New Member From Usa/Michigan

Greetings,

I was directed to this site from a Google search. I have a few commemorative sets I purchased years ago to put away for the grand kids should the stamp collecting bug bite them someday. My personal favorites, since I enjoy WWII history, are the WWII sets that came out of a five year period detailing events of the war from 1941 -1945. I purchased a few complete pages each year keeping them in the waxed sheet pockets from the post office. I also have some of the brochures that previewed the release and additional information. Do these have any chance of appreciating in any decent value down the road?? I also bought the Classic American Aircraft, Legends of Baseball, Comic Strip Classics, Civil War, Legends of the West, and a few others. Nothing of any great age or rarity but colorful none the less. From what I can read, this is an interesting site but a lot of the conversation is over my head.

Welcome to SCF Greg. Where are you from in Michigan? I'm in Roscommon.cIt sounds like you have a GREAT COLLECTION started. They are worth much more now than what you paid for them.

Charles,

I live in Tecumseh, down in Lenawee County, ~20 miles from the state line. I used to go to the Ralph McMullin (sp?) DNR center annually for MSP Firearms Instructor Re-Certification when I
was still in the department.

Hello and welcome, Greg!

You have some great stamps in your collection. My kids would be envious!

As far as a lot of the topics being over your head, I feel the same way! BUT...... this is such a great place to learn about the hobby. Everyone is very friendly and no question is ever stupid. I have learned so much about things I never even thought to ask.

So.... sit back, relax, and enjoy!!

Hello Greg, welcome!

Most stamps you buy nowadays from the Post Office, unless printed in small quantities and not in the millions or hundreds of thousands, will no appreciate in value .

The catalogues may say they do but try to sell them to a dealer or even another collector.

If, down the road, someone decides they want to sell your stamps, they will get less than face value, probably a lot less, because dealers have to resell the stamps and have to make a profit.

To invest in stamps I believe you need to know your stuff, just like any form of investment, choose wisely and then cross your fingers and hope you did the right thing.

The main value in most stamps is in their enjoyment value, sharing and art, history, and just being a collectible, giving those who like to collect and sort something to do. Also sharing or enjoying who they came from and remembering the enjoyment that person had from them. That sounds terrible as I do love stamps and all myself.

It really depends on the salesmanship skills and money saving skills of the recipients of your stamps. If they can get on ebay or whatever it is at that time, and sell the heck out of them, then they are a good idea. But if they don't want to take the time nor have the skills needed, then it's not going to amount to much more than 10% of what you paid.

There are always exceptions but that is the reality of most stamps.

If someone told you different they were probably trying to sell you some stamps.

Most will tell you the above. However, there are sellers on SCF here and you wonder how they do it. They know there stuff. They go and buy something, knowing all about it beforehand, for a low price because it is mis-described, and then sell it for the going price, knowing what will make a difference and how to draw attention to those features. Or at least have some skills in that area.

You can still luck out and strike the jackpot but that is rare.

But again, if a stamp looks good to you now it will probably look good to someone years later. Good taste remains good taste and not every stamp is a winner.

Thanks Puzzler,

...for the good advice.

Greg

Greg welcome and I often find some of the conversations over my head, but EVERYONE here has the great habit of being kind with an answer for me when I show off my ignorance. I don't mind asking questions because I have found that these ladies and gentlemen don't mind answering them. It's a great bunch and I hope you stick around and we can see some scans of your collection. Thanks for joning in the fun. - Jeff

Welcome Greg

Glad you could join us.

Dianne

Welcome Greg and you'll learn an awful lot here! Stick around and join the conversation or browse the topics or whatever you want! The search feature is an AWESOME research tool and should be checked out. Enjoy your stay -Jay

...so far, everyone certainly makes newbie's feel welcome.

Thanks!

Greg

Welcome Greg, I have been collecting since 1949 and a lot of it is over my head and pocketbook also !!

Greg, buying occasional new issues for one's Grandchildren is a good idea as far as Australian issues are concerned. For years P.O. sales here have been minimal and declining thus printing numbers are low accordingly.

Over the last 10 years there has been some excellent investment gems issued by the P.O. and ignored by long term collectors because of false perceptions regarding long term/future demand of these future classics.

The golden rule with modern P.O. issues - don't buy what every one else is.

What I have purchased so far as postal issues are sets on topics that interest me. That's not a good rule for investment purposes but I smile every time I look at them. It's been a while since I've opened the wallet so I'm not a "hopeless sucker".

Greg