found for around 150 dollars. There are many others which are rarer than this and they will command a much higher figure when sold.

A lot of philatelists will focus on one particular type of stamp and will seek out examples to add to their collection. First day covers, animals, birds and insects are all a popular choice for many. Others may decide to look for examples featuring modes of transport, famous faces or sporting themed stamps. Other items that can be valuable are misprints and examples where errors have been made when in production.

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.

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.

As with any collection of rare and valuable items you should always make sure that it is insured against loss, theft or damage. Most homeowners will have some kind of contents insurance to cover their possessions but this will not usually cover valuable collectibles. Specialist insurance companies can be found who specialize in valuables and antiques and these are worth contacting to obtain quotes.




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