Stamp Collecting Tips

Welcome to our page on stamp collecting tips.

Queen Elizabeth Used

  Try to buy all Fine condition used Queen Elizabeth high value definitive stamps,  i.e.,  2/6,  5/-,  10/-  and  £1-00

Fine used high value stamps are very hard to find, most were only used on parcels and the majority of these have been ruined with heavy cancellations.  We feel that the catalogue price's do not reflect the rarity of these stamps, our recommenation is to Buy! Buy! Buy!  NOW.

The Reason Not To Buy Mint Queen Elizabeth

Many people put aside large amounts of mint high value stamps in the late 50's and 60's for investment. There was no risk involved as they could always cash them in at the local post office and get their money back. Many more stamps were hidden away and forgotten, some of those hoards are still to be found today and when they eventually find their way onto the market (as they will), they could bring the prices down of mint high value stamps considerably.

Buy The Very Best Commonwealth Stamps

When You are looking to buy stamps for your collection, or if you are thinking about investing in Commonwealth stamps, always buy the very best you can afford.  Often when I'm at stamp shows and auctions I see people looking at the cheaper stamps!  don't,  its always much better to buy two good stamps than ten cheap ones,  in the long run quality will always count.

Damaged Stamps

Try not to buy any stamps for your collection that have damage i.e. tears, thins, missing perfs and toning on the design side of the stamp, toning on the gum side is quite common with some types of gum, but if at all possible try even to avoid  these.

Early Covers

Lookout and think about buying any early covers that you find, especially from some of the smaller commonwealth countries.

Stamp covers before c1920 are very hard to find in good condition, i.e. no toning or tears. Another bonus is if the cover has more than one stamp, or the stamp is of high value. Good clear postmarks from small village post office's also make a considerable difference to the rareness and price of each cover.