Stamps 101, Part 3

This article is taken from the American Philatelic Society website.  http://www.stamps.org/kids/kid_qa.htm 
 
What makes a stamp valuable and how do you determine that value?

The value of a stamp is determined by the quantity available, the demand, and its condition. Approximate values, for both mint and used items, can be obtained from a stamp catalog.

Is it better to collect canceled or mint stamps?

This is a decision that collectors must make for themselves. Canceled stamps with light markings can make a beautiful and, of course, educational collection. They also usually are less expensive to obtain. It must be noted, however, that in general mint stamps will have a greater value in later years. This is not always true. One of the most valuable stamps, the 1 cent British Guiana, is a heavily canceled stamp.

What are the rarest or most expensive stamps?

There are more than ten stamps of which only one copy is known. And while rarity is one factor in determining value, the history behind the stamp often is more important. Some of the most famous and valuable stamps include:

• 1 cent 1856 British Guiana (Sold for $935,000 in 1980)
• 1d and 2d 1847 Post Office Mauritus (1d & 2d valued at $500,000 used; 1d at $1,100,000 unused)
• Sweden 1857 3 skilling Banco Yellow (Approximately $2,000,000)
• Hawaiian Islands 1851 2 cent Missionary ($660,000 unused; $200,000 used)
• British Guiana 1851 2 Cent Cottonreel ($70,000 used)
• Western Australia 1854 4d Inverted Swan ($60,000 used)
• United States 1868 1 cent Z Grill (Sold for $935,000 in 1988)
• Canada 1851 12 pence Victoria on Laid Paper ($80,000 unused and $50,000 used)
• United States 1918 Inverted Jenny ($150,000 unused)

The above values are based on catalog values or last known sales.

Why isn't there just one stamp with all different prices?

If all stamps appeared the same, Postal clerks and customers would be more likely to confuse them. In fact for a period of years the Universal Postal Union required that stamps had to be a particular color based on the rate they paid. Another important consideration is that stamps give us an opportunity to honor our great citizens, commemorate important events in our history and encourage our citizens to do things that help our society to work well, such as register to vote, and to give blood.

Why do people collect stamps?

People collect stamps for many different reasons. Some like to learn about the designs. Others enjoy them as little art works. Still others like to try to get all the stamps of one country. But most of all, stamp collectors have fun with their stamps because no collection is ever complete, so there is always a challenge. Besides, your stamps belong to YOU, and that is a nice feeling. And, of course, stamps are one way of sharing an interest with other people -- your friends, a parent or perhaps a neighbor. Even strangers can be instant friends when they discover that they both collect stamps!

How old must a stamp be before it's worth more than face value?

A stamp becomes valuable because there are fewer copies of it than there are collectors who want it. Age of the stamp is only one factor. Also important are how many were printed and how many collectors there are. There are some stamps that are 100 years old but a billion or more were printed. They will never be rare.

How and where do you get stamp catalogs, tools, and mounts?

Most often, people get stamp supplies, catalogs and stamps from stamp dealers. Visit the dealer listing on this website or look in the yellow pages of your telephone book under "stamps" or "stamps for collectors," and call before you visit to make sure that the dealer carries the things you need. If there is no local dealer, you need to find adult collectors who can tell you where they get what they need -- usually by mail. Sometimes a member of a local stamp club (see listing on our site) will order supplies for the club members, and you can submit your order with the club order.

Why are stamps canceled?

Stamps represent money that has been paid to the Postal Service. The money that is collected from selling stamps is used to pay the expenses of transporting and delivering the mail. Once stamps have been used, the cancellation makes them into a receipt for the service that the Postal Service has given. If more service is asked for in the form of a new letter, a new stamp must be used.

Where can I put my stamps if I don't have hinges or mounts?

Without hinges or mounts it will be difficult to display your stamps in an album or on home made pages because tape or glue will damage your stamps. You could use glassine envelopes or stock cards, but stamp hinges are less expensive. Self-stick pages sold for photographs should not be used, as the stamps may be hard to remove, and when the adhesive dries, it may discolor your stamps.

If you have a design you think would make a good stamp, where do you send it for people to look at?

Stamp design ideas should be sent to:

Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
Stamp Development
US Postal Service
1735 North Lynn St., Rm 5013
Arlington, VA 22209-6432

http://www.usacoinbuyers.com/

http://www.bjstampsandcoins.com/