Great Britain new issue stamps
Agood investment? Much of the time people contact me about Great Britain holdings of face value - stamps bought at the post office - that family members have passed on to the next generation. It is not that easy to remember pre-internet days when posting a letter was standard. In those days, often buying new issues from the 1970s and 1980s seemed like a very sound way of putting money to yield a good return.
Unfortunately, this has proven not to be the case. Over the years, more and more of this type of material is coming on to the market. This has resulted in much of this material having its only utility value in its postal function, i.e. its face value for posting a letter.
This too is losing its function as the IT age takes over.
The end result is that over the years there is more discount off the face value.
It is even a larger discount on the Channel Island stamps and they can only find an active market of 70% off the face value (perhaps 60% off in the summer months, when there are more tourists sending postcards). Stamps of Great Britain with denominations under 50p normally change hands in the real world at about 50% off face and higher denominations above between 20% to 40% off face.
There are exceptions to the above – certain new issues commemorating special events in a composite sheet format i.e. miniature sheets, enjoy premiums above face value, regrettably too few and far between.
Where does the future lie for buying GB face from the local post office? Treat it as a round of golf, if it gives you pleasure, buy them. If you however are buying for investment, think again!
When you wish to sell, you can meet Stephen this Saturday (February 2) at The Norfolk Arms Hotel, Sussex Room, High Street, Arundel, BN18 9AB. Between 2.30pm & 6.30pm.
To secure your appointment, please call Stephen on 01798 817579, 07789 666728 or 07468 690186