Collecting Stamps Of Value

Do any of you find anything wrong with collecting only stamps with high value? Some here have suggested a topical collection, stamps on stamps, and scientific stamps, but what about a collection of highly valued stamps that are not too expensive around 20~30 dollars each? I'm new to stamps is this a good idea?

That's the nice part about stamp collecting--you can collect what ever you like. You can even collect error stamps or Freaks. I would start with just getting together some stamps maybe later US stamps or pick a country. Work on it at first because you may decide, after a short while ,that it's not for you--hope the bug has bitten you like the rest of us! ha

Gussyboy1

Graycolor

I agree pick a country or topic and begin collecting, the beauty is it can be whatever you want. I think as you go along and your collection grows you will be drawn to particular interests and your collection may or may not become more specialized

Hi Graycolor and welcome to the Forum

To every one their own is seems to be the theme for stamp collector.

There are many reasons to collect stamps so just do what you want to do. I think which ever way you decide you will find great enjoyment out of this great hobby.

I collect whatever I can get my hands and can't really afford High end stamps so little flaws on stamps don't mater to me and I keep them until better ones come along.

Dianne

Hello Graycolor.......

And, welcome to the club.

Collecting stamps of any set value is not a bad idea......however as you state that you are new to the hobby, I would advise that you learn how to determine if any individual stamp actually has what is stated as catalog value. In other words.......if you're looking at 100 copies of a stamp that catalogs at $25.00, can you tell, with confidence, which ones are worth buying and which are not ??

I personally would love to have an album filled with nothing but hi-val stamps.

To facilitate a fairly quick and easy sale by consignment, it seems sensible to collect stamps which are valuable enough to be sold in an medium-sized auction as a single lot. This used to be about $50; today is think it is probably about $100. These are prices realized, so catalog values would usually be somewhat higher.

Graycolor...what you are suggesting sounds like investing to me..i have stocks but they are no fun...but if you ENJOY collecting only stamps of high value..thats the main thing...

I agree with t360 that if you want to collect Hi Val be sure you read and learn what makes a stamp high value and what makes a stamp a lower value. Be concerned about centering, missing perfs, light hinging or never hinged, watermarks, variations, color, grills, etc. Also, be sure to set your budget.

One of the collections I am going to start once I get some consolidation completed is one of #1s ( Stamp #1 for a country or issuing authority like Aust. Ant. terr. or Obock, etc.) to see how many countries I might accumulate. Sometimes the first stamp is very reasonable, and other times not. Could be quite competitive and interesting. I think it would do well at auction time.

Jim

I guess I'm gonna have to take precautions and do a lot of reading before buying. Philp stamps and investing..that doesn't sound fun at all...and playing stocks is one of the funnest games their is; made a good amount today... Woo hoo!!

Graycolor..yes I made some back yesterday...still a loooong way from what I had last August..the market will take care of itself..the stamps need me !!

First, to the SCF!

IMHO, there are no right or wrong ways to collect philatelic material. BUT, if you are just starting out you should proably "practice" on lower value issues to make sure you understand what makes a "valuable" stamp or cover and what makes a stamp or cover less so. At $20 to $30 a pop mistakes can add up to big money fast.

I have found that some, if not most, of the most interesting and fun to collect material costs under $5 or even $1 - and many are only $.20. I agree with the others in saying you should probably play around with different aspects of collecting before plowing big bucks into a specialty area.

Graycolor

Welcome to the forum. You may be facing one more problem, Thanks to
Scott's Catalogue:

Scott's new catalogues, I believe starting 2008, only lists the complete set value of stamps, and not the individual stamp value of each set.

Bobgggg that sounds like another blow to the collector..sounds like we need a calulator or just set an arbitrary value on the individual stamp..unlike yourself I have never been greatly concerned with complete sets..they come when they come....

Hi Folks.....

I have a complete 08 Scott set and it lists stamps individually......I don't see how they could go to just listing set values when there is such a range in the differences between the low/vals and hi/vals in any given set.

I'm glad they haven't stopped listing individual stamp prices. Like Phil said, I certainly don't always buy sets - in fact some German sets are plain hard to find and I have to piecemeal it.