U. S. STAMPS

Stamp collection is a popular and fascinating hobby, sometimes consisting of rare and valuable pieces found all over the world. First considered in the UK in May of 1840, stamps were not approved for production in the U.S. until seven years later. Five-cent Benjamin Franklin and ten-cent George Washington stamps became available for sale on July 1, 1847 in New York City, and popularity grew quickly.

benjamin franklin 1847

The U.S. Post Office saw such success with its first issue of stamps that the rate was reduced to 3 cents in 1851. These new issues featured George Washington, and a one-cent and five-cent stamp respectively portrayed Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. Perforated edges were introduced six years later, becoming the customary format we see today.

Stamp collection has become quite popular over time. These collectors’ items are valued in varying amounts, contingent on their condition. “Superb” stamps are of the finest quality, being perfectly centered with original color and uncompromised glue. The next tier is considered “fine” and includes stamps that have no flaws, normal centering, and few marks on the gum. “Good” stamps are off-center with minor defects, but still considered appealing. Serious collectors typically do not waste time with such low-quality stamps, but beginners tend to use them as space fillers as their collection grows.

Although stamps are generally unique, several designs have historically been more newsworthy than others. The “Inverted Jenny” stamp has become a popular collectors item since it’s release in 1941. The image of a Curtiss JN-4 airplane in the center was printed upside down by mistake. The highest price paid for any number of these stamps was $2,970,000 in 2005 for a block of four stamps, purchased by U.S. financier Bill Gross. While the USPS continues to release many popular pieces, only one remains the highest-ranking stamp in the history of the hobby. The 1993 Elvis stamp remains the most popular stamp, holding court in over 124 million stamp collections to date.

Queen Isabella of Spain was the first woman to appear on a postage stamp, alongside Christopher Columbus in 1893. This stamp is currently valued at $1,000. Due to the presence of Columbus with the Queen, some consider Martha Washington’s 1902 lone appearance on the 8 cent stamp to be first true female representation on a stamp. Harriett Tubman served as the first African American woman to be featured in 1978.

Where to Buy US Stamps

Stamps are available for purchase from a variety of vendors. www.ebay.com conveniently categorizes stamps for sale by country, time period, condition, and oddities in its online stamp shop. There are many online trading sites as well that allow collectors all over the world to trade rare and popular stamps while learning about the history of each piece.

Here are some further websites to try:

http://www.prestigephilately.com/ http://www.rcsstamps.com/ http://www.delcampe.net/

http://www.collectablestamps.com/american_stamps_1.html

For a list of more general websites selling stamps online please visit my stamp collecting home page.

Also, check local listings for stamp clubs in your area. Finding a network of like-minded individuals can be a great resource for collecting and handling tips, as well as direct trading to expand your collection.

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