Click on any of the questions below and get the answer.
How do I start collecting? Stamps are often described using letters and numbers, what do they mean? What are my old stamps worth?
What stamps should I buy?
Are stamps a good investment?
How do I sell my stamps?
What am I going to find at a stamp show?
How do I start collecting?
The best way to start is to collect whatever catches your eye at the post office or on envelopes, which collectors call covers. Also pick up a couple of standard reference catalogues such as Scott or Stanley Gibbons. When you are planning your collection, let your interests guide you. Most collectors specialize in issues of a particular country or time period, or collect thematically such as birds or trains. What you choose is up to you. + BACK TO TOP What stamps should I buy?
There are three basic rules to follow when buying stamps: buy what you like; buy what you can afford; and buy what you consider reasonably priced. In other words, enjoy your stamps and do not pay too much for them. Your collection should be fun and affordable. + BACK TO TOP Stamps are often described using letters and numbers, what do they mean? In most cases, the value of a stamp is determined not only by how rare it is, but also its condition, so determining the grade of a stamp is important. The following guide should help. - VF - Very Fine. Early issues may have part of the original glue (which collectors call gum) or no gum at all. Later issues have complete, undisturbed gum with no faults except hinging. The colour must appear fresh and bright with no fading. The paper must be free of all defects. The design will be well centred. The cancel is light, clear and well positioned. While not mandatory, a Circular Date Stamp is preferred with some collectors also preferring a light corner cancel leaving the design clear.
- F - Fine. The gum may be disturbed slightly due to heavy, multiple or improper hinging. The colour shows no fading, but does not appear as fresh as VF. The design has considerably less margin on one or two sides, but is clear of the perforations or the edges on imperforated issues. Any clear postmark is acceptable.
- VG - Very Good. Gum is disturbed or partially missing. Some fading of the colour is apparent. Defects such as creases or staining are present on the paper. The design touches the cut edge or perforation. A medium cancel covers more of the design than in F and not necessarily legible.
- U - Used, reasonably well centred with four visible margins.
- S - Superb, perfectly centred to the naked eye, crisp and sharp in appearance. Used versions are lightly cancelled.
- MNH - Mint, never hinged, well centred with four full margins and gum as issued.
Early stamps cancelled by a clear Circular Date Stamp that give the date and/or city of origin sometimes demand a premium, especially if the cancel date coincides with the period the stamp was available at post offices. However, a heavy cancellation significantly lowers the value of a used stamp. + BACK TO TOP Are stamps a good investment?
Yes. A well chosen, good quality stamp collection purchased at reasonable prices will appreciate in value and some people have made a lot of money buying and selling stamps. But others have lost fortunes. If you are serious about investing in philately, first spend some time learning. Most successful investors were knowledgeable collectors first. + BACK TO TOP What are my old stamps worth?
There are a number of catalogues that will help. The best place to find out is at the reference section of your local library. When in doubt, the Scott or Stanley Gibbons catalogues offer a fairly complete list of almost everything from everywhere. + BACK TO TOP How do I sell my stamps?
Usually, auctions will get you the fairest price. Dealers are also looking to buy stamps or collections. The best thing to do is take an inventory and then contact a few dealers and auctioneers to see if they are interested. If they express an interest, you will have to make arrangements to show them the stamps. If they make an offer, urge them to take all or nothing. A dealer will generally prefer to take only the desirable stamps, leaving you with the common ones that are difficult to sell. If there is a stamp show in your area, you may want to take your collections there. With a room full of dealers, you won't have to wait long for an answer. Be prepared for a shock when you get some offers. There is a significant difference between dealers' selling prices and buying prices. That's how they earn a living. Once you've got some offers, the decision is up to you. + BACK TO TOP What am I going to find at a stamp show?
Every show is different, but most of the time you will see a room full of dealers and collectors, and possibly some displays of public information or exhibits of collections. It is an excellent place to compare prices, buy or sell stamps or just look at a lot of cool stuff. Go there with your eyes and ears open and do not be afraid to ask questions.
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