Stamp Collection Preservation

The first thing you want to do when looking to get involved in stamp collecting is to make sure you have an area designated for each and every piece. A binder or a notebook with clear plastic placers is a perfect example of a baseline protective area for your stamps, but really anything that has room to house your stamps and not damage them can be used.

After you have an area created to house your stamps, you want to turn your attention to placement of each piece. Whenever you add a piece to your collection, you want to note its measurements and how well it will fit in your designated area. It is important that when forming your collection that you make space for each stamp to fit in, and take note of the possibility of adding a whole roll or row of stamps. Whenever you are adding to your collection, you want to make sure that the stamps aren't damaged in their placement, and if you have to fold a row to fit in, that you fold on one of the crease lines between stamps. It is recommended to keep all stamps in as pristine condition as possible, so if the option to not fold is available, take that method of placement.

With the collection well placed in a safe area, you want to make sure you monitor and clean out your collection from time to time. Going through your collection, and making sure that each piece is properly placed and that no damage has occurred to the collection is important when caring for your stamps. Every so often you may have the need to rearrange your stamps in order to keep them fitting well in your collection, this is normal and can be beneficial to the care of your stamps to help with keeping up the cleanliness of the collection, and to avoid allowing the stamps to sit in one place for too long.

Overall, caring for your stamps incorporates an attention to detail, and proper placement, but as long as you create a safe place for your stamp collection to grow, and monitor each and every page from time to time, you will find yourself with a well kept highly maintained collection.

Photo Credits: itchys

Originally posted 2010-07-24 03:36:21.

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Is stamp collecting for you?

Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Collectors range from the casual, who collect for sheer enjoyment, to the serious, amassing huge collections with significant monetary value. Locating rare stamps can be as thrilling for some as hunting lost treasure or going on safari.

Casual collectors generally get their start by saving stamps from letters. They can be easily removed from envelopes by soaking them in warm water and placing between two paper towels to dry. These collectors will look for Commemorative Stamps which tend to be more colorful, like the Love stamp or a holiday issue. They may pick a common theme to collect like animals, nature, or sports. Some exclusively collect stamps depicting famous athletes, musicians, or actors.

Rare stamp collectors are not as likely to search for used stamps as they carry a lower value than those in “mint” condition. These collectors are on the lookout for old stamps, stamps with printing errors, or those that hold a high catalog value. While these collectors truly enjoy stamp collecting, they are also attempting to build a tangible asset that can be sold, preserved, or handed down to future generations.

Stamp collecting can be a solitary hobby and many collectors enjoy the relaxation and quiet of working with their hands. For others, the ability to share their hobby with others is a great advantage. There are Stamp Clubs located across the world where collectors can meet, share their finds, and enjoy the company of people with similar interests. Stamp Shows are also a major draw and allow collectors to buy, sell, and view collections of all varieties.

One reason the hobby of stamp collecting has stood the test of time is the fact that it takes very little investment to start collecting. An album and photo corners, tongs, and a magnifying glass are the only real requirements. More serious collectors will also keep transparent protective envelopes and watermark fluid on hand. A perforation gauge will measure the perforation marks on a stamp to help in identifying its value, and of course a catalog with current pricing and identification are helpful.

Photo Credits: hellobo

Originally posted 2010-07-31 03:42:37.

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Where do you sell your stamps?

The first thing you want to do when looking for a place to list your stamp collection for sale online is to determine whether you want it placed in an auctioneer website, or sold for a set price at another location. After that decision has been made you can continue on your path to sell by searching for the perfect place in a search engine.

If you decide to sell in an auctioneer website you can go about searching in a search engine for the most popular ones and check out their listing fees and see what forms of payment you can receive. Ebay is by far the most commonly used auctioneer website with buyers and sellers from all over the world, so if you are looking to get the most exposure to your collection, then that website is going to be your best option in form of auctioneer. There are however auctions that have online listings that specialize in collectibles, so checking with those and seeing their basic information for comparison is a great way to find the best place online to list your stamp collection for sale.

Aside from the all to common auctioneer websites, you can check out specialty websites that focus on buying and selling collectibles for a set price. With these types of websites you can check into selling either locally with a website like Craigslist and online classifieds, or to people from all over the world with non auction collectible listings. When looking to sell stamps online you want to get the most exposure, as to allow you to get the price you are asking, so taking both the local and global route is a recommended path to take when selling online.

Overall if you have a stamp collection you are looking to sell online, check out the auctioneer and the specialty websites available to you. When selling online it is important to have your collection properly described and appraised, as well as to check into the legitimacy of the buyer assuring a clear payment before you send them any form of your collection.

Photo Credits: kevindooley

Originally posted 2010-08-18 03:49:29.

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A forgery of one of Hannover's first stamps.

There are a few types of fake stamps, and it helps to know the difference. One is just a simple fake stamp, which are real stamps altered to look like a more valuable stamp. Forged stamps are stamps that are created to fool collectors, and counterfeit stamps are those that are made to defraud collectors.

One way to protect yourself is to become familiar with the popular type of fake stamps out there. Knowing what the most commonly fake stamps are may help you not to buy one. Remember, if a stamp is selling for a price that is too good to be true, it probably is. Always have stamps with high asking prices appraised before you buy.

Fake stamps have hallmarks, though, and a few of them are easy to spot. For example, regumming is common often because the gum has degraded due to poor preservation. If there are different colors of gum on the back of a stamp, it's likely the stamp's a forgery. If for some reason you can't look at the back of the stamp, you can also look for stamp curling, thinning, or sharp perforation tips. Replacing torn bits is common, too, but that can be spotted by looking for an application of a false cancel mark over the area. Usually, though, stamps are altered by putting perforations on the edges of real stamps that originally didn't have any. Use a magnifying glass to look for misaligned holes or even misshapen holes.

There are other less obvious ways to fake it, like cancels and overprints. Knowing correct dates is helpful, and being able to compare the stamp to other cancels or overprints will help you figure out what's going on with your stamp. Sometimes cancels are painted in, and discrepancies with printing are also a clue.

The best way to make sure your stamp is not a fake, though, is to have it examined by a reputable appraiser who's an expert on your stamp type. Some imperfections can only be found under high powered microscopes or scanners, so if you're not sure, call an appraiser.

Photo Credits: NobbiP

Originally posted 2010-08-15 03:25:12.

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Stamp and Coin Shop

Most stamp dealers can either be an actual person or tied to a company. Either way, they are both in the business of selling stamps. They also buy stamps from other collectors. A stamp investor must develop a professional relationship with their dealer in order to learn about rare postage stamps. This is essential for creating an investment stamp portfolio with substance and value. Most dealers are honest and will not try to scam you by pretending that fake postage stamps are authentic. When wondering how to find the right stamp dealer, an investor must be on their toes and look for red flags. Bad stamp dealers will be disorganized and doesn't make the selling prices run smoothly for their buyers. Good dealers will make sure they pre-sort their postage stamps based on the country, condition, etc. Most dealers will sell postage stamps in bulk.

When looking for a quality stamp dealer, it is important to visit stamp shows and join stamp associations to network with the right people. Roaming around in auction sites and free classified ads online can increase your chances of finding a reputable stamp dealer. Most philatelists who have been in the industry for a long time of selling and buying stamps can also give you recommendations. Most stamp catalogues have a list of dealers. Telephone directories such as the Yellow Pages, also have a detailed listed based on location. Reputable dealers will make sure to set up an appointment before doing transactions. Extra precaution is needed when shopping for stamps over the Internet. Stamp dealers do not just sells stamps. They also sell other items such as covers. Most of the time, they should offer these products at a premium rate.

These same dealers will often issue catalogues where other collectors can find stamps they want to buy. When wondering how to find the right stamp collection, the collector must also realize they can sell their own collection book if desired to certain dealers.

Photo Credits: sludgegulper

Originally posted 2010-08-01 03:49:54.

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1893 - Columbian Exposition Stamp

Stamp Dealers

These can be used to appraise your stamp collection. The appraiser will use many different factors to determine the value of your stamp collection. The dealer may appraise a certain stamp for a certain amount, but this does not mean they will pay that actual amount. Any retailer will usually pay around 25%-70% of what the collection 'book value' is. The best way to make money from stamp collections is to sell them online. Most people are willing to bid on collectible items and you will be paid more than from a retailer who is usually interested in reselling.

DIY

You can also determine the value of a stamp on your own with a little bit of investigation. To do this, you must determine the stamp's country of origin, whether the stamp is new or used, condition of the stamp and how rare it is. These are all conditions that are used when deciding how much a stamp is worth.

When wondering how to find stamp values, it is also important to investigate small details, such as the country where the stamp hails. Most stamps have the name of their country printed on the stamp, except for Great Britain. If a stamp is from the United States, it will more than likely read U.S. postage or USA. If the stamp is from a country and the first language is not English, then the stamp will have the name printed in their original language. There are some online International stamp guides that provide free translations from country names. Stamp collectors can also use other free resources such as Google Translator.

When looking at the condition of the stamp, it is important to understand the difference between good, bad and fine condition. The smallest detail can mean a difference of 10%-75%. It is also important to look for image, size, damage, color fading and hinge marks when looking over stamps. Most buyers will pay top dollar for stamps that are in mint condition. If you are wondering how to find stamp values, it is in the best interest for the stamp collector to take good care of their stamps if they are looking to make a profit in the future.

Photo Credits: Svadilfari

Originally posted 2010-08-08 03:38:24.

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Stamps on Envelopes

A serious philatelist will understand the true value of stamps and how they should be priced. However, new hobbyists and collectors need the help of an online stamp collection price guide to ensure that any stamp stores do not dupe them. Once you get into one of these sites, they have a list of stamps and their prices based on the year they were produced. You can also read some interesting stories and facts about these stamps in the online stamp collection guide. These guides are also very helpful in providing translation for all those stamps from non-English speaking countries. Online stamp collection price guide is very crucial to evaluate the grade and condition of the stamps you are about to sell or buy. It depends on the condition of the stamp, whether there are rips or tears in it, the colors in the stamp and how far they have faded, the hinge marks, where the image is placed on the stamp and so on.

Did you know that stamp collecting is an investment that will reap great rewards later on? Prices of stamp are bound to rise; so if you have a unique and rare set, then its going to fetch you a fortune. For that, however you should know the true value of your stamp collection and make sure there are no duplicates in it. If you regularly keep track of an online stamp collection price guide, then you will know how much to earn from it. When you plan to earn money through your stamps, then there are certain conditions of which you should be aware. The most important factor of them all however, is the rarity of those stamps. Availability and age of stamps comes next in the priority list, the origin of the stamps should not be forgotten and it is a matter of great importance whether your stamp is in mint condition or used.

Photo Credits: DRB62

Originally posted 2010-09-05 03:44:01.

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Victorian Toronto Stamps

The first thing you want to do when looking to collect stamps is purchase or make a portfolio to house your collection. There are several custom made binders that can be purchased online or through a collection specialty store in your local area that are great for housing your stamps while allowing you to easily access and view the entire collection. When looking at binders you may need to purchase more than one depending on how many stamps you intend to collect, and the size of the binder that you prefer.

After you have purchased a binder or portfolio to house your collection, you can begin placing any stamps you have laying around into the portfolio for safe keeping. Once you have all the stamps that you have begun your collection with stacked away in safekeeping, you can concentrate on growing your collection.

When looking to collect stamps you can benefit greatly by purchasing a value placing guide on stamps to help you in your future stamp purchases. Some stamps can be as valuable as several thousand dollars, while others can be worth as much as the paper they are printed on. With a guide in hand and a place to house your collection, you can begin building your collection through paying visits to your local post office, or by searching online. The internet is a great place for you to find collectibles and hard to find stamps through the utilization of specialty and auctioneer websites.

When looking to create a stamp collection you want to have an array of stamps that reflect several years of history, as well as stamps that reflect modern times. When building the collection you can choose which stamps you like and which you don't, so essentially your collection becomes a reflection of yourself. When purchasing stamps for your collection you want to make sure you are paying a fair price and to reflect upon your buyers guide with each purchase.

Overall stamp collecting can be an enjoyable hobby for children and adults alike, and as long as you have a place to stash your stamps and a constant income so you can purchase more, you can put yourself on the road to having a well fulfilled collection.

Photo Credits: yorkville

Originally posted 2010-08-24 03:36:47.

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Used Stamps

Collecting stamps is a relaxing and enjoyable hobby that can fulfill a need to purchase without having you spending hundreds of dollars a month. When looking to start a stamp collection the first thing you want to do is purchase a binder or portfolio to house the stamps in. The great thing about a binder is that you can purchase custom made plastic inlays that allow you to keep the stamps safe between two sheets of plastic, while letting you view the front and back of the stamps at the same time.

After you have a binder or place to keep the stamp collection safe in, you can begin your collection by setting up a budget for your stamps. The great thing about stamps is that they are relatively inexpensive which allows even someone on a budget to avidly collect. With a budget in set and a place to securely house your collection, you can either turn to the internet with auctioneer and specialty websites, or turn to your local post office to make your first purchase.

When making purchases of stamps you can benefit yourself by looking up the value of a stamp before you buy with either a search in a search engine, or with a stamp collectors value guide. Either method is great for finding out how much a stamp is worth, and can lead you to make secure purchases for your used stamp collection.

Once you have a collection started you want to make sure that you keep it properly maintained with arrangement and cleaning of the stamps and the collection. When cleaning your collection you want to get rid of all dust and possible moisture from your binder housing, and make sure to rearrange your stamps in their place to assure they don't become victim to staleness.

Overall starting a used stamp collection is a relatively simple and inexpensive process that nearly any adult or child can accomplish. Start with the purchase of a place to keep the stamps, keep the stamp keeper in a safe place, and then begin filling your keeper with purchased stamps and watch your collection grow with each purchase. Maintaining a clean collection and keeping the stamps away from possible harm, and there you have it, a simple way to start a used stamp collection.

Photo Credits: evil nickname

Originally posted 2010-08-31 03:24:26.

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Stamp Exhibit

Stamp collecting is fun for beginners and collectors alike, and going to a stamp exhibit can spark a new interest in the art of stamp collecting. At an exhibit you can view exhibits from other collectors, buy stamps and trinkets to add to your collection and network with other collectors and collaborate.

Attending a Stamp Exhibit

Attending a stamp exhibit is an excellent way to introduce you to the world of stamp collecting and shop the mall of stamp emporiums. Hard to find stamps can be found, discounted supplies, rare and out of date stamps from different themes and time periods. The first thing you want to do when attending a show is to go to the registration table and pick up whatever they have, a schedule of events, souvenir cards etc. The schedule shows schedule of events, meetings, exhibit titles, and vendors. This will come in handy when you’re walking around to different locations. Also while at registration ask to put your name on a mailing list this way you can be informed of all upcoming events and shows in your area.

Types of Exhibits

There are so many types of exhibits at a stamp show, that it takes all day to drink it all in. There are traditional exhibits where the stamps tell a story about the history of a stamp or stamp series, the artwork, production and usage of the stamp. There are divisional exhibits that may deal with postal stationary, documents, illustrated mail etc. There are also single frame and youth exhibits. A single frame exhibit usually involves one frame that consists of up to 16 pages of one stamp type. Then there is the youth exhibits which may consist of one or multiple frames of any division type.

Conclusion

There are stamp exhibits that take place just about every week all around the country and they are filed with curious consumers, collectors and enthusiast from all around the world. Attending a Stamp exhibit is a great way for beginners and experienced alike to meet mingle and purchase rare stamps and stamps that cannot be found anywhere else. These shows offer a smorgasbord of stamps for the most avid collector and it is a treat for the eyes, the soul and the pocket. There are so many deals to be found and sites to see that anyone that goes should have an adventurous time. So go and enjoy yourself.

Photo Credits: by fusion-of-horizons

Originally posted 2010-08-23 03:41:27.

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