- #1
Mk
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Hi there, any stamp collectors? I just received a stockbook filled with about 200 Soviet stamps dating from 1930-1991. How could I determine the value, and what should I know about stamp collecting now?
Mk said:Hi there, any stamp collectors? I just received a stockbook filled with about 200 Soviet stamps dating from 1930-1991. How could I determine the value, and what should I know about stamp collecting now?
JasonRox said:Don't lick them...
Mk said:Stamp Collecting
Mk said:Grade them? "The number?"
Ivan Seeking said::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: THAT was funny!
cyrusabdollahi said::rofl: :rofl: I second that, because somehow, I think he was serious!
Mk said:Do people actually take the stamp off of an envelope they were mailed? How do you do that??
You can easily steam them off the envelope.JasonRox said:I have no clue how to do that. I'm not a Stamp Collector. I collect coins, so naturally I see Stamp Collectors too.
Evo said:You can easily steam them off the envelope.
Soak it in water. It will lift of easily with no harm to the stamp.Mk said:Do people actually take the stamp off of an envelope they were mailed? How do you do that??
larkspur said:Soak it in water. It will lift of easily with no harm to the stamp.
Same goes for antiques, cleaning them usually lessons the value.JasonRox said:Is that good for the grade? I don't know.
You have to becareful at what you do to it. Sure it looks fine to an average person, but to a Stamp Collector that can cut the price by 80% or more!
Some people clean their coins, but I can tell. You can cut the price by 90% and I still won't buy it. I won't buy cleaned coins period. I don't even know anyone who does except possibly beginners.
Evo said:Same goes for antiques, cleaning them usually lessons the value.
I HAD an 1909 VDB S penny that the Jaws of Death ate. It was in near mint condition.
JasonRox said:Are you 100% sure about this?
Do you collect stamps?
Mk, I recommend that you do research on how to do it properly without reducing the value.
larkspur said:I used to collect stamps and my uncle was a big collector and that is what he did.
Here is a site that describes the technique:
http://www.junior-philatelists.com/soaking_stamps.htm"
http://www.junior-philatelists.com/soaking_problems.htm"
Yep, I have a number of uncirculated coins, geeze, it's been so many years since I was into coin collecting. My ex stole the silver dollar collection I had, they went back to the 1790's some were quite valuable.JasonRox said:Note: Mint condition doesn't make sense in the world of coins. We say uncirculated.
Evo said:Yep, I have a number of uncirculated coins, geeze, it's been so many years since I was into coin collecting. My ex stole the silver dollar collection I had, they went back to the 1790's some were quite valuable.
I am very upset, but nothing I can do. I can't prove it was him in a court of law.JasonRox said:WHOA! I would have freaked out!
Evo said:I am very upset, but nothing I can do. I can't prove it was him in a court of law.
We can hope.JasonRox said:We can hope for bad karma though.
Several factors contribute to the value of a stamp, including rarity, condition, age, and demand. Rare stamps that were only produced in limited quantities are typically more valuable than common ones. Stamps in mint condition, with no damage or marks, are also highly sought after by collectors. Age can also play a role, as older stamps may be more valuable due to their historical significance. Finally, demand from collectors can drive up the value of certain stamps.
The best way to determine the value of your stamps is to consult a reputable stamp catalog or price guide. These resources provide information on the current market value of various stamps. You can also get your stamps appraised by a professional stamp dealer or attend a stamp show or auction to get an idea of their value.
One common mistake that beginners make is assuming that all old stamps are valuable. While age can contribute to a stamp's value, it is not the only factor. It's important to do your research and understand the factors that determine a stamp's value before making any purchases. Another mistake to avoid is storing your stamps inappropriately, which can damage them and decrease their value. Stamps should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
First, decide on a specific area or theme for your collection, such as a particular country, time period, or subject matter. This will help you focus your efforts and build a cohesive collection. Next, invest in quality supplies for storing and organizing your stamps, such as stamp albums, stockbooks, and stamp mounts. Regularly attend stamp shows, auctions, and club meetings to learn more about stamp collecting and find new additions for your collection.
While stamp collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, it is not typically considered a profitable venture. The value of stamps can fluctuate, and it can be difficult to sell them for a profit unless you have a rare or highly sought-after stamp. However, the enjoyment and satisfaction gained from collecting stamps can make it a valuable and worthwhile pursuit for many individuals.