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Stamp Collecting (Philately)
Questions about the hobby of postage stamp collecting and those little pieces of paper that fascinate everyone from the young school child to presidents and monarchs.
2,914 Questions
Is it better or worth more to collect stamps that have been cancelled or that have not been used?
In most cases, mint stamps, those that have not been used, are worth more. In a few cases, used stamps are more valuable. Modern used stamps are typically worth very little, but there are exceptions and the most valuable stamps in the world are used.
What is the value of a 22 cent Knute Rockne stamp?
Scott #2376
This one has a bit more value then most. You can purchase it for 80 cents used and a $1.50 for a mint copy. A dealer might purchase a single copy, but you would be lucky to the 25% of the catalog value. Most used US postage stamps are worth 15 or 20 cents, the minimum amount required to catalog and stock the stamps.
Unused will always be worth at least their face value. Special cancellations and different values are likely to be worth more. Consult a postage stamp catalog, usually available at your local library for exact identification and catalog values.
How much is an H postage stamp worth?
The value of the "H" Rate First Class stamp is 33¢ as per official United States Post Office information. The "H" Rate Make Up Rate stamp is 1¢. Check for the additional wording so that you know which one you have.
What was the price of stamps in 1999?
First Class postage in the US was 29 cents from February 3rd 1991 to January 1, 1995. Prior to that it was 25 cents for the first ounce. In 1995 it was increased to 32 cents for the first ounce.
How much 2nd class large stamp?
A second class stamp in the United Kingdom costs about 27 pence ($0.44USD) at the moment. Costs for stamps continue to rise.
Cost of first class postage stamp in 2008?
As of May 18, 2008, its 34 cents. If you have those stamps that just say "First Class Postage", those are good even after price hikes, no matter the price when you paid for them. Dan
When was a postage stamp 37 cents?
The first class rate in the US has never been 17 cents. It was 15 cents until May 29, 1978. It then jumped to 18 cents. However from March 22 1981 to April 3, 1988 the second ounce of mail cost 17 cents. The second ounce was also 17 cents from May 14, 2007 to April 17, 2011.
How much is a postage stamp to Greece from UK?
98 cents is the cost of sending an ordinary letter to most overseas destinations, including Greece from the US.
To Canada the rate is only 75 cents; 79 cents to Mexico.
How much was postage in the us in 2006?
Depends on when during 2006, but for most of the year US First Class postage was 39 cents. The postage rate went from 37 to 39 cents on the 8th of January of 2006. It went to 41 cents in May of 2007.
How much did the stamp of 1869 cost?
In 1860 in the US, the cost of mail was 3 cents per 1/2 ounce for up to 3000 miles;
for over 3000 miles the price was 10 cent per 1/2 ounce.
In 1863, the distance differential was removed and the cost was 3 cent per 1/2 ounce to anywhere in the United States
They may be, depending on their condition and rarity. Used stamps are inexpensive and are a great way to begin a stamp collection. Some of the most valuable stamps in the world are used and in very poor shape. But many of them are the single example known of a certain stamp, so are worth literally millions of dollars. Having the stamps in a book preserves them, makes them easy to see and can make it easier to determine the value of a collection. Most collectors use an album of some type to store their collection.
How much did a postage stamp cost in 1974?
8 cents First class postage rate was 8 cents until March 2, 1974. Then it was raised to 10¢ for the first ounce. A postcard cost 8 cents.
Finding the value of a stamp can be very complex or it can be easy.
To identify a stamp you'll need a book or do an image search on each stamp. The easy route would be to go see your local stamp dealer. You don't even have to sell your collection and most will evaluate for free. If you don't have a local dealer check with Coin Dealers & antique shops.
- Most stamps that are issued by the post office were printed in the 100's of millions. The amount of stamps issued helps determine the value. The more stamps printed the less the value of the stamp and the less stamps printed the more the value of the stamp. See (Scott Specialized Catalog of US Stamps 2011, pages 528-533)
- In the US stamps issued sins 1866 that are new (mint never used) are still worth the face value of the stamp and can be used as postage on letters. Those stamps issued since about 1940 are normally purchased by dealers below face value. There are a few, usually higher face value stamps, that are worth more. Earlier ones can have considerable value.
- Used stamps (cancellation marked and no gum) printed after 1940 (1940 to date) are normally only worth about a penny or less although most catalogs have set a value of 20 cents, that being the minimum to catalog and handle a single stamp. Most dealers buy these by the ounce or pound. There are a few, usually higher face value stamps, that are worth more.
- First Step: Identify Stamp. Using a catalog find out which country the stamp is from and year of issue. These catalogs cost about $50. It is best to find a dealer/collector to help you or use your local library. Stamp clubs and shows are held almost weekly around the country. You can find out where they are being held in ' Linn's Stamp News'.
- Second Step: Grading: Now that you have identified the basic stamp using the catalog you can determine its basic value. Catalogs are normally setting the value for a stamp at the VF Grade, which is about the middle of the grading range. In the front of most catalogs there is a grading system for the stamps. Read this very carefully. The catalog may state that your stamp is valued at $10 but because of its grade of VG it may only be worth $1. 'Scott Specialized Catalog of US Stamps 2011' has a stamp valuing supplement on pages 305-348, which provides the values of the stamps in most grades that were issued before 1940.
- Third Step: Exceptional Stamps: Stamps go up in value based of these four factors. Popularity, scarcity, rarity and mistakes. Please take note that I left out age (old stamps). Just because the stamp seems old doesn't make it valuable. As an example: The 1893 2 cent Columbus stamp (Scott Catalog Number 231) is an old stamp, but it still has a catalog value for a used stamp of 30 cents (which in my opinion is over valued), almost every collection has one, I have about a 1000. The post office printed 1.4 billion of these stamps (Scott Specialized Catalog of US Stamps 2011, page 528). It will still be worth catalog value 30 cents a hundred years from now. How do you know you have an exceptional stamp? There are so many factors in identifying stamps that were printed before 1940 that it could take up a book. A good start is using the 'Scott Stamp Identifier' of stamps issued before 1940, and of course using the 'Scott Specialized Catalog of US Stamps 2011'. Please note the 'Scott Specialized Catalog of US Stamps 2011' is about 2 inches thick. Mistakes can be very valuable. Of the US stamps the Inverted Jenny (Scott Catalog Number C3a) is the most known for it mistake. The sheet of stamps of 100 was purchased in 1918 for $24 (24 cents for each stamp). Shortly thereafter sold for $15,000. Today one stamp of the Inverted Jenny catalogs for $500,000 (Scott Specialized Catalog of US Stamps 2011, page 350)
- Fourth Step: Expertizing & Professional Grading: If you do find an exceptional stamp worth more than $100. It is highly recommended that it be certified with a certificate of authenticity from one of the expertizing services. Stamps have been faked and altered to look like valuable stamps. Most people would not buy a rare or exceptional stamp without it being expertized.
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The first step is to identify the country of issue. Then consult a stamp catalog to find the catalog value. Then you have to determine the condition and what affect it would have. In general, you can purchase a fairly common stamp of about half the catalog value. When selling it, most dealers might consider paying 10 to 20% of catalog.
The rate for first class postage at that time went up to 32 cents. It was raised one cent from 29 cents. So the G would have a face value of 32 cents.
How much is first class stamp 1 oz?
A First Class stamp is designed to cover one ounce of mailing material. Additional ounces are about half the cost of the first (currently 20 cents vs. 45). There is a surcharge for oversized envelopes.
What is the value of 1977 silver proofs of worlds greatest stamps?
There were many stamps issued in 1976. The value varies from very little to several dollars. It will take some detective work to narrow down the search. Use a catalog online or through your local library to identify the specific item. It will also provide an estimated value.
What is the weight of a stamp?
To a stamp collector, very little. They are viewed as novelty items designed to acquire the money of non-collectors by making them seem more desirable. There is some value, but they won't be found in most stamp collecting books.
Are German stamps from just after ww II worth anything?
As for coins:
1 zinc pfennig $2 to $5
5 zinc pfennig $3 to $6
10 zinc pfennig $5 to $15
1 copper pfennig $4 to $8
2 copper pfennig $5 to $15
50 aluminum pfennig $15 to $35
5 & 10 brass pfennig $25
2 & 5 silver reichsmark $5 to $10 above spot
What is the proper name for study of stamps?
Philately : "The collection and study of postage stamps, postmarks, and related materials; stamp collecting. " ~ American Heritage Dictionary .
How much is a 2000 first class postage stamp worth?
Your best bet is to look it up in a catalog. Scott's is one of the best with lots of information on identifying and grading stamps. If you are referring to 2000 US issued non-denominational stamps, visit the USPS web site and look at Publication q604A.
What is the value of George Washington gold 250th anniversary gold replica stamp?
Next to nothing. These replicas have a layer of gold on the foil that is an atom or two thick. It is not really measurable and it would take thousands of them to make an amount worth anything. You might be able to get a $1 or two.
What is the value of a Eugene O'Neill 1 dollar stamp?
Scott numbers 1294 (sheet) and 1305C (coil) Mint copies run around $4 to purchase. The used sheet stamp is common and worth a few cents. The used coil stamp is not as common and cost a dollar or two. This is a $1 stamp, so much less common than most definitive stamps. Most used US postage stamps are worth 15 or 20 cents, the minimum amount required to catalog and stock the stamps. Unused will always be worth at least their face value. Special cancellations and different values are likely to be worth more. Consult a postage stamp catalog, usually available at your local library for exact identification and catalog values.
What European country uses its Latin name Helvetia on stamps?
Switzerland - official name: CH, confoederatio helvetica
Good question and not one that there is a good answer to. The only value I can think off would be to be able to prove that the bill was obtained on a specific date, as evidenced by the postmark. And since the US Post Office does not apply postmarks to currency, the stamp was put on so that they would postmark it.
The bill would be devalued by the stamp and ink in the minds of most currency collectors.
