Around the world, collectors seek out unusual and valuable stamps. In many cases, they do so simply for pleasure, although some collect the items as an investment.
Anyone keen to make money on the small objects may want to focus on versions that contain mistakes. According to a Daily Telegraph article, errors on stamps can significantly boost their value.
The publication, which suggested that there are 30 million stamp collectors globally, drew attention to a particularly rare stamp known as the Swedish Treskilling Yellow. The item should have been green and is said to be the most value thing in existence by weight and value. Three years ago, it went up for auction with a price tag of £1.6 million.
Of course, most philatelic auctions do not feature stamps of this rarity and value, but there are plenty of other interesting versions for collectors to keep a lookout for.
The article also noted that even the Penny Black, of which there are plenty, can be worth a tidy sum. One in perfect condition could sell for £30,000 or more, it claimed.
Commenting on the investment potential of these small items, Gary Ashburn from television show Cash in the Attic said: “You do find that when conventional investments are not doing well, collectables such as stamps become more popular. They are tangible and portable.”
The firm Stanley Gibbons offers stamp investments to people with £10,000 or more to put in. Its director of marketing, Keith Heddle, noted that this was the average amount invested four years ago. However, this figure has gone up to £50,000. About this, he commented: “Without question, the banking crisis increased demand for stamps. For our customers, stamps are an asset class like any other, a way of diversification.”
However, fellow industry expert Paul Dauwalder stated that many people collect the items simply for pleasure. He stated: “Stamp collecting is a hobby. It is not an investment.”
He also suggested that people should be careful when they purchase stamps. About this, he remarked: “If you see too big a bargain online then be suspicious. Check the pedigree of the company you are dealing with.”
Anyone keen to bag a bargain should prioritise rarity, according to Adrian Roose, director of Paul Fraser Collectibles. He stated: “Age is no guide to value when it comes to stamps. There are modern printing errors worth tens of thousands and there are 150-year-old Victorian stamps worth pennies. Rarity is the ultimate decider on the value of a stamp.”
He pointed to a German stamp issued in 2001 that featured a scene from Breakfast at Tiffany’s with Audrey Hepburn smoking. According to the specialist, more than 14 million were printed until, at the last minute, one of her sons refused to grant copyright permission as he was an active campaigner against alcohol and tobacco abuse. Most of the stamps were subsequently destroyed, but a few still exist and these have sold for up to £147,000.
Regardless of whether they are collecting the items for investment purposes or for pleasure, people can head online to stamp auctions.
About the Author – Anna Longdin is a freelance blogger who has written extensively on the subject of stamp collection for a range of websites, including Sandafayre.