What Kinds Of Stamps Go Up In Value?
There are generally four things that determine any stamp's value: the condition of the stamp, the market, how rare it is, if it's been used, and any current buying trends in the industry. Remember, old doesn't mean valuable. Old stamps in particular may have lost color or illustrate other types of wear (which takes us back to condition). Unused old stamps tend to be very rare until the idea of collecting them seriously really took hold (around the 1920s, at which point collectors watched for block flaws that might make their gathering unique).
Sometimes unusually shaped stamps garner good appreciation. However, beware of stamps from the 1930s. For some reason there was a glut of over-production that
is left most stamps (even mint condition) at face value. In fact, some collectors have taken to using them for postage simply because they're easy to get and show little signs of improving their worth. The only items that have appreciated are souvenir sheets and those with errors in the print run. Used stamps are more valuable if they're still on the original envelope.
The truth is that many people collect stamps more as a hobby to enjoy a slice of life than for financial gain, which is good since the majority of stamps are not worth any more than their face value. If you're wanting a collection that has value, you'll probably have to invest more than the average collector and also educate yourself on stamp values using guides like Scott's Catalogue (somewhat of a Bible for stamp collectors). Bear in mind as you collect that what you pay for a stamp and how much you may be able to sell it for in the future is iffy. This market, like many others, is subject to the whim of buyers. Certain themes appear that are popular one year, and dropped the next that means value can waiver. If you think of this like long-term investing it's best. Don't look at the changing values from day to day or month to month but look years down the road knowing that you have a personal or family treasure no matter the end value.
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