Ascertaining the value of old stamps might be more difficult than it sounds. One must be capable of estimate age, the year printed, color values, and perforation condition. Every one of these items will factor in to the equation that determines the value of old stamps.

To correctly assess the age of a postage stamp, a magnification glass is often a essential resource. Postage stamps often have the date of issue printed upon them. The print is going to be very small and might be a challenge to work out using the human eye with no amplification, but the date a postage stamp was issued can reduce the degree of searching needed later when the postage stamp is a lot like other stamps of numerous eras.
When the old postage stamp has been dated, it needs to be reviewed and looked up in a postage stamp catalog. Two good options for this are Scott's Standard Catalog for Postage Stamps and the Post Office's own directory. They're both indexes of all recognized printed stamps. The postage stamp can be found by date and design. Knowing the date can minimize time, making it easier for that postage stamp to be found.

The value of old stamps shows up in two manners inside the catalog. There's a mint plus a near mint condition. Furthermore, these two classes are further more divided into used (post marked) and unused. The judgment for mint condition and near mint condition is based upon the quality of the stamp and its amount of damage. Mint condition stamps are in excellent shape with no signs of aging. Near mint condition pertains to a postage stamp that's only exhibiting minimal signs of aging.

When deciding the deterioration of the old stamp, it's necessary to make note of its color. Inks fade with exposure to light and air, lowering the price of the postage stamp involved. If the postage stamp is very faded, it may well have some value, but that value won't be nearly as much as shows up in the catalog. A postage stamp with relative brightness in ink coloration is going to have a greater value as a lesser amount of wear and tear has been suffered over the course of time.

The state of the perforation of the postage stamp also contributes to its value. Fraying or tears along the edges will reduce the value of old stamps, especially if any of these marks affect the printed edges on the postage stamp.

Despite the fact that age does play an essential part in the price old stamps, this article on the bbc.co.uk web site covers the value of the oldest postage stamp the penny black and the importance of scarcity.

It is important to stop any more damage by storing the postage stamp inside a protective environment. The value of stamps, perhaps even the ones that are not in mint condition, can grow with a longer period. If it's found that a postage stamp is giving up its mint luster or has now suffered some impairment, inserting the postage stamp in such protective environments and waiting to cash in on the value of the stamp will increase the probability of getting a respectable gain. Even when the value of old stamps becomes negligible as a result of damage already suffered, the story behind the postage stamp will endear it to the heart and soul of a genuine collector, a physical memory of history.

If you wish to learn more about the value of old stamps and stamp collecting, make sure to check us out at http://www.onstampcollecting.com