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How to Buy Old Stamps

In 1837, Sir Rowland Hill, the Postmaster General of Great Britain, introduced new post office regulations, which included the use of payment to send letters throughout Britain for the rate of a penny per half ounce. After a few years of debate, this new form of payment was accepted and the stamp was born. Stamps are still used throughout the world and are a popular collector’s item, particularly older stamps. There are a few ways to find and buy old stamps.

Instructions

- 1
  Educate yourself about stamps, their history, different origins and materials. Purchase a reference book or borrow one from your local library with information about stamp value and history. A few examples of reference books are “Guide to Stamp Collecting (Collector’s Series)” by Janet Klug and “Illustrated Encyclopedia of Stamp Collecting” by Otto Hornung. Some reference books will also provide information about where to buy old stamps.
- 2
  Find information online about antique stamps and buying resources. Resources such as the American Philatelic Society website and the Stamp Collecting Information website can provide information about vintage stamps and how to collect and buy them.
- 3
  Look at online auction websites such as eBay.com and Bonanzle.com to view online auctions of old stamps and bid on stamps of interest. Before buying online, ask the seller to send several detailed pictures, including close-up photos, and make sure the seller has a full refund and satisfaction policy.
- 4
  Find old stamps for sale in philatelic publications, such as magazines and newsletters, which frequently have classified ads with old stamps for sale from other enthusiasts. Examples of such publications include “Stamp Magazine” from the UK and “American Philatelist."
- 5
  Go to stamp collector shows or conferences to meet with other collectors and buy and sell old stamps. Look at local publications for listings of upcoming events in your area. Meet with dealers and collectors and ask them to refer you to individuals who are selling old stamps in the area in which you are interested, if they aren’t selling any themselves.

Stamp Collecting