From the moment you inherit a stamp collection and prepare to sell it, many questions arise. The first question is most likely to be “which stamps are rare and valuable?” It takes an average person at least two years of research just to begin understanding the basics of what makes stamps rare and why.
Most collectors and dealers use a Scott stamp catalogs for simple reference, which is issued in six volumes for international stamps and one specialized volume for U.S stamps. The catalogs cover everything from different types of stamps to the various types of paper that were used to print them. A new set of these catalogs sell for about $500.00 per set; and, it is essential to obtain one if you plan on doing your own research and becoming an active philatelist. You can pick up a discounted set of catalogs on both
Hands on experience is always the best way to gain knowledge. By spending time each day researching your stamps in catalogs or other reference publications, one will gain great insight to the meaning and purpose behind each stamp. You might also be able to seek out or join a local stamp club. There you will find a dozen or so collectors that do not keep up with the market value of stamps but are simply in it for the pleasures the hobby provide.
One of the most intriguing aspects of being a philatelist is the ability to being able to learn something new every time you venture into a collection. With millions of possibilities you can never claim to have seen it all or to know everything their is to know about stamps; this keeps the hobby intriguing. A philatelist always has something exciting to learn and explore.
Becoming a Philatelist does not happen overnight and having a passion for the hobby is a necessity in becoming one. It is not a title that one seeks, but a title that one gains over time. Below you can read our latest blogs detailing different types of Philatelic Topics.
If you have any questions in regards to Philatelic Topics please contact us at (619) 672-0434 during business hours.
A Presidential Solution for Our Postal Service
Recently there has been discussion and debate about the US Postal Service losing billions of dollars. In fact, this discussion has been ongoing; it began long before online companies, like Amazon, existed. Yes, times have changed as has the way we communicate day to day, which has become another added challenge for the postal service. One thing that has remained consistent, since the early 20th century, is the power and influence that politicians have over their citizens. In the past, we have had many presidents that advocated for the postal...
read moreChance to Win A 1840 Penny Black!
The results are in for the Black Penny raffle! Congratulations to Donald out of San Bernardino CA! We’d like to thank all who generously donated to help support our friends at over Animal Safehouse. On December 31st 2014 Nick’s Stamps will be holding a raffle to help raise donations for Animal Safehouse. One winner will be chosen by mini web tools random name picker and will receive the world’s first issued postage stamp, The Black Penny (actual stamp is pictured below). Donations of 1.00 + Paypal fees (0.33) are good for...
read moreStoring Postage Stamps and Albums
Storing Postage Stamps: The proper storage of postage stamps is key in maintaining the best possible condition of your aging stamp collection. The careful arrangement and organization of your collection will determine the integrity of each individual stamp. They should all be separated from each other and placed in Vario pages, which are made to protect postage stamps. Typically, a stamp collection will contain thousands of stamps hinged in albums that do not protect the stamps from sticking to its pages. In this instance, you need to take...
read moreBuying A Postage Stamp Collection
Buying A Postage Stamp Collection: Buying a postage stamp collection is a difficult task. There are many hurdles and risks involved on both the seller’s and buyer’s side. As a stamp business owner, I regularly engage in these transactions and it is critical to follow steps to help mitigate risk. The first hurdle is to ask many questions so I am completely informed about the type of material being presented. Quite a few sellers are not sure of the value and tend to think they have much more then they are actually holding. The age...
read moreObama’s: Muslim Stamp Controversy
Lately we have been receiving many emails and phone calls regarding an old topic. There is much confusion surrounding this issue. The questions are related to the issuance of a stamp commemorating the Eid Muslim holiday season and it is generally assumed that President Obama demanded that it be issued. To set the record straight, there has already been a stamp or two issued commemorating this holiday. In 2001 the US Postal Service issued a “Postal Services Holiday Celebration” series commemorating the holidays Christmas, Chanukah,...
read moreIsrael-Palestine: The Path Through Stamps
Every now and again when the bombs start falling and holy land becomes unholy, there just seems to be more people only interested in finger pointing, rather then debating towards a better solution to the problem. I do have loved ones on both sides, and as much as I long and hope for a quick path to the solution, I helplessly feel there is nothing ever put on the table to make both sides co-exist without the violence they have become so used to depending on. However, I do hope that both sides might at least consider that Einstein was actually...
read morePostal Service to Issue a Janis Joplin Stamp
Postal Service to Issue a Janis Joplin Stamp In it’s 5th installment of the music icon series, the Post Office will be releasing a Stamp honoring the great Janis Joplin. The image on the stamp will be from the cover of her “The Concert” album and you can expect the stamp to be available sometime in August. The Janis Joplin stamp is followed by Johnny Cash, Lydia Mendoza, Ray Charles and Jimi Hendrix, whose stamp was issued in March. Janis Joplin; January 19th, 1943-October 4, 1970 About Janis- Born in Port Arthur...
read morePostage Stamp Controversies!
Postage Stamp Controversies Over the last century there have been quite a few controversies surrounding what could be printed on a postage stamp. Below are some examples that caused contention within the postal world: 1. Good Intentions/Bad outcome: In 1981 the US Postal Service issued a postage stamp with a message, “Alcoholism – You can beat it!” Unfortunately, the message was not received well by a broad audience. Some of the recipients of letters containing the stamp voiced concerns about it. After a few months the...
read moreStamp Collecting: 3 Things That Would Bring Back The Excitement!
Stamp Collecting: 3 Things That Would Bring Back The Excitement. 1. Parents – With the advent of the internet and modern technology world is now moving and connecting faster then ever. It is up to each parent to slow it down and introduce their children to hobbies that take focus and critical thinking. Collecting and studying stamps can be lots of fun and it also involves kinesthetic abilities that increase brain development. If parents can introduce them to stamp collecting when they are young, then it will be a rewarding hobby that...
read moreSan Diego’s First 160 Years of the Postal Service.
Now that we are operating once again here in San Diego, we would like to share the history of the postal service.The first post office in San Diego opened in 1850 in Old Town plaza on April 9, 1850 with a population of 650. San Diego appointed its first postmaster, Richard Rust, where he held the job until replaced by Dr. Jacob Allen on December 23, 1869.By this time San Diego’s population had grown to just over 2000 residents and the hobby of collecting stamps started to develop and drive the Postal service. It wasn’t until 1885...
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