China Rare Stamps Investments - Mao’s Leap of Faith:

As part of our contuing series on luxury investments and “door openers” with clients, Keith Heddle of Stanley Gibbons gives us investment insight into the Chinese rare stamp market:

The Great Leap Forward took place in 1958. This was Chairman Mao’s attempt to modernise China’s economy so that in 30 years, it would have an economy to rival that of America.

Mao had toured China and concluded that the Chinese people were capable of anything and looking at the strength of the Chinese economy today, he wasn’t far wrong.

The story of the Chinese rare stamp market is another ‘great leap forward’ – and yet there’s a delicious irony here.

Mao banned stamp collecting as being bourgeois – so the great leap in Chinese stamp collecting and also for rare stamps has come in recent years.

And for now, that stamp boom just keeps on going. Chinese stamps represent the biggest bull market in philately right now and the perfect momentum investment – the ‘bull in the China shop’ as Mike Hall, my CEO commented.

As you know, in investing the easiest way to make money is to ride the waves of growth. Pick your wave right and you will make money. Your risk – make sure you get out before the wave crashes.

We recently published the 9th edition of our China stamp catalogue (the only China catalogue published in English on the market) and the prices are already lagging behind auction realisations!
To get an idea of the strength of the market, here’s a historical snapshot:

SG No.	Description	Cat Nov 2006	Cat April 2012	5½ year growth %	Average annual growth %
8d	1878-83 Thick paper 3c imperf between (vert pair) used	£37,000	£110,000	287%	52%
2403a	1968 “The Whole Country Is Red” 8f. multicoloured	£12,000	£100,000	733%	133%
85	1897 Empress Dowager First printing surch. with small figures 30c. on 24ca. pale rose-red unused	£12,000	£28,000	133%	24%
38a	1897 Small figures 1c. On 1ca. inverted surcharge unused	£8,000	£38,000	375%	68%
MS2044a	1962 Mei Lan-fang 3y. miniature sheet unmounted mint	£2,250	£22,000	878%	160%
9	1865 Shanghai 2ca laid paper Cadareen unused	£6,500	£12,000	85%	15%
39e	1897 Small figures 2c.on 2ca. surcharge double unused	£6,500	£25,000	285%	52%
3	1878-83 Thin paper 5ca orange block of 4 unused	£3,000	£7,250	142%	26%
308	1918 $20 black and yellow unused	£1,800	£7,500	317%	58%
88	1897 Red Revenue 1c. on 3c. deep red block of 4 unused	£1,500	£5,250	250%	45%
MS2199a	1964 Peonies 2y miniature sheet unused	£950	£5,000	426%	78%
104a	1897 ‘Imperial Chinese Post’ 50c. error blue-green unmounted mint	£700	£5,000	614%	112%
EC182	1943 Huainan $1 on 30c. unused	£1,700	£3,000	76%	14%
33	1894 Dowager 2nd printing 24ca deep rose-red unused	£1,100	£5,000	355%	64%
1/3	1878-1883 Thin paper set of 3 unused	£925	£3,450	273%	50%
NC70/76	1943 Values in cents set of 7 to 500c unused	£1,000	£3,145	215%	39%
MS2900	1979 Study of Science from Childhood, $2 souvenir sheet unused	£700	£2,500	257%	47%
16/24	1894 Dowager 1st printing set of 9 unused	£475	£2,610	449%	82%
124b	1900-06 No watermark 2c. deep red block of 6 imperforate unused	£750	£1,500	100%	18%
2968	1980 Year of the Monkey 8f. vermillion, black & gold unused	£275	£1,600	482%	88%
73	1948-49 Taiwan $100 on $20 scarlet 7th issue unused	£700	£1,100	57%	10%
		£99,825	£378,905	280%	51%

All of these stamps are either currently available to buy from Stanley Gibbons or were recently sold by us.

The prices quoted come from third party auction prices, mainly conducted in Mainland China and Hong Kong.

The performance tracks the change in prices between November 2006 and April 2012 – 5½ years. If you had invested £100,000 in these stamps in 2006, you would expect to have a portfolio worth around £380,000 today. That’s average annual returns of 51%.

Such stellar performance in a time when most markets are sluggish at best and in the doldrums at worst, shows just how useful rare stamps can be as a means of wealth preservation as part of a truly diversified portfolio.

The key is that rare stamps are an asset class not correlated with traditional asset classes.
This is a market supported by 20 million+ collectors, many of whom are enjoying considerable, newly-earned wealth. Compare that against a total available supply in the thousands and you can see why prices must rise across the board.

But when will the wave break?

The strength of the historic performance is there for all to see. So all we need to consider is, “will this continue for the next 5 years”?

I think the term “bubble” is widely misused by financial commentators when referring to anything that represents a high growth market. There is validity in the concept though, that things can’t go up at such high rates forever…

Ultimately, prices rise in accordance with demand against the inherent supply restrictions, which exist in the stamp world.

It stands to reason that the more expensive things get, the more collectors become priced out of the market. There will come a time when only the very wealthy have the funds available to participate in the market. The fluctuating fortunes of the fine wine market in China demonstrate this clearly.
But, it is all a numbers game…

In China, there are over 20 million collectors, far more than the print runs of the stamp issues. This is in a country where wealth is rising. The Chinese elite understand the importance of “tangible assets” for prudent wealth management and protection.

And it’s not just the Chinese that are buying Chinese stamps…

“I would say presently that half of my buyers are from Mainland China and half are from outside China,” said Louis Mangin, owner of the auction house Zurich Asia.

“Many Westerners also buy Chinese stamps. It is seen as a diversification and investment into China.”

But rare stamps still trade at affordable prices and we have been careful to buy wisely in this, the most liquid stamp market in the world.

The wave may crest and break at some point in the future – but right now, it is a simple high growth market supported by huge and rising demand against severe supply restrictions.

If we believe prices are becoming unrealistic in the future or if we witness a decline in the strength of auctions, we will alert you. When this happens, it will be time to get out.

One final point.

We approached some of the biggest investors in this market. They have collections of Chinese stamps worth £millions.

Not one of them entertained the idea of selling to us. Their view was that there was nowhere better to put their cash right now. If the key players are still holding (and still buying) then we are nowhere near the crest of the wave.

Accessing the market

Many Chinese collectors don’t yet discriminate against the quality of the stamps they are buying, but, as always, we do. We believe in only buying stamps in superior condition to the norm. We are able to buy quality examples in this market at the same price poor quality examples trade for.
We expect our investors will benefit from a “quality re-rating” when the Chinese ultimately begin to appreciate the premium rarity value of quality examples.

That is on top of the underlying growth in this asset class. The recent Merrill Lynch Wealth Report states that there are around half a million Chinese millionaires, (31% more than in 2008).
According to Barclays Capital, the Chinese account for 12% of the world’s luxury goods market. The Chinese want to show off their new wealth to the world. The stamp market is just one part of this revolution.

For all your stamp collecting needs - Boscastle Supplies has stamp albums, pages, tongs, hinges, mounts and stockbooks - and we ship worldwide - just place your order online today at www.boscastlesupplies.com

Source: http://www.ifamagazine.com/news/maos-leap-of-faith/11377/

New USA stamps - Jazz master gets stamp of approvaln from USPS

ALTON - Mail is suddenly "cool" again this summer with the issuance Tuesday of a stamp celebrating the music of Alton-born jazz great Miles Davis.

The stamp issuance follows Alton Mayor Tom Hoechst's trumpeting of the news at the 2012 Miles Davis Jazz Festival that a life-sized statue of the icon would be placed in the heart of Downtown's entertainment district on Third Street.

The U.S. Postal Service issued the stamps featuring Davis and French singer Edith Piaf in a partnership with La Poste of France.

"Miles Davis was one of the great innovators in American jazz, but he was also extremely popular in France, where he performed frequently," said U.S. Postal Service Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman at the special dedication ceremony held at the Rubin Museum of Art - The Theater in New York.

"Likewise, Edith Piaf, one of France's best-loved singers, became an icon in the United States," Stroman said. "These musical greats never performed alongside each other - so the United States Postal Service and France's La Poste are now bringing them together on these new stamps.

"With our Miles Davis and Edith Piaf stamps, our goal is to encourage more people to learn about these artists and the unique form of musical diplomacy they practiced," he said. "Like the music of Miles and Edith and like the friendship between America and France, these stamps will last forever."

The stamps are sold in self-adhesive sheets of 20 that will include 10 of each design.

Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate. At the time of issuance, the Edith Piat and Miles Davis stamps are being sold at a price of 45 cents each, or $9 per sheet.

This is the first time the United States and France have jointly issued a stamp since 1989, when both countries honored the bicentennial of the French Revolution, according to the postal service.

The Miles Davis and Edith Piaf stamps also feature another historic first: a QR code is printed on the back of the stamps that can be scanned with a smart phone.

A landing page opens with an option to listen to music from Davis while viewing photographs and a timeline of the lives of both Davis and Piaf, according to the Postal Service.

"Davis epitomized 'cool' style and was one of the most important musicians of his era; the stamp art depicts him in a kinetic performance pose, suggesting his extraordinary, charismatic intensity," the postal service said.

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store website at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling (800) STAMP-24.

According to the postal service, customers should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to: Miles Davis/Edith Piaf Stamp, Postmaster, 421 Eighth Ave., Room 2029B, New York, NY 10199-9998.

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by Aug. 12.

Boscastle Supplies - has all the stamp accessories, albums and stamp supplies for your collecting needs - we ship worldwide!  check out www.boscastlesupplies.com

Read more: http://www.thetelegraph.com/articles/davis-71552-stamps-postal.html#ixzz1xn4lCHmh

Stamp Collectors eye up Jubilee stamps

Forget this weekend's Diamond Jubilee, for investors looking to make returns from stamps and other memorabilia it is Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

Investors looking to make returns from stamps and other memorabilia it is Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee – back in 1897 – that is likely to produce rich pickings.

It was during Victoria's reign that stamps, in their modern form, were introduced. The Penny Black is perhaps the most famous stamp of this period, but, because it was mass-produced and has remained a favourite with collectors, it has relatively low value.

But some stamps produced to commemorate Victoria's Jubilee are worth significantly more. Surprisingly, the British Post Office (as it was then known) did not issue any of its own stamps. However, a number of other organisations and charities did issue commemorative stamps as a means of fund-raising (although these couldn't be used for postage).

According to Stanley Gibbons, the stamp dealer, eight territories of the British Empire issued stamps to mark the occasion. One of the most collectable is the Canadian set. A full set at the time cost just over $16, but today it is likely to fetch nearer £3,000.

Part of the reason for its value is that the set had a fairly restrictive sale, not least because the cheapest stamp (priced at just half a cent) could not be bought separately. As a result they were not particularly popular at the time.

Canada wasn't the only country to issue Diamond Jubilee stamps: collectors can also pick up examples from Barbados, Mauritius, the Australian colonies (as they were then) and the Leeward Islands. The stamps from the latter were noted for using the word "sexagenary" (of 60) to mark the occasion, rather than the more commonplace "jubilee".

Interest in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee will leave many asking whether it is worth buying the commemorative stamps today, in the hope that they might increase in value in future.

But philately experts caution against this. A spokesman for Stanley Gibbons said: "These stamps make a lovely memento of the occasion, but are unlikely to produce a significant financial return, simply because they have been mass produced."

Rarity and quality are the two key factors that will drive up prices of stamps (and any other collectable). In recent years, "premium" stamps – as measured by Stanley Gibbons' GB250 Index – have proved to be a good investment, delivering average compound returns of 13.4pc over the past 10 years.

But these general trends can hide quite significant price differences between individual items: not all stamps will have risen by this amount, and many may have fallen in value.

As with other collectables, it's the top end of the market that sees the biggest price rises, because it's the rarest and highest-quality items that attract collectors.

These items are often very expensive, so investors need to have significant knowledge and enthusiasm and be sufficiently wealthy to invest in such items.

For example, this year the stamp collection of Sir Humphrey Cripps, the former Velcro chairman, was sold. It included two Post Office Mauritius "Penny Blue" stamps, which sold for £1m. This was an impressive gain, but the stamps had cost £29,000 in 1972.

For the majority of people interested in philately, stamp fairs, exhibitions and the internet remain the easiest way to start a collection. The National Philatelic Society, which runs its own website (ukphilately.org.uk), suggests starting to collect "thematically". Unless you find a very rare and valuable single stamp, collections are likely to have greater value.

The current celebrations could be a good place to start, with other stamps marking royal births, marriages and jubilees. Some people build collections around personal interests, such as sports, animals or aeroplanes.

"Make friends with the dealers – more are specialising in thematic items and are keen to help you find the more elusive material," the website advises.

Characteristics to prize include stamps without a perforated edge. Perforations did not appear until 1854, before which stamps were cut from their sheet with scissors.

As ever, quality and condition are all. Stamps are "graded" to describe condition and value. Grades run from "superb", where the stamp is considered perfect in all respects and the finest quality, to "poor", where perforations cut into the design and the stamp itself may be torn or damaged.

"Superb", "very fine" and "fine/very fine" are worth collecting, but "fine" and "poor" are not.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/investing/9305696/Collectors-eye-up-Jubilee-stamps.html
 

Philately Glossery If you have something to add let me know and we can grow it together

A

Adhesive
A gummed stamp.

Albino
A design impression without colour.

B

Blind perforation
A perforation which has not been punched out.

Block
A group of four or more unseparated stamps.

Bogus
A spurious, pretend stamp.

Booklet
A small book containing 'panes' of stamps.

Booklet pane
A leaf or page of stamps from a booklet.

C

Cachet
A commemorative marking, usually applied by rubber stamp.

Cancellation
Any authorised defacing mark on a stamp.

Centre
The position of a stamp design within its perforations e.g. 'well centred' or 'off centre'.

Chalky paper
Stamp paper coated with a chalky solution for security purposes. Attempted removal of the postmark damages the surface of the stamp.

Charity stamp
One bearing a premium or surcharge for charitable purposes.

Coil stamp
One from a roll of stamps used in vending machines.

Coil join
A tab uniting two sections of a roll of stamps.

Commemorative
A stamp issued to mark a special anniversary or event.

Cover
A postally used envelope, letter-sheet or wrapper.

Cylinder
number Letters/numerals in sheet margins identifying printing cylinders. Normally collected in 'Cylinder block' of six stamps. (See also Plate number).

D

Die
An engraved plate for impressing designs etc. on softer metal.

Doctor blade
A steel blade which removes surplus ink from the printing cylinder in the press.

E
Error
A mistake in stamp design, printing or production.

Essay
A trial stamp design, sometimes differing from the issued stamps.

F

Face value
The denomination of a stamp, expressed on its face.

Fake
A genuine stamp doctored in some way to deceive collectors.

First Day Cover
A cover bearing stamps postmarked on their day of issue.

Flaw
A fortuitous blemish on a stamp, a printing fault.

Forgery
A fraudulent copy of a genuine postage stamp, overprint or postmark.

G

Greetings stamp
Stamp intended for use on birthday or other greetings mail.

Gum Mucilage
on the back of adhesive stamps. Not 'glue'.

Gutter
The narrow space between stamps in the sheet permitting perforation.

Gutter margin
The blank margins dividing a sheet of stamps into panes.

H

Handstamp
A postmark or overprint applied by hand.

I

Imperforate
Stamps printed and issued without perforations, deliberately or in error.

Imprint
The name of the printer or issuing authority inscribed on the stamps or in the sheet margins.

Imprinted stamps
Stamps other than adhesives, printed direct on postal stationery items (postcards, envelopes etc).
Invert

The central design ('vignette') or portion of a stamp printed upside-down in relation to the frame, or vice versa.

J

K

L

Line perforation
Perforation of a sheet of stamps by a single line or row of holes - the simplest form of perforation.

Local
A stamp with geographical limits of postal use and validity.

M

Machin
The name given to G.B. definitives, first issued in 1967 bearing the Queen's head designed by Arnold Machin.

Margin
The unprinted edging surrounding or dividing a sheet of stamps. See also 'Gutter margin'.

Miniature sheet
A small sheet of one or several stamps, usually with a decorative margins, issued as a souvenir for collectors.

Mint
A stamp in it's original pristine state, with full gum (if so issued), when it is said to have it's 'original gum' ('O.G') 'Unmounted mint' stamps have not been hinged. Also see 'Unused' .

N

O

Obsolete
A stamp no longer sold by a post office though may still be valid for postage.

Overprint
A printed addition to a stamp. Also see 'Surcharge'.

P

Pair
Two unseparated stamps, joined as originally issued.

Pane
A formation or group of stamps within the sheet. Also see 'Booklet pane'

Perforations
Holes punched between stamps in sheets to enable easy separation.

Phosphor stamps
Stamps overprinted or coated with phosphorescent materials recognised by high technology letter sorting machinery.

Plate number
Letters/numerals in sheet margins identifying printing plates. (See also Cylinder number).

Postmark
Any mark cancelling the stamp and recording an item's passage through the mails.

Proof
A trial impression taken from an original die or printing plate.

Provisional
A stamp, usually overprinted or surcharged, issued for temporary use.

Q

R

Remainders
Stamps remaining in official stocks after becoming obsolete.

Reprints
Stamps printed anew after being withdrawn. The printing of additional supplies of current stamps is best described as 'new printings'.

Roulette
Stamps separated by a series of cuts instead of perforations.

S

Self-adhesive
Gummed stamps (with protective backing) which do not require moistening.

Se-tenant
Stamps of different design or face value etc. joined together.

Specimen
Sample stamp usually with 'specimen' overprinted or perforated on it.

Strip
Three or more stamps joined in a row.

Surcharge
An overprint which specifically changes a stamp's face value.

T

Tête-bêche
A stamp inverted in relation to the adjoining stamp in a pair.

U

Unused
An uncancelled stamp, not necessarily 'mint'.

Used
A stamp which has been postally used and appropriately postmarked.

Used abroad
Stamps of one country used and postmarked in another.

V

Variety
A stamp differing in some detail from the normal issue.

W

Watermark
A distinctive device or emblem in stamps, formed by 'thinning of the paper during production. A watermark is normally viewed through the front of the stamp.

X

Y

Z

Malta Post commemorates two International artists

The Philatelic Bureau of MaltaPost p.l.c. will issue on 23 March 2012, a philatelic commemorative set of five stamps to commemorate two international renowned artists; Henry Mayo Bateman (1887 - 1970) and Edward Lear (1812 -1888) who both visited and painted scenes of Malta and Gozo.

The set of five stamps which are reproductions of the original artworks of the artists, feature views of Marsalforn, Qala, Ghajnsielem, the Gran Fontana and the Inquisitor’s Palace in the valley of Girgenti.

500,000 stamps carry a face value of €0.20, 60,000 stamps carry a face value of €0.67 and 40,000 stamps each with the following denominations; €0.26, €0.37 and €0.97. The stamps measure 44.0mm x 31.0mm with a perforation of 13.9 x 14.0 (comb). All stamps have been offset printed on Maltese Crosses watermarked paper by Printex Limited and are available in sheets of 10.

The set will be available as from Friday 23 March. Orders may be placed online at www.maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Triq Hal Qormi, Marsa, MTP 1001 - Telephone 2596 1740 - e-mail: info@maltaphilately.com

Quality Stamp Collecting Supplies From Boscastle Supplies

Read more for further information here.

Stanley Gibbons expand into Rare Coins to benefit investors

PRESS RELEASE 22 March 2012 

As investors worldwide seek to diversify to protect their portfolios, The Stanley Gibbons Group plc launches a ‘Collectibles Growth Plan’; adding rare coins and historic medals to their offering of some of the world’s most historically stable assets*

Rare stamp and prestige collectibles company, The Stanley Gibbons Group plc, has expanded its offering of premium stamps and signatures to include rare coins and medals; combining these alternative assets to offer a ‘Collectibles Growth Plan’ for investors seeking security through diversification.

“Due to the development of the rare stamp and rare coin markets over decades as both trophy collectibles and stable investment vehicles, the track record of these tangible asset classes is unparalleled in terms of their stability and steady growth” said Investment Director, Keith Heddle.

Price data for the rare stamp market has been published by the Group since 1880, providing a transparency unrivalled by other alternative asset classes. This data has been available to investors on Bloomberg Professional service since 2008 and has shown steady, unrelenting growth. The Group aims to publish further indices this year to aid investors.

“The prestige collectibles we deal in are not correlated with other mainstream asset classes and they certainly proved their worth in the meltdown of 2008, when their value rose whilst others crashed.” continued Heddle. “History demonstrates that they are almost completely unaffected by market swings and the volatility of other asset classes.”

With compound annual growth figures of between 8% and 13%†, these rises are outstripping many other traditional forms of investing. This has prompted interest from new private investors and institutions seeking to anchor a part of their portfolios, with an increasing demand from Asia and the US.

The Group are currently finalising a Rare Coin Index, due to be launched in Q2 2012.

* Dimson, Elroy and Spaenjers, Christophe, Ex Post: The Investment Performance of Collectible Stamps (December 1, 2010). Journal of Financial Economics (JFE), Vol. 100, No. 2, 2011. Available at SSRN: ssrn.com/abstract=1444341

† Stanley Gibbons indices- available on Bloomberg Professional™ and stanleygibbons.com


ENDS

Louise Reynolds

press@stanleygibbons.com / +44 (0) 1425 481045

Bletchley Park Post Office in Great Britain Issues Specially Designed Vulcan Bomber Stamps

On April 30th 1982 Operation "Black Buck" commenced to remove Port Stanley airfield in the Falklands from effective use by occupying enemy forces. It was the only time that Vulcan bombers flew in anger. They also broke the world record at the time for the longest ever bombing mission taking 15 hours and 45 minutes to cover nearly 8000 miles.

Two of the "Black Buck" stamps are shown here.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of "Black Buck" the Vulcan to the Sky Trust has teamed up with Bletchley Park Post Office. Together they will issue a specially designed set of postage stamps for use as a collector's item and display piece. Ten Royal Mail stamps with images of the iconic bomber are set against a Falkland Islands backdrop. Descriptive text around the border provides detail on the mission and each sheet is individually numbered.

The issue is limited to 558 sheets to match the number of the only flying Vulcan XH 558. They will also be flown in the Vulcan for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Proceeds from the issue of just £35 will go towards keeping XH 558 the only flying Vulcan airborne. These unique stamp sheets are only available direct from the Vulcan to the Sky Trust or Bletchley Park Post Office and will be released to the public after 30th April 2012.

Visit www.Boscastlesupplies.com for all your stamp collecting supplies - you find the latest accessories, albums, catalogues, supplements and binders - visit now!

Source: http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Buckinghamshire/Milton-Keynes/MK1/News/Local-News/217906-Bletchley-Park-Post-Office-Issues-Specially-Designed-Vulcan-Stamps

Your Childhood Collections May Be Worth a Bundle says Stanley Gibbons

In Stanley Gibbons’ world famous London stamp shop, collectors marvel at the rare “plate 77 penny red” stamp while turmoil rages far away in the financial markets.

Since 1856, Stanley Gibbons has been buying and selling rare stamps. Its index of Britain’s 30 rarest stamps has risen by almost 70 percent over the past five years, outpacing equities and gold.

The rare plate penny 77 red, seen as the holy grail of stamps from Great Britain, costs nearly $900,000 – a sizeable investment and one that an increasing number of investors are considering as an alternatives to today’s unstable markets.

“We’ve got more and more prestige collectors. More and more investors coming into the market, not just in the UK, the US and Europe, but the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) economies, and that has therefore created more of a demand for it,” Keith Heddle, Investment Director at Stanley Gibbons told CNBC.

“It has also attracted interest from some “very, very envious individual collectors,” he said.

Paul Fraser of Paul Fraser Collectibles, which invests in memorabilia and investment-grade collectibles, said collections from China in particular had appreciated spectacularly.

“China has changed dramatically,” he said.

“Twenty years ago we had a client who spent about a million pounds on Chinese stamps. And at a time when nobody was collecting it, he sold his collection in the late 90s for over 10 million pounds. And if he had it today, that collection would probably sell for 25 to 30 million (pounds),” Fraser said.

Condition and rarity is paramount when buying investment grade stamps.

But this is not an asset class where investors will get quick returns.

“Stamps tend to move very very slowly, Heddle, said describing it as “determined, slow and steady.”

If superheroes conjure up happier memories than those of your stamp collection, the market for collecting comic books could offer solace.

“Vintage comic books have definitely appreciated over the last 30, 40, 50 years. You never see the best of the best going down in value,” Vincent Zurzolo, COO of vintage comic book auction website ComicConnect.com said.

The popularity of the character, the scarcity and the grade of the comic book all determine what makes a comic book collectible.

An early Superman comic book just sold for $63,000, Zurzolo said. Superman made his first appearance June 1938, with an original price tag of 10 cents. Last year that edition sold for over $2 million, making it the most expensive comic book ever.

“Customers range from the average Joe in the street to politicians, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, billionaires, celebrities,” Zurzolo said.

Investors should think about diversifying their portfolio, he said, and if the comic book is restored, make sure it comes with a guarantee from a reputable dealer.

Stamp Accessories, Albums and Supplies from www.boscastlesupplies.com

Source: http://www.cnbc.com/id/46637274

Blue Moon to sell signed Mercury stamp sheet March 6

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Tuesday, March 6, Blue Moon Coins Inc. premieres for the first time on LiveAuctioneers, offering 541 lots that will feature a rare Project Mercury Stamp Sheet signed by the Mercury Seven astronauts, Franklin Mint History of Flight Sterling collection, national currency, rare coins, huge 90 percent silver coin lots, Norman Rockwell Fondest Memories, flatware and other exciting collectible items.

LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding. The auction will begin at 8 a.m. Pacific
Blue Moon Coins’ auction will feature lot 310, a rare Project Mercury Stamp sheet that is signed in two different places by each of the original astronauts. This was brought to the auctioneer by the son of a captain in the Navy who was working on top-secret missile technology with Lawrence Livermore Laboratories and was invited to a signing event when he was working at Cape Canaveral in 1962.

Mercury Seven was the group of seven Mercury astronauts selected by NASA on April 9, 1959. They are also referred to as the Original Seven and Astronaut Group 1. This was the only astronaut group with members that flew on all classes of NASA manned orbital spacecraft of the 20th century — Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle. These seven original American astronauts were Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper and Deke Slayton.

Sterling to be offered includes lot 303, a rare Disney Limited edition 12-piece sterling silver medals set that was manufactured by the Kirk silver company. The set is in excellent condition with its original display box. Each medal is signed and numbered on the rim. The lot consists of Bambi, Peter Pan, Donald Duck, Dumbo, Dopey, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Minnie Mouse, Goofey, Alice in Wonderland, Pluto and Mickey Mouse.

Lot 304 is a Franklin Mint History of Flight 100 sterling silver coins commemorating the aviation. This book weighs a whopping 17.1 pounds. Lot 527 is 121 ounces of Vintage State Sterling bars, 57 bars total (some duplicates). Each of the bars is marked sterling on the side and commemorates the state and its seal.

Rare currency to be offered includes a 1781 Virginia Colonial Note, $1,000; 1781 Virginia Colonial Note, $1,500 PMG VG8; $5 1857 Citizen’s Bank of Shreveport, Louisiana.

Huge 90 percent silver lots being offered include 250 pre-'65 90percent silver U.S. dimes, 400 proof 90 percent silver Washington quarters, 55 special proof 90 percent silver half dollars pre-'65.

Bullion will be offered. Lot 322 is a (1) 2011 American Silver Eagle 25th anniversary set, all NGC MS69/PF69 early releases. Each set contains the five special 25th Anniversary American Silver Eagles Early Releases graded by NGC. There will be (1) 2011 coin with no mint Mark MS69, (1) 2011-S MS69, (1) 2011-W MS69, (1) 2011-P PF69, which is a special proof coin that has an entirely different manufacturing process, the result of which gives a reflective mirror like surfaces over white frosty features, and (1) 2011-W PF69 Ultra Cameo, which has a special finish known as a Reverse Proof, highly coveted among collectors and investors alike.

Also included in the listing is the original box, paperwork and the empty plastic capsules that the coins came in before they were graded. Lot 323 will be (1) 2006 $1 American Silver Eagle PCGS Certified MS70. While there are 70s in quantity, there are also truly perfect masterpieces with no milky spots. The auctioneer was disappointed on behalf of the consignor that PCGS certified only 10 coins MS70 on their submission. In late October, according to PCGS population report, the Non-First Strike 2006 is rarer then the First Strike. The PCGS reports that only 281 coins reached the lofty grade of 2006 Silver Eagle MS70. The auctioneer guarantees these coins to be free of milky spots.

There are many more coins to choose from. Everything from Flying Eagle Cents, Indian Heads, Buffalo Nickels, Morgan and Peace Dollars, Seated Liberties, $2 1/2 Gold Indians, $2 1/2 Gold Liberty, $5 Gold Liberty, Fractional Gold 1864 Liberty and many more.


Read more: http://acn.liveauctioneers.com/index.php/auctions/upcoming-auctions/6733-blue-moon-coins-inc#ixzz1oFQmIvYm

The holy grail of stamp collecting': Penny Red with rare imperfections set to sell for £550,000 at auction

One of the rarest and most sought after stamps ever produced is up for sale and expected to fetch over half a million pounds.

The plate 77 Penny Red has been dubbed the ‘Holy Grail of philately’ and is one of just nine examples of the stamp ever recorded.

Although millions of Penny Reds were printed between 1841 and 1879, a number of plates were never used due to technical faults.

The extremely rare used penny red stamp (left) from 'plate 77' compared with a regular four penny red (right). The stamp is expected to fetch over half a million pounds

Flaws in plate number 77 meant the stamp’s perforations were lined up incorrectly, so all of the test sheets were destroyed.

But at least one sheet was released into circulation by mistake - making the 77 every stamp collector’s dream.

Dealer Stanley Gibbons heralds it as the 'most valuable single stamp' the company has ever had for sale in their 156 year history, with a value of around £550,000.

Collectors worldwide religiously check every Penny Red they come across to see if it is a real example of the 'philatelic Holy Grail'.

Spokesman Vince Cordell said: 'This example has graced some of the finest stamp collections ever formed and is not only a magnificent exhibition piece but one of the great rarities of Great Britain and world philately.

'To date, four mint and five used examples have been reported, although some have not been seen for so long their authenticity is unconfirmed and often doubted.'

Of the mint examples, there is one in the Royal Philatelic collection, one in the Tapling collection in the British Library, one in the Raphael collection that was stolen in 1965 and has not been seen since, and the fourth was in the Ferrary collection sold in the 1920s.

WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE STAMPS

In 2010, the Treskilling Yellow made the record for the most expensive stamp ever sold. It was thought the Swedish rectangular treasure went for £1.6million, though it has never been confirmed.

The world's most valuable object by weight, the first owner is said to have been a Swedish schoolboy, who found it in 1885 among a pile of letters left by his grandparents.

The Treskilling Yellow is 'one of about a half dozen highly notorious stamps in the world,' according to noted U.S. stamp expert Robert Odenweller.

Others include the 1856 British Guiana 1 cent Magenta which has been locked away in a vault since 1980 when it was bought for nearly one million US dollars by chemicals fortune heir John du Pont.

Another is the 2 Penny Post Office Mauritius Blue that sold for £970,000 in 1993.

The used examples include two found in the early 20th Century that were damaged and have not been seen for more than 50 years, one that was lost in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and one in the Adams collection - now in the British Library.

The fifth example is the one for sale by Guernsey company Stanley Gibbons, which it said was “realistically the only one that will ever be available on the open market”.

It is on a piece of envelope to the left of a common 4d red stamp and has a post mark bearing the number 15.

The plate 77 Penny Red is on sale through their website now, and is being stored at the company’s high security vault in London.

Quality Stamp Albums, including the Stanley Gibbons brand are available from Boscastle Supplies - www.boscastlesupplies

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2101520/Penny-Red-rare-imperfections-set-sell-550-000-auction.html#ixzz1mkkuiytC

Students can learn from stamps and coins

It is often said that students should cultivate good hobbies and engage themselves in creative activities. But, there are very few instances where they are encouraged to do so by examples.

However, in Kannamangala Government Higher Primary School of Shidlaghatta taluk various activities are undertaken to encourage children. Recently and exhibition of stamps, coins and thematic pictures was held to kindle the imagination of the students.

Stamps on the themes of environment protection, childrens’ art, education, world peace and biodiversity were displayed here. Also displayed were currency notes and coins of India and other countries. A series of rare pictures of statesman and engineer Sir M Visvesvaraya, Rashtrakavi Kuvempu and Kannada actor Rajkumar were the highlight of the exhibition.

Numismatist and philatelist M R Prabhakar gave guidance to the students on the hobby of collecting stamps thematically and how one can exhibit stamps at state, national and international level and win prizes. He also explained how to collect currency notes and coins of various counties and display the same. He described various ways in which pictures can be collected on a particular theme.

Prabhakar also released “Kanasu-nanasu”, written and edited by the students. “We got the opportunity to see stamps, coins and currency notes which we had never seen before. We also understood that we too can collect stamps and coins. Henceforth I too will start collecting stamps”, said R Varsha, a sixth standard students.

M R Prabhakara, who is a native of Melur village of Shidlaghatta taluk, is the organising Secretary of Karnataka Rural Philatelic Association (KRPA). He has conducted over 10,000 exhibitions in India and abroad.

"We try to encourage students to collect stamps. If they get motivated enough to take up stamp collection as a hobby, we feel contented," says Prabhakar.

His philately exhibitions have also been theme-based, revolving around agriculture, Mahatma Gandhi, ecology and health. He is the recipient of over six international awards and has a collection of over sixty thousand stamps with forty themes.

Inspired by a stamp exhibition in his village way back in 1976, Prabhakara held his first exhibition in 1978 and since then there has been no looking back. His team increased over the years, with philatelic enthusiasts from all over the state coming together.  

Stamp Collecting Supplies and kids starter kits are available from www.boscastlesupplies.com


Source http://www.deccanherald.com/content/226210/students-here-learn-stamps-coins.html

New USPS postage stamp prices to take effect Sunday

In October the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced it would raise the price of postage stamps to 45-cents, a penny increase, to take effect in the new year. On Sunday that increase comes into effect.

Not long after its press release was issued which outlined the plan to increase the prices of stamps and other delivery services, the USPS price increases were approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission.

The time to see the postage increase has come. Effective on Sunday, Jan. 22, Forever stamps will now cost 45-cents, bringing a book of 20 stamps to cost $9.00. Additional ounces will remain at 20-cents per extra ounce.

Consumers can expect to see a few other changes in the USPS price structure. There will be an increase of 2-cents for First Class Flats (1 oz) which will increase from 88-cents to 90-cents. Postcard rates will increase by 3-cents and will now be priced at 32-cents to mail a postcard.

Priority and Express mailing also sees some price adjustments. Priority Mail rates increase by approximately 3 percent and will start at $5.15. Express Mail delivery rates will rise an average of 4.4 percent, services starting at $12.95. Other changes include Parcel Post rates starting at $5.20 instead of the former $5.10 and Media rates increase from $2.41 to $2.47.

Other changes that can be expected are international mail prices. Letters to Canada or Mexico will increase 5-cents to 85-cents per one ounce letter, and letters going to other international locations will see a 7-cent increase to $1.05.

Forever stamps which were purchased by consumers prior to Jan. 22 are still able to be used after the new prices take effect, however the stamps in stock will be re-priced by USPS to reflect the new rates.

All your stamp collecting supplies are available at www.boscastlesupplies.com

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/318198#ixzz1k2ntOyvf

New Great Britain Postage Stamps Series to Mark Queen's Diamond Jubilee

A series of special stamps will be released throughout the year to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Royal Mail has announced.

The House of Windsor stamps will include the five monarchs from the start of the 20th century.
The Queen's portrait will feature on the final stamp in celebration of her 60th year on the throne.
Stamps to celebrate the books of Roald Dahl and Charles Dickens are also among those to be released in 2012.

Six portraits of the Queen, taken from stamps, coinage and banknotes issued during her reign, will feature on a sheet of stamps in February.

The Roald Dahl set - to be issued later this month - will celebrate his most popular most stories, such as James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox and The Twits.

The 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens will be honoured with a collection in June.
A Britons of Distinction stamp set will celebrate prominent citizens, including mathematician and Second World War code-breaker Alan Turing and composer Frederick Delius.

Other sets will feature classic locomotives of Scotland, space science, dinosaurs, comics, UK fashion and the second part of an A to Z of Britain collection.

The first of four series of stamps celebrating the London 2012 Games will go on sale on 5 January.

Boscastle Supplies stocks a full range of GB Great Britain Stamp Albums from Stanley Gibbons, Lighthouse, Lindner, Davo and SAFE - click here for more information - www.boscastlesupplies.com
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16380072

Chinese Uproar over China's 'Angry Dragon' Stamp for 2012

A Chinese postage stamp to mark the upcoming Year of the Dragon has sparked uproar among the public because the dragon is thought to look "too fierce".

One Chinese writer is quoted as saying she was "scared to death" on seeing the image of the creature with its claws, scales and bared teeth.

China Post, which produced the stamp, insists it is a perfect combination of history and modernity.

The stamp's designer says a tough image was needed for a powerful creature.

"Among everyday people, the dragon is thought to exorcise evil spirits, avert disasters and give blessings, so we need a tough image," Chen Shaohua is quoted by the China Daily as saying.

The dragon has been a symbol of Chinese imperial power for centuries.

But media figures and people posting on Chinese microblogging sites have said the image is inappropriate and too ferocious.

The controversy has not stopped people from queuing for the stamp, with many post offices reporting that the stamp sold out on the first day.

"It's worth buying. The design is pretty nice," one collector told the Associated Press news agency outside a post office in Beijing.

Among the critics of the stamp is Xu Lin, a senior editor at the official People's Daily, and an executive of the Photojournalist Society of China.

"It is justified to be unyieldingly ferocious if it is facing the outside", said Mr Xu on his Sina Weibo page, "but this stamp is supposed to be used within the country most of the time."

Mr Xu asked: "Is it suitable to be ferocious internally?"

The first set of real Chinese stamps was used in 1878 when the Qing Dynasty issued the Giant Dragon stamps.

China and Chinese expatriates around the world will usher in the Year of the Dragon on 23 January.

Boscastle Supplies stocks China Stamp Albums - www.boscastlesupplies.com

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-16422945

Report ranks Canada Post 8th in G20; USPS takes No. 1 spot followed by Japan Post

TORONTO - A British consulting firm says Canada Post has made it into the Top 10 postal services in the G20.

Oxford Strategic Consulting says Canada Post takes the No. 8 spot in its ranking of postal services in the G20 countries.

The ranking is based on postal service providers' performance over the three years from 2008-10 looking at access to services, efficiency and performance.

The U.S. Postal Service took the No. 1 spot, followed by Japan Post, Australia Post and Korea Post.
Oxford says the USPS topped the ranking due to its high operating efficiency over the three years — delivering eight times more letters per full-time delivery employee than Canada Post.

The report says the expansion of e-commerce means there is an even greater need for postal services to be fast, efficient and reliable - especially during the busy holiday season.

"People tend to think the Internet has made the postman redundant, but postal services provide the backbone for e-commerce deliveries," said report author William Scott-Jackson.

"If you could live anywhere in the world, and were sending a present to someone this
 Christmas, you'd want to be in the U.S., Japan or Australia," he added.

Here is the complete listing:

1. USPS (United States
2. Japan Post (Japan)
3. Australia Post (Australia)
4. Korea Post (South Korea)
5. Deutsche Post (Germany)
6. Royal Mail (United Kingdom)
7. La Poste (France)
8. Canada Post (Canada)
9. Correios Brazil (Brazil)
10. Russia Post (Russia)
11. Poste Italiane (Italy)
12. PTT (Turkey)
13. Correo Argentina (Argentina)
14. SP Mexicano (Mexico)
15. India Post (India)
16. Pos Indonesia (Indonesia)
17. South African PO (South Africa)
18. Saudi Post (Saudi Arabia)
19. China Post (China)


Go to www.bocastlesupplies for all your stamp collecting needs.

Canadian Stamp Collecting and Philately Shows and Bourses For 2012

JAN. 7, 2012, Moncton, NB
Moncton Stamp Fair, Royal Canadian Legion, 100 War Veterans Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission and parking, silent/live auction. Sponsor/Affiliate: Moncton Philatelic Group. For more information contact Paul, telephone 506-875-2684.

JAN. 14, 2012, Brantford, ON
Annual Show and Bourse, Woodman Community Centre, 491 Grey St. Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission and parking, Canada Post franchise, 20 dealers, silent auctions, club circuit books, door prizes, stamp exhibits, lunch counter and refreshments. Sponsor/Affiliate: Brantford Stamp Club. For more information contact Brantford Stamp Club, Box 25003 West Brant Postal Outlet, Brantford, ON N3T 6K5, telephone 519-442-3242, email shasland@kwick.com. Website: http://www.brantfordstamp.org.

JAN. 21, 2012, St. Catharines, ON
63rd Cathex, Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St. Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission and parking, lunch counter, 12 dealers, club circuit, children's (beginners) area, exhibits. Sponsor/Affiliate: St. Catharines Stamp Club. For more information contact Stuart Keeley, email stuart.keeley@sympatico.ca. Website: http://stcatharinesstampclub.ca.

FEB. 4, 2012, Moncton, NB
Moncton Stamp Fair, Royal Canadian Legion, 100 War Veterans Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission and parking, silent/live auction. Sponsor/Affiliate: Moncton Philatelic Group. For more information contact Paul, telephone 506-875-2684.

FEB. 4, 2012, Brampton, ON
Bramalea Stamp Club Annual Show & Bourse, Judith Nyman Secondary School - Cafeteria, 1305 Williams Parkway, Between Bramalea Road and Dixie. Hours: 09:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Featuring 10 dealers, exhibits, table auctions, youth table with free stamps for beginners, club circuit books, refreshments, free admission, free parking. Sponsor/Affiliate: Bramalea Stamp Club, GRVPA, GTAPA. For more information, visit our website or Facebook page "Bramalea Stamp Club". Contact b62hkg@yahoo.ca or Bob Thorne,telephone 905-792-3526. Website: http://www.bramaleastampclub.com.

FEB. 18, 2012, Niagara Falls, ON
NIPEX 2012, Stamford Lions Club Hall, 3846 Portage Rd. Sponsor/Affiliate: Niagara Philatelic Society. For more information contact Ed Yonelinas, telephone 905-262-5127, email mastamps@computan.com.

FEB. 25, 2012, Ajax, ON
Apex 2012, Ajax Community Centre, 75 Centennial Rd. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission and parking, 17 dealers, youth booth, door prizes. Sponsor/Affiliate: The Ajax Philatelic Society. For more information contact donaldbeaumont@yahoo.com.

MARCH 3, 2012, Moncton, NB
Moncton Stamp Fair, Royal Canadian Legion, 100 War Veterans Ave. Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission and parking, silent/live auction. Sponsor/Affiliate: Moncton Philatelic Group. For more information contact Paul, telephone 506-875-2684.

MARCH 10, 2012, Windsor, ON
WINPEX 2012, Caboto Club, 2175 Parent Avenue at Tecumseh,. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission, free parking, door prizes. This is a new larger location for the show. Sponsor/Affiliate: Essex County Stamp Club. For more information contact Brian Cutler, email brian@clwindsor.org, telephone 519-966-2276. Website: http://www.essexcountystampclub.com.

MARCH 17, 2012, Woodstock, ON
OXPEX/OTEX 2012, John Knox Christian School, 800 Juliana Dr. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. snack and lunch counter; 16 dealers; Canada Post; free parking, entry and admission; youth area; circuit books; prize draws; and many exhibits. Sponsor/Affiliate: Oxford Philatelic Society. For more information contact Ron Wilton, for entry forms and regulations,email rwilton@oxford.net. Website: http://www.oxfordphilsoc.com.

MARCH 30 - APRIL 1, 2012, Dorval, QC
Annual Exhibition, Sarto Desnoyers Community Centre, 1335 Lakeshore. Hours: Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bourse, meetings, seminars, door prizes, souvenir cards, show cancels, free stamps for juniors, free admission and parking. Food service available. Sponsor/Affiliate: Lakeshore Stamp Club. For more information contact 514-426-0432, email gmisener@sympatico.ca.

APRIL 7, 2012, London, ON
Lonpex 120, Churchill Ballroom at the Ramada Inn, 817 Exeter Rd. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Featuring 12 dealers plus club sales circuit, prize draws, free admission and parking. Sponsor/Affiliate: London Philatelic Society. For more information contact Don Slaughter, telephone 519-472-0206, email donslau@execulink.com. Website: http://londonphilatelicsociety.com/.

APRIL 7, 2012, Moncton, NB
Moncton Stamp Fair, Royal Canadian Legion, 100 War Veterans Ave. Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission and parking, silent/live auction. Sponsor/Affiliate: Moncton Philatelic Group. For more information contact Paul, telephone 506-875-2684.

MAY 5, 2012, Moncton, NB
Moncton Stamp Fair, Royal Canadian Legion, 100 War Veterans Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission and parking, silent/live auction. Sponsor/Affiliate: Moncton Philatelic Group. For more information contact Paul, telephone 506-875-2684.

JUNE 1 - 3, 2012, Edmonton, AB
Royal 2012 Royale, West Edmonton Mall. Event commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Edmonton Stamp Club and the 125th anniversary of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada. Exhibit of Sam Steele archival material in Court of Honour. Sponsor/Affiliate: Edmonton Stamp Club and RPSC. For more information go to www.edmontonstampclub.com.

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 2, 2012, Calgary, AB
BNAPEX 2012, Hyatt Hotel Downtown Calgary. Hours: Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.to 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dealer bourse, national and regional level exhibits, study group meetings. Open to the public. Sponsor/Affiliate: British North America Philatelic Society (BNAPS) and Calgary Philatelic Society (CPS). For more information contact Dave Bartlet, email BNAPEX2012@shaw.ca. Website: http://www.bnaps.org.

SEPT. 29, 2012, Owen Sound, ON
Owen Sound Stamp Show, Owen Sound Royal Canadian Legion, 1450 2nd Ave W. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission. Sponsor/Affiliate: Owen Sound Stamp Club. For more information contact Phil Visser, telephne 519-376-6760, email psvisser@hurontel.on.ca.

Philately new hobby of smart Indian investors - Collect India Stamps

CHENNAI: Imagine your nearby post office making crores out of stamps. If you find that unbelievable, sample this. The philately division of the Chennai city region postal department did a business of Rs 1 crore last year.

"Stamps are an esoteric form of investment," says M S Ramanujan, post master general of the region. It's not surprising that the evolved Indian investor finds stamp collection not just a hobby, but a way to make money when other asset classes offer volatile returns.

According to Madanchand Darda, a veteran collector of stamps, it is a very stable investment. "The minimum appreciation you will get on a rare stamp is 15-20% every year, going by the standard stamp catalogues," he says. "There is very little chance of losing money."

 

 

 

A stamp catalogue is a list of postage stamp types with descriptions and prices, updated periodically. The commonly used catalogues in India are Stanley & and Phila India. "Beginning 2010, Stanley and Gibbons has been bringing out a catalogue covering India. Earlier, India was included under their Commonwealth catalogue," says Darda.

N Seshadri, a philatelist from Chennai who has his name in the Limca Book of Records for having a collection of 1.62 lakh commemorative, used stamps of one particular design from different countries, puts the appreciation per annum at 5%. "The stamps are exchanged going by either the catalogue value or the face value. In case of new stamps, the face value method is used while for old stamps, catalogue values are used."

To sell or buy stamps, you can go through the traditional route of dealers you trust or you can take advantage of some of the auction houses that are coming up-for instance, in Lucknow and Kolkata. Auction houses charge a commission.

The value of stamps vary and some of the expensive ones can cost lakhs. A penny black stamp, which is the world's first adhesive postage stamp (issued by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on May 1, 1840), would fetch between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 4 lakh.

"The stamps issued by the British before independence command a great premium," says Darda. "I know of a collection of 1,000 such stamps whose value is estimated to be in the range of Rs 2-4 crore."

Stamps depicting Mahatma Gandhi fetch a great value since collectors all over the world vie for it. A 1948 Rs 10 Mahatma Gandhi stamp is worth around Rs 12,000 in the current market, making it one of the most valuable in the post-independence era stamps category.

Apart from old and rare stamps and limited edition sets, stamps that have some quirk associated with them such as printing errors command greater values as some sets would have been printed before being recalled. For instance, in 1994 India Post had issued a block of 4 sets of stamps of Indian water birds for Rs 26. It was subsequently withdrawn along with another issue called 'Begum Akhtar' for Rs 2 since they had used soluble ink during printing. Today, the water birds collection goes for Rs 3,500 each and a Begum Akhtar's stamp is valued at Rs 800.

Stamps of countries which no longer exist or have undergone a name change, like Sri Lanka from Ceylon, command a good value. Also, philatelists are moving from country-based collection to thematic collections like birds, celebrities, aeroplanes and railway stations.

Of course, stamps have to be in good condition to fetch good values. "Preserving stamps is an expensive activity. Special mounts, imported from Germany, are needed. Good quality albums are costly too," says Darda. The tropical weather of India with high humidity is not helpful either.

"That is why some prefer collecting coins as it is possible to clean them," says Seshadri.

For long, the image of an Indian philatelist was a middle-aged or a grey-haired individual who had built his collection over the years. However, of late, young collectors are getting drawn into the world of postage. "A lot of IT professionals and others who are drawing huge salaries are now collecting stamps for investment," says G Balakrishna Das, president, South India Philatelists' Association. The association that has over 650 members is organizing a three-day stamp exhibition in Chennai from October 7-9.

The Chennai city region comprises 2,500 post offices. It has over 2,500 philately holders or members and has released 26 stamp issues based on themes this year. It would be releasing another 12 over the next six months. Darda says he has been introducing almost 500 people to philately every year in Chennai.

Seshadri rates Kolkata as the most important philatelic destination of the country, before Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai. Kolkata houses a number of valuable stamps from the British era and is also a leader in publishing literature surrounding philately.

 

Boscastle Supplies carries a full range of stamp collecting accessories, Stamp Albums, FDC albums and supplies - just contact - www.boscastlesupplies.com

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/indiabusiness/Philately-new-hobby-of-smart-Indian-investors/articleshow/9277380.cms

Not licked yet - Is stamp collecting becoming less popular?

Philately, or stamp collecting, has fallen out of fashion in recent years, but Internet-driven changes in the market give devotees hope for the hobby's future

Imagine a hobby that enhances your appreciation of art, expands your knowledge of history, geography and politics, helps you gain and strengthen organizational skills and provides opportunities for socializing.

Would it be wise to embrace such a hobby as you head into your golden years? You bet your bottom silver dollar it would, say avid coin collectors.

Appealing to all

Coin collecting is a terrific hobby for both older and younger people because it involves one's intellect, says Gilles Bransbourg, assistant curator of Roman coins at The American Numismatic Society in New York City, a museum and research institute devoted to the study of coins and currency. "Being intellectually active is a good thing, whether you're 30 or 70," he asserts.

David L. Ganz started collecting coins 50 years ago, when he was 10. He hasn't stopped since. "I collect coins because the hobby informs me about history, military history, government, political regimes, economies and religion," says the New York City attorney. "You can learn about how civilizations begin, expand, become empires and decline . . . It's been the hobby of a lifetime."

Mike Fuljenz, a Beaumont, Texas coin dealer, reports that coins are like "history in your hands. Coins in ancient times were like a newspaper, telling about who was in power, and whether the ruler was peaceful or a warmonger based on the design symbolism. For example, arrows (on coins) indicated war, while olive branches were a sign of a desire for peace."

Long-time Chicago broadcaster Donn Pearlman, now a spokesman for the Professional Numismatists Guild, a non-profit organization comprised of the country's top rare coin and paper money dealers, reports that every coin ever stamped has a fascinating story to tell about people, places and events.

"When collectors look into the historical significance of any coin, rare or common, they learn about the reasons certain individuals or symbols are depicted on the money, the economy of the times and even geography and art," he adds.

"You're never too old to learn, and coin collecting is an enjoyable way to learn about the history of the United States and the world," he adds.

Benefits of collecting

Coin collectors also experience both pride of ownership and personal accomplishment, says Pearlman. Acquiring a desired coin, whether by purchasing the coin or finding it in circulation, can foster a strong sense of pride.

And completing a set of coins, whether a modest Lincoln cents set or the 12 Caesars of ancient Rome, can be truly rewarding, Pearlman reports.

There is also a social component to coin collecting that can be highly beneficial for older adults. "Older people may enjoy the camaraderie of a club," Fuljenz says. "I'm a former coin club president, and many older members enjoyed sharing experiences and stories at those monthly meetings."

For his part, Pearlman reports as a result of long-time attendance at local coin club meetings and national coin conventions, he has forged decades-long friendships with people not just in the U.S., but from Great Britain to Australia.

For older adults, hobbies such as coin collecting can contribute to healthy aging, says Julie Bach, assistant professor of social work and chair of the gerontology certificate program at Dominican University in River Forest.

Bach says those who age successfully maintain high cognitive functioning that is enhanced by collecting, studying and organizing, she says. "The other model of successful aging is continuing engagement with life. If they're going to places where coin collectors gather, that's getting older people out and sharing ideas."

Getting started

You needn't be wealthy to start a coin collection, Pearlman reports. It's possible to start simply by assembling a set of popular 50-state commemorative quarter dollar designs issued for circulation from 1998 or 2008, or the current "America the Beautiful" designs.

"Some people who first started collecting coins from circulation expanded their collections by purchasing from dealers examples of earlier U.S. coin designs dating back to the 1790s," he adds.

"Depending on your budget, you can also enjoy assembling a set of different designs and denominations of U.S. coins struck during the 20th century, from Indian head cents to Eisenhower dollars to Double Eagle $20 denomination gold coins."

Although the rise in precious metal prices has spurred some to join the hobby, Bransbourg cautions there is very little relationship between the value of rare coins and their metallic content. For instance, rare Roman gold coins contain seven or eight grams of gold, whose value would translate to $400 or $500 on today's market. But each coin itself might fetch $15,000.

"Metals prices are but one of several factors," he says. "The price of a rare coin is based on rarity, beauty, quality, condition and sometimes the message on the coin."

If you don't know coins well, it's important to know your dealer, Pearlman urges. Ask how long the dealer has been in business, and whether he or she is a member of the Professional Numismatists Guild, who must adhere to a code of ethics in buying and selling numismatic merchandise.

 

For all you stamp collecting accessories, supplies, albums and pages check out www.boscastlesupplies.com

 

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-stamp-collecting-20111119,0,4146148.story