How Stamp Price is Determined ?

How Stamp Price is Determined ?

Valuing Stamps
Philatelists, or people who study and collect stamps, become quite involved in scrutinizing the characteristics of postage in order to determine its value. The stamp price you pay then hinges on a number of criteria. These criteria help serious collectors determine if what they are paying for a stamp that is a good investment.

When Considering a Stamp’s Value, Answer the Following Questions
Therefore, the value of a stamp is measured by answering the following questions:

• Where did the stamp come from? The origin of the stamp will affect its worth and, indeed, has a great deal of impact on its overall value. Stamps from the UK are often worth more than stamps from other countries.

• Is the stamp used or in mint condition? Unused stamps are mint stamps and therefore are more valuable than used ones. Typically, stamps in mint condition have not been circulated.

• How old is the stamp? Naturally, if you find yourself the holder of the first stamp, thePenny Black, you’ll be in the possession of a quite valuable stamp. As a result, most collectors focus on collecting older stamps.

• What is the condition of the postage? The value of the stamp is also affected by its condition. That’s why mint, pristine stamps are worth more than stamps that have been used. Therefore, how you store your stamps is important to their worth.

• What kind of stamp is it? The stamps that are used for letters are definitive-type stamps. These stamps are not as valuable as commemorative stamps, or stamps that are not regularly circulated.

• What is the grading on the stamp? Stamps are graded according to the position of the image on the stamp, whether or not the stamp has been cancelled, the cancellation’s thickness or size, the condition of the perforation, and color quality.
• What type of image does the stamp feature? In most instances, the picture on the stamp will influence what you’ll pay. Images that are rare or which feature printing errors can increase the value of postage. In fact, errors in a stamp’s image can increase a stamp’s worth by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Quality of stamp determines stamp price

Philatelist Tools
To maintain a stamp’s value then, it’s important to use certain stamp tools. Philatelists regularly use a special tweezers, called stamp tongs, to make sure they don’t damage any stamps they mount or add to their collection. In addition, a perforation gauge is used for determining the size of the perforations on a stamp, also necessary for assessing the value or stamp price.

Protecting Mounted Stamps
Other tools include books and stamp mounts or hinges, used to affix the stamps inside of stamp books. Generally, peelable mounts or hinges are preferred to avoid damage and keep a stamp intact. However, that being said, the price can still be adversely affected by using these mounts, especially if the collector does not use care when removing his stamps. Therefore, hingleless mounts are made that feature pockets or sleeves that prevent any damage from hinging.