You too can own the first stamp ever
Written by Michael Vass
Stamp collectors book your flights now. That is if you are a serious collector, because there is going to be an event in September that should not be missed. An auction will be held on September 4th offering the original postage stamps, the Penny Black, and its rarer sibling, Two Penny Blue.
The Penny Black stamp is a real centerpiece of any stamp collection. It was the first issued stamp in the world, created in 1840. It’s slight junior, the Two Penny Blue was issued a mere 6 days later. Considering that this makes each of the stamps 168 years old you can understand that expected prices start at around $2000 each stamp. I would not be shocked to see the rare Blue’s to go for far higher prices.
Now those not familiar with the history of these stamps might wonder why the first stamp ever can be bought for such a cheap price. The answer is that while not common, there is a huge number of the stamps in existence today. Rarity is of course a key factor in pricing a stamp, as is condition. But the real importance is the fact that this was the ‘father’ of all stamps.
It isn’t often in collections of any sort where the very first item of that collection can be acquired, especially when the size and number of stamps in the world is considered. So with all that said, I’d suggest getting in touch with your travel agent, and give a call to Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn for further details.
Wall Street wins a case but Pandas win bigger for now
Written by Michael Vass
In a move that will further support the custom postage label, Stamps.com (no relation) won unanimously its case vs. Kara Technology, Inc. The 4 year old case focused on NetStamps and the patent held by Stamps.com. The reaction on Wall Street was negligible (a .02 cent rise in the stock price) but I would say that among stamp collectors it was another blow.
This only further cements the ingrained position that internet custom postage companies have today. While it is not a big deal to most at this point, I am looking forward and seeing fewer and fewer stamps being used. While that will make older stamps more valuable it will also decrease the number of new collectors from growing.
In addition it takes away from positive social programs that helps millions. One example are the limited edition prestige stamps with a giant panda paw print and giant pandas. These special stamps were designed with the proceeds targeted to the earthquake-ravaged southwest China Sichuan Province. In one day over $176,000 has been raised, and I know some collectors are interested in acquiring these stamps both for the cause and their rarity.
Internet postage will never have the ability to inspire or captivate the mind as stamps can. But future technology strides are the strides of giants, and once in motion it’s very hard to stop. Until then, someone let me know where I can get a Panda.
The Westpex Shows
For our fellow stamp collectors, you should really attend a Westpex Stamp Show. The Westpex Stamp Shows are some of the best stamp shows in the world and they can draw up to 3,000 people.
Don Peterson recently won a gold medal at the Westpex Stamp Show in Burlingame, California.
The Future of Stamp Collecting
Jo Anne writes in to the Chicago Tribune asking why the Federal Government no longer puts the value on stamps. ” I have sheets of stamps with no cent amount on them,” she remarks.
Great point Jo Anne but if you think you’re in bad shape, think about the stamp collectors one hundred years from now.
Where are all the Stamp Collectors?
In the 1960’s, stamp collecting experienced it’s most popular decade. It was what many kids did followed by baseball cards in the 1970’s. Today, most kids collect video games but that’s for another time, another post.
Stamp collecting is in a decline. Visit any stamp auction in the United States and there’s a very good chance that there won’t be a 50 and under section. If you were born after 1960, chances are that stamps are not your thing.
For those of you who never lost the love, here’s a book you may want to read.
