Is That Lot Of Old US Stamps Any Good? Are Old/Rare US Stamps Any Good If Damaged?

That's the auction => https://www.ebay.com/itm/OLD-US-STA...LH_Auction=1

They are not rare and are indeed damaged. Why do you ask?

I'm trying to learn from the more experienced collectors here. Money permitting I would like to eventually buy some older/rarer US stamps.

This question more properly belongs in the US Classic Stamps forum. You are asking about old stamps in a forum dedicated to modern (post 1940) stamps.

This lot has the look of someone trying to unload their worst junk.

Here is what I can tell you from over 40 years of stamp collecting experience. It's tempting for some collectors to buy lots like this to fill a lot of spaces in an album/collection quickly. But stamp collectors generally develop a continuous-improvement mentality, and will want to replace stamps with poor eye appeal with nicer-looking specimens. Anyone who buys a lot like this will almost certainly develop buyer's remorse, especially when they try to sell the badly damaged stamps.

One key question I learned to ask myself every time I consider whether to buy a stamp or coin is; will I have trouble selling this when I no longer want it? If the answer is yes, I don't buy it.

Bottom line: Stamp collecting is a journey. I recommend being patient and selective, and gradually building your collection with the "buy the best you can afford" approach. Stamp collecting is generally much more satisfying this way.

This lot is a kennel; it's full of dogs. The hope for some is that if a few of the better stamps turn out to be in decent condition, then it's worth it. The likelihood is that they will not.

And IF the Confederate note is both real and in good condition.

The Confederate item appears to be a coupon from a Confederate Bond. They turn up in stamp lots, coin lots and paper money lots with some regularity. They come from large, almost poster sized, bonds from which they were cut as interest was paid over time. The CSA Bonds are neat items that are collectible as well.

That was a funny sentence. But somehow people are paying $200+ so is it really junk or are people just buying junk? :)

Check here => https://www.ebay.com/itm/OLD-US-STA...324219732674

Do not go by what other people are paying. Educate yourself and make your own realistic assessments.

Yes people buy junk all the time and overpay. Condition. Education.

It just sold for $316. The market is hot for stamps it looks like. People are stuck at home, what else is best to do?

There are numerous early US stamps for sale at reasonable prices at the American Philatelic Society on-line store. You do not have to be a member to buy from them, although there is a 10% discount if you are a member. If there is something not right with a purchase, you can return the item for a full refund. It is a very good place to gain knowledge (and buy and sell stamps) with confidence.

The store sells stamps from countries around the world, sent in my members wishing to sell. Google "American Philatelic Society" should get you started.

Unless the stamp is rare and/or few copies exist, physical damage to the paper body of the stamp like tears, rips, folds, thins, missing pieces, etc. can greatly reduce the value of a stamp sometimes to next to nothing.