Queen Elizabeth II graced our stamps for the past 70 years, so many will be wondering when we will get new stamps, and what will happen to old stamps now that she is no longer on the throne.
In this guide, we will explore the protocol surrounding the changing of monarchs on stamps, and what this means for collectors.

What will happen to the current stamps?

When a new monarch is crowned, the process of updating stamps begins. Current stamps bearing Queen Elizabeth II will be valid until 31st January 2023. After this point, all stamps issued will have a barcode alongside them, and any stamp issued without a barcode will no longer be valid.

If you’re holding on to stamps and you intend to use them, you will have to mail your items before this date. After this date, your stamps will no longer be valid. You will have the option to swap up to £200 worth of stamps for new issue stamps of the same value, so you’ll have to decide which ones to keep and which ones to update.

To mark the death of the Queen, Royal Mail issued a set of commemorative stamps showcasing images of the Queen from throughout her reign. Until recently, all stamps entering circulation had
to be approved by the Queen, so these are the first stamps to be approved by the new King.

When will new stamps enter circulation?

Stamps bearing the likeness of King Charles III will enter circulation on 10th November 2022. They are now available to pre-order on the Royal Mail website. You’ll be able to order a presentation pack containing all four new designs and these are expected to be very popular with collectors.

What does this mean for collectors?

For collectors, the passing of Queen Elizabeth II marks the end of an era. When the new stamps enter circulation and the old stamps are no longer issued, we anticipate that some rare stamps could soar in value.

If you’re thinking about starting a stamp collection or adding to your existing collection, now is the time to do it. Many of the stamps featuring Queen Elizabeth II will become collector’s items in their own right, so snap them up while you still can.

When it comes to collecting, there are no rules. You can collect whatever takes your fancy. We anticipate that all stamps featuring Queen Elizabeth II will increase in value, not just the rare ones.

Most Valuable Stamps In the World

If you believe stamp collecting is only for amateurs and not something a wise investor would explore, you should reconsider. People around the world love to collect various stamps for several reasons.   The following are some of the world’s most valuable stamps and rare stamps.

Mauritius 1847 1d Red – $9.6 million (£6.9m)

In 1847, this “Red Mauritian” stamp was used as the first British stamp issued outside of England in Empire days. It was used to deliver an invitation to a costume dance given by the island Governor. The others belong to the British Library and Queen Elizabeth II. This ticket was only available in Germany for auction, causing a bidding war that resulted in a new world record price for a ticket and one of the most valuable stamps.

British Guiana 1c Magenta, 1856 – $9.48 Million

In the past, just one known copy of Britain’s 1856 1 cent magenta left the world’s most precious stamp. It was then purchased by shoe designer Stuart Weitzman, the stamp is also regarded as the Mona Lisa from the world of stamps, for little under $9.5 million ( £8.1 million) in 2014 owing to a scarcity of British stamps in Guyana.

China 1897 Small One Dollar Red Revenues – $4.6 million (£3.9m) each

These stamps are famous for their pricing, as well as the most desired for is the uncommon “Small One Dollar” series. This is an original block of four. This Chinese philately crown gem, sold in 2009 for $15,2 million. This is $18.3 million comparable in today’s money (€15.6 million).

Treskilling Yellow, 1855 – $2.6 Million

This Swedish stamp of the 19th century is as unusual as it comes — there is just one of these stamps is known to exist. It was produced in yellow instead of the normal blue-green, and the error was not recovered at the time by quality control. Sold for 2.3 million dollars in Geneva in 1996, the selling price currently is 3.8 million dollars (3.2 million dollars).

The Sicilian Error of Colour, 1859 – $2.6 Million

This stamp was sold for 2.6 million dollars in Basel in 2011. The 1/2 grana colour mistake is Sicily’s rarest and most enigmatic stamp. The stamp is uncommon for a variety of reasons.

Mauritius 1847 1 & 2 Penny ‘Post Office’ – $2 million (£1.7m) each

This is one of the first post office stamps that was issued outside the British empire. There are only very few that are available and exist today. The last time a stamp of this kind was auctioned, it sold for £3.1m.

Baden 9 Kreuzer Error, 1851 – €1.31 Million

Due to a colour mistake, Germany’s greatest valuable stamp was created. The Baden 9 kreuzer stamp was supposed to be issued in pink, however, a batch made in 1851 used green ink by accident. There are just 4 specimens left, each valued $1.5 million (£1.3 million).

The Inverted Jenny, 1918 – $1.35 Million

The renowned ‘Inverted Jenny,’ a highly desirable mistake stamp, sells for a lot of money. For example, the inverted jenny was sold for £1.4 million at the Robert A. Siegel auction in November 2018.

Alexandria Blue Boy, 1846 – $1.18 million

In Alexandria, DC, this incredibly rare stamp was printed back in 1847, the sole specimen of a blue paper that is documented to be there. It is among the most expensive signs in the world because of its exceptional rarity. In 2019, the stamp was auctioned by HR Harmer for $1.18 million (£1m).

1c Benjamin Franklin Z Grill, 1868 – $935000

This is one of the very rare and precious USA postage stamps. This specimen is from storyteller William H. Gross and valued at $3 million (€2,3m) in the Scott Catalog.  Only two of these exist today which makes it one of the most valuable stamps.

3c George Washington w/ B Grill, 1867 – $900000

One of America’s greatest searched philatelic gems is a very rare rose variation of the 1867 3 George Washington stamp. The most recent example to be auctioned went for a whopping $900,000 (£768k)

Tiflis Stamp, 1857 – $700000

The Tiflis stamp is a highly valued, and probably the most expensive stamp in Russia. This is considered a very rare postage stamp It was printed in 1857 in Tiflis

UK 1863 Penny Red Plate 77 – $645,000 (£550k)

A customer in Australia paid $645,000 (£550k) for an uncommon Plate 77 Penny Red stamp that was auctioned by Stanley Gibbons. Plate 77 stamps were thought to be of low quality, and all instances were meant to be thrown away. Only 5 of these stamps survived. Those that have survived are considered British philately’s holy grail.

24c Declaration of Independence, 1869 – $625000

The 24c Declaration of Independence stamp is greatly appreciated by collectors who have the expertise in this field, a magnificent mark of the prized 1869 American pictorial issue. The most precious examples are untouched which show a centre inverted – worth $275,000 (£234k) a pop.

Hawaiian Missionaries, 1851 – $600000

This renowned copy of the 2 other Hawaiian Missionaries from 1851. Thus is considered to be the best to exist. This was also auctioned at the Siegel sale in 2018.

UK 1904 6d Edward VII Pale Dull Purple – $469,000 (£400k)

It is regarded as the country’s rarest British stamp from 1904. Before withdrawal, just 19 sheets were produced yet only 3 have been said to remain. The lone specimen of an auction sold at a heavy $469,000 (£400k). This stamp is also called the I.R. Official.

Canada 1851 12d Black Empress – $445,000 (£380k)

Although the 1851 12d Black Empress is not really the uncommon Canadian stamp, it is the most precious. Only a few examples are available and the few on the market are subject to enormous prices up to 445,000 US Dollars (£380k);

China 1897 2¢ Red Maiden in the Green Robe – $444,477 (£379k)

Red Revenue, or the Green Robe Red Maiden in 1987, was produced in monetary reform as a temporary remedy. Green ink was written over the face value of 2 cents. The latter was sold for $444,477 (£379k) as well as the very small number is now in existence.

China 1953 800Y Blue Military – $428,700 (£366k)

This great specimen of a Frederick Heath-graved Penny Black proof, better deserving of a public museum than a private collection, is characterised as “one of the world’s main exhibits in philatelic terms.” Stanley Gibbons sold the product in 2016.

UK 1840 Penny Black Master Die Proof – £410,000 (£350k)

The stunning over-encrypted look of this uncommon Penny Black proof adds considerably to it. Only three such specimens survive, of which one is in the Royal Philatelic Collection.

UK 1840 Penny Black Heath Proof – $384,000 (£328k)

This great specimen of a Frederick Heath-graved Penny Black proof, better deserving of a public museum than a private collection, is characterised as “one of the world’s main exhibits in philatelic terms.” Stanley Gibbons sold the product in 2016.

Hong Kong 1941 $2 Inverted Dr Sun Yat-sen – $353,850 (£302k) each

This headstamp was produced in 1941 only on a single sheet of $2 stamps from Hong Kong. In 2012, the auction saw a total of 50 stamps that were incorrect. However, only two vertical pairings currently exist — this pair achieved $707,700 (£604k).

USA 1873 23¢ Lost Continental – $325,000 (£277k)

The Lost Continental is an elevated American stamp and the only recorded specimen of the 24 cents produced by General Wilfred Scott – the rareness of the stamp explains its great value.

USA 1869 30¢ Inverted Shield, Eagles and Flags – $310,500 (£265k)

This is also an erroneous stamp from the 1869 pictorial issue. This stamp is highly valued. It has the 1869 30¢ Shield, Eagles, and Flags stamp inverted. In 2016, at a Robert A. Siegel sale in New York, the stamp was been sold for £265k.

Canada 1868 2¢ Large Queen on Laid Paper – $250,000 (£213k)

This is an example of the scarce 2c large queen lai on paper. These stamps exist and there are 4 examples, of which one is this. An example was sold for about £213k the last time it was sold at an auction.

UK 1902 1s British Board of Education – $234,000 (£200k)

The British Board of Education produced just a few stamps bearing its name, This 1902 specimen is one of only 4 or 5 in existence. Stanley Gibbon also sold one of these stamps, that is to say, a philatelic rarity for $234,000 (£200k).

Hong Kong 96¢ Olive Queen Victoria – $206,000 (£176k) each

Another fortunate occurrence occurred in 1864 when printers accidentally printed 54 issues of Hong Kong 96 stamps in the wrong colour, they were printed in olive instead of brownish grey. The remaining 40 stamps fetch astronomical amounts at auction; in 2011, a block of 4 auctioned for HK$6.4 million ($825k/£704k).

UK 1882 £1 Brown Lilac – $198,000 (£169k)

UK high name marks are scarce and far from one other. This brown-lilac ‘One Pound’ is among four examples, of which it is obviously the best. This is dated 1882. Sold some years ago through Stanley Gibbons.

Bermuda 1848 1d Perot Provisional – $195,000 (£166k)

Amongst collectors, This Bermuda’s first stamp is valued. There are only eleven examples and three are in the Royal Philatelic Collection of Queen Elizabeth II. In 2016, this gem was sold by Stanley Gibbons who is a London-based stamp collector.

Stamps are usually more valuable if

In good condition

It may seem self-evident, however, a stamp that is in the same condition as when it was released by the Post Office (fresh with complete original gum) will indeed be valued more than one that has been hinged or damaged before.

They have bright, fresh, and original colours

The value of a stamp will be considerably diminished if the colour has faded (due to water or light).

Issued before 1960

A stamp collector is best described as an archaeologist of postal history who regards stamps and covers as important artefacts. The most valuable objects are usually uncommon and have an interesting backstory.

From a country of interest

Classic stamps, which originate from 1900 or before, are incredibly rare and ancient stamps from nations when postage deliveries were scarce. They are, in most circumstances, among the first stamp releases from such a country, and as a result, they might fetch a higher price.

The face value is a higher denomination

Due to their scarcity, stamps with values greater than 1/- (one shilling) are typically worth considerably a lot.  Generally, some British decimal currency stamps have facial values in pounds as well as pence. Such stamps are valued at less than £sd. Regrettably, each of these varieties is frequently traded for far less than their face is worth.

No piece of the stamp is missing

Even if it is exceedingly rare, a stamp with part of its design or a perforation absent will not demand higher prices or a premium price.

Creases and other damage are minimal

The value of a stamp is considerably reduced by a twist or wrinkle. Lighter ‘wrinkles’ will degrade stamps as well, although to a lesser extent.

They are ‘unhinged’ and not stuck to a page

It’s definitely worth a stamp that never had a hinge to apply, as it still has its entire original gum. This little sheet of translucent folded paper tends to dissolve the initial glue of the stamp when a hinge is placed, rendering it far more inexpensive – and this even after removing it. Never try to remove a hinge from a stamp to harm it.

It’s got a unique cancellation on it

If an unusual or uncommon cancellation mark has been applied, older marks remaining on the original envelope may be seen as somewhat more useful. Never take stamps from the original item from which it was mailed, to maintain the legitimacy of a stamp.

It contains a rare error

When a printing or manufacturing fault results in a fault on a stamp pattern, like a missing colour or feature, such stamps become very valuable and are typically worth much more than a ‘regular’ issue.

It has perfect perforations

Stamps with lovely borders, or as they are called in philatelic circles, neat “perforations,” are more valuable. In most situations, the more a stamp is valued, the nicer the perforations are.

It has a light and tidy cancellation mark

Soaking a stamp on the nose implies that a circular date stamp cancellation sign has also been placed extremely near to its centre. A stamp is much more valuable when it is completed in a neat and light way, with either the date, place name, as well as location included.

For an honest appraisal of your stamp collection, make sure you have in contact with one of our experienced stamp collectors who specializes in stamps.

This activity does not necessitate the purchase of pricey equipment. Simple stamp collecting supplies will come in handy. Choose a field or area of focus that you’d want to gather before you begin. This article can assist you in making a decision if you are undecided.

Why should you start collecting stamps?

At Tony Lester, we believe stamp collecting is a fascinating and intriguing pastime that allows you to learn about history, geography, art, and politics. It may be a therapeutic hobby or a way to meet individuals with similar interests and join organizations and organisations. Stamp collecting is also a fantastic pastime to introduce your children to. It’s a non-tech hobby that may bring youngsters closer to their elders, who may have also gathered when they were little.

A brief history of the stamp

You’re going to get a pin collector knowing a bit more about the stamps and their origins. In the United Kingdom in 1840, the first stamp is named the Penny Black. This little paper transformed the way we shipped posts and was quite popular. From that moment on, new designs were manufactured every year in nations across the world. You can view more on the history of stamps here.

Words you’ll need to know.

Philately: Philately is a term used to describe the analysis of postage stamps and their related fields.

Definitive stamp: This is a stamp that depicts the profile of the monarch’s head and is designed for long-term usage.

Commemorative stamp: A commemorative stamp honours a specific event or topic, and is often referred to as a “Special” stamp because it isn’t always associated with an anniversary.

Used: This is a stamp that can not be reused o the mail as it has been annulled by a postal authority.

Mint: A stamp that is in the same condition as when it was issued by a post office: this stamp is also undamaged or unused, uncancelled and with its original gum, this stamp is in excellent shape.

Cancellation: A postal marking is placed to the top of a stamp to signify that it has been through the mail and to deface the stamp, making it unusable.

Perforation: By removing little bits of paper from the spaces between the stamps, you can make it simpler to separate individual stamps.

Basic stamp collecting equipment you may want to buy

The equipment that will be required, like any collecting pastime, will be mainly determined by how much you plan to specialize in your chosen topic.

For starters, stamps are the first thing that you will need. It is more sensible if you spend more money on the stamps, less money should be spent on the equipment. The following are a list of the recommended fundamental equipment’s:

A pair of stamp tongs or tweezers

Tongs are a must-have for any stamp collector. Start with tongs that have a spade end rather than those that have ‘tipped’ tongs and once you’ve become used to handling stamps with them, you may choose a type that most fits you.

Magnifying glass:

A magnifying tool is essential for stamps, make sure to use a suitable magnifier and don’t choose one that goes higher than x10 as it will not give you a good context of your stamps.

Perforation guide

A perforation gauge is helpful to quantify the number of perforations in a specified region, the sole variation between two identical stamps.

Watermark detector fluid:

You don’t have to purchase a costly technological gadget, regular simple water-mark fluid and a water-mark tray typically will allow your water-mark to become apparent soon.

Stamp albums

Until you’ve amassed large enough collections to warrant investing in more costly albums, a loose-leaf book or ring binder will suffice to hold your stamps. These are inexpensive and enable you to quickly reorganize your collection if necessary.

Colour guide:

A helpful tool that allows you to differentiate stamps that seem identical but vary significantly in shade – which can have a significant impact on their total value.

Hinges

These are tiny gummed strips that are used to secure stamps to album pages.

An atlas or map

If you opt to collect stamps coming from a country, one will be necessary to help you know where in the globe is – or if it’s simpler, you may utilize the internet

A stamp identification book

Specialized reference books and stamp catalogues assist you to identify a stamp and provide you with further information on how it was made and the release date.

What stamps can I collect?

By Country

Each country’s stamps are generally a representation of that country’s culture and history, making this one of the most popular methods to categorize or assemble a collection. You might aim to collect at least one stamp from each nation, or you could concentrate on stamps issued throughout the reigns of various kings.

By Historical Period

Creating a stamp collection based on a period of history lets you work beyond national borders. Each issue in the United Kingdom has a picture of the reigning monarch. Other nations define eras in various ways, therefore if you want to concentrate on an event in history or as well a well-known era, such as a war, you may collect stamps from all over the world.

By Topic or Theme

If you already have a passion (planes, trains, vehicles, influential personalities, architecture, or flowers, for example), you may seek stamp designs that are related to that activity. This will frequently help to collect stamps from many countries and times based on a common subject.

By Shape

To make it more difficult for yourself, look for stamps that are unique or odd in shape. Alternatively, you could wish to start a collection that is entirely made up of non-rectangular stamps, enabling you to seek triangular, circular, or square components.

By Colour

Instead of limiting yourself to a single topic or theme, you could choose to create a collection depending on a single colour or a colour palette. This gives you greater freedom to collect stamps from various countries and times.

Where can I get stamps from?

Stamp packets:

A fantastic and very inexpensive method to start a new stamp collection by purchasing hundreds of used stamps. Ensure the package is labelled ‘all different to get a broader range of stamps rather than multiples of the same one. Stamp packages comprising the UK and international stamps are widely sold online and at stamp shows.

Save used stamps

Request that friends, relatives, or a local company collect stamps for you and send them on to you. Everyone who gets foreign mail may receive goods of special interest.

Swap stamps

Once you get some stamps that you are not interested in, you can trade or swap those with some other collectors.

Join a stamp collectors’ club

You can also join a stamp collectors club. Usually, most collectors set up meetings where they swap stamps as well as share some tips. They also talk about philately.

Attend a stamp auction

If there are any stamp auctions near you, you may choose to attend them. This gives you an opportunity to see stamps up-close and become familiar with them.

Sorting and soaking your stamps

How to soak stamps

The following steps can be used to soak your stamps:

Add clean water into a bowl, then float each stamp on the surface of the water in the bowl. (the design of the stamp should face downwards)

2. Float as many stamps as possible at any given time.

3. Set aside for 15 minutes to allow the water to saturate the gum, causing it to adhere to the paper.

4. Carefully pull the stamp off the paper with your fingertips. If it doesn’t come off easily, soak it again for 5 minutes, then attempt the removing process again.

Proceed with caution!

If you submerge stamps in water, the ink will flow more easily, so proceed cautiously.

The envelopes or the papers on which the stamps are fastened can alternatively be used as colours. Soak objects such as these individually so that you don’t run the danger of discolouration. If, during the soaking procedure, you notice the ink flowing through a stamp or its supporting paper, remove this object from the water and refill the water so that additional stamps can be spotted.

When stamps are wet or moist, they are readily damaged. You should make sure to avoid using tweezers or stamp tongs at this point because you risk ruining them. If there is remaining gum on the reverse of a stamp after peeling it off from its supporting sheet, try removing it with a soft moist brush.

How to dry stamps:

1. After soaking them for the last time, you should lay these stamps on clean and dry paper, they should be placed flat. The stamps should be far away from each other.

2. Next, get kitchen paper and use it to cover wet stamps. Then blot away any excess water by pressing on these stamps, gently.

3. cover the stamps with normal paper once they are all laid out.

4. Leave the stamps for 30 to 60 minutes, then gently remove each stamp and let them air dry for about 3-4 hours.

5. The stamps should never be placed on sunlight or radiators because this can damage them.

How to find a watermark

Putting a stamp up to a bright light source will reveal a watermark. Using watermark fluid and a tray is the greatest approach to view a stamp in greater detail. The watermark fluid must not harm the gums and will typically dry up shortly. Cover the bottom of your tray with non-toxic watermark detection fluid.

When you put the stamp design in the tray, the watermark will appear nearly instantaneously. Watermarks may be used on both new and old stamps, although it’s a good idea to start with inexpensive stamps.

The gums should not be affected by a decent fluid, and they will typically dry shortly afterwards. To avoid drying, the watermark fluid should be used in a very well ventilated location and close the lid quickly after use.

Mounting and displaying your stamp collection

There are two main ways of mounting stamps that collectors accept:

Stamp hinges

If you have stamps that have been mounted before, these are the best choice. These are made of glassine paper and have a rectangular shape. The outside has gum, the paper used to make these stamp hinges are free of acid.

Stamp mounts

This is the best selection when it comes to unused stamps. They are small pockets that can be used to hold un-mounted stamps, allowing you to put them in an album without having any impact on the gum.

Alternative products

Apart from the two methods mentioned above, there are also other alternative methods that you can use:

Stock-books: Most dealers use stock books. This is a very time-effective way of storing your stumps in an organized manner. In a stick book, every page is comprised of horizontal rows that create a long pocket for you to store your stamps.

Hinge-less albums: This looks more like a photo album but is made of small pockets that let you store your stamps. Stamp tongs can be used to insert the stamps in the pockets.

Cover albums: These are more like an envelope, these are able to show unusual postal marks, the reason that most collectors use them.

How can I tell if my stamps are valuable?

You probably want to know the value of your stamps before you sell them. There are several ways in which you can tell if your stamps are valuable.

For example, you can select the values of the stamp yourself, look at the printed books for reference, check the internet to find stamp values, partake in stamp shows as well as take the stamp to an expert for evaluation.

To figure out the stamp values on your own, you’ll need to do the following:

• Determine the stamp’s identity.
• Find out when the stamp was first released.
• Learn about the stamp’s age and the substance it was made of.
• Determine the design’s centring.
• Examine the gum on the stamp.
• Examine the holes to see how they’re doing.
• Check to see if the stamp has been cancelled.
• Determine the stamp’s rarity.
• Check to see whether the stamp has a fascinating and verifiable backstory.

You can also find out the value of your stamps by checking certain sites online such as stamp sites, stamp dealers, auction and forum sites.

Watching stamp shows can also give you an idea of your stamps value, when you go to stamp exhibitions, make sure to engage with other stamp collectors.

Find out the value of the stamp through a qualified stamp expert, dealer or assessor: Many experienced stamp collectors feel that it is best to professionally evaluate the value of your stamps.

Please click on this link for more information https://www.abps.org.uk/midpex-2021-going-ahead/

3rd July 2021 10:00am – 4:30pm

MIDPEX 2021, Warwickshire Event Centre, Leamington Spa, CV31 1XN

As with all things at the moment events can change last minute. If this is the case with Midpex we will send out emails and post it on our website so please check before travelling to us.

Is there an inscription on the stamp? This is the exciting, investigative part that most British stamp collectors would get the ultimate thrill out of doing. Look for any unique numbers, letters or words on the stamp, these are lots of the types of indicators that you can use in your search to find out where the stamp originated from.

Does the stamp have any watermarks? You can test if the stamp has any watermarks by testing it in a watermark tray to see if a watermark materializes. You can then research and match the watermark’s design using a British stamp catalogue.

What determines the prices that a particular stamp collection can fetch?

There are lots of factors that will influence the value of a stamp that is largely centred around the appearance of the stamp. This will in turn affect the highest prices that can be realised at stamp auctions.

Is the stamp properly centred?

The centering of the image on the stamp is important as this factor will have a direct impact on its bid amount at auctions. The design and margins should be balanced and equal in relation to the rest of the design. If there are any irregularities present on the stamp this would most likely have occurred as a result of deviations in the perforation process. There is an exemption to this rule however with stamps made from 1867 that were purposely made as imperforate stamps.

What philatelic condition is the stamp in?

The condition of the stamp is obviously one of the most important factors with standards ranging form superb to fine and lastly good with good being the minimal standard of acceptance depending on the severity of is imperfections. It is therefore in your best interests to please safeguard these rare treasures to ensure that they are preserved in the best condition so that you are able to get the highest bid possible.

Is there lots of gum present on the stamp?

The quantity and presence of gum on the stamp will also be assessed. The more gum that is present on the stamp, the more valuable the stamp is at auctions.

How rare is the stamp?

Stamps with inconsistencies in its design point to the rarity of the stamp as these were more than likely produced in smaller batches. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find these however as many of these are highly sought after and are bid on the most by the most avid of stamp collectors at auctions.

British Guiana 1-cent Magenta

The British Guiana 1-cent Magenta is indeed the rarest of rare stamps and is also referred to as the ‘Princess of Philately’. A colony of Britain at the time, the stamp was named the British Guiana after this colonial empire, until its decolonisation in May 1966.

It was originally available in one and four-cent stamps for use in the interim while postage was waiting to be received by the postmaster at the time. Only a single copy of the one-cent stamp survived worldwide and was auctioned to bidders and sold in June 2014 at a New York stamp auction for an incredible £ 9,480,000. Only a few four-cent stamps are still in existence stamps in the world today.

Penny Red Stamp

At number two is the Penny Red stamp which is one of the country’s oldest stamps. The colour of the stamp was changed from black to red due to the inability to see the cancellation mark. The rarest Penny Red to date is known as the plate 77 Penny Red whose origins date back to 1863. The stamps were never sold after they were deemed to be of inferior quality. To date, they are in the top two of the most valuable stamps in the world and have since been sold at a stamp auction with prices of £5,550,000, making The Penny Red Stamp one of the rare stamps known to exist.

6d pale dull purple Edwards VII stamp

The 6d pale dull purple Edwards VII stamp, 1904 is also one of the rarest stamps to have ever been produced worldwide as its release coincided with the cancellation of all stamps from being used. All but one stamp was destroyed and was auctioned to bidders and sold in 2010 with the highest bid of £400,000.

The original Penny Black stamp

The original Penny Black stamp of 1940 is still considered today as one of the most collectable items with some of the bids placed in stamp collecting auction history. Individually hand-cut, each stamp is unique; it features the profile of Queen Victoria and it is this unique feature that makes it a rare British treasure. While there are still lots of these stamps that are available to be collected, the earliest issues are considered more valuable with one of the very first issues selling at the highest bid of £345,100.

Tyrian Plum stamp

And last but not least to make the top five is the Tyrian Plum stamp which was first released during Kind Edward the seventh’s empire. Most of the stamps were destroyed after the king’s untimely death, with only five surviving the process, making them one of the most precious stamps to this day with a copy sold in 2011 to the highest bidder who made a payment of £159,500.

Where does the word philately come from?

The history of the word philately is of Greek origin meaning a combination of the words ‘love’ and ‘tax-free’ which was an expression of post that was delivered free of charge to the recipient and which was therefore not obliged to be taxed.

What you can expect at a stamp auction

If you are an avid stamp collector and are looking for rare collectable stamps, then attending a public auction in London could provide the opportune viewing environment for you to be able to place bids for the valuable stamps you are searching for.

The same applies if you are considering parting with your valuable stamp collection and want to be sure that you will be getting the best return on the stamps you auction. You should therefore consider partnering with an experienced auctioneer who has extensive knowledge about the history of stamps and the stamp auctions process.

Such is the case with the Royal Mail’s latest release – which is sure to please many dedicated sci-fi fans and enthusiastic followers of the Star Wars franchise alike. 

Stellar stamps 

The set of sixteen stamps have been designed to mark the release of the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker film, in UK cinemas on December 19. Really, it was an opportunity not to be missed!

It is the third and final film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy (one of nine films in total) and follows previous releases, The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. 

The stamps, which have been created by digital artist Malcolm Tween, include ten characters old and new, as well as six vehicles from the iconic blockbusters – there’s something for everyone.

Stamps depicting heroes and villains 

One of the most famous villains in big screen history is featured in the set. Grand Moff Tarkin, the commander of the first Death Star, was memorably played by Peter Cushing in the very first Star Wars film back in 1977. Although Cushing died in 1994, producers used ground-breaking digital technology to bring his screen presence back to life in later instalments of the story. 

Meanwhile, new character Jannah (played by Naomi Ackie) makes an appearance on both the stamps and in Rise of Skywalker.

Other characters in the set include Count Dooku, Lando Calrissian, Sith Trooper, Darth Maul, Wicket Warrick, Poe Dameron, and Queen Amidala.

Stamps of space vehicles

Some of the most famous vehicles in the Star Wars films also take pride of place. Fans will love the X-wing fighter and Podracer, alongside depictions of a Jedi starfighter, Slave I, TIE silencer and speeder bikes. 

All in all, the set makes the perfect addition to any Christmas card (or Christmas present for avid fans) during this festive period. 

It isn’t the first time Royal Mail has paid homage to the alternate universe, either. There was a series of special Star Wars stamps released in 2015, and then again in 2017 (with an added bonus). Some of the stamps even included secret detailing which were revealed under UV light – a novel delight to collectors everywhere. Whilst sci-fi as a genre remains popular there will always be a demand for new creations and an opportunity for philatelists to grow their collection.

Stamp Auctions in 2020

Save the date for Tony Lester’s first stamp auction of 2020, which will be held on February 2 at the Holiday Inn, Coventry. For more information and for a free valuation of your stamp collection, contact us using our online form or call us on 01926 270107 – the team will be more than happy to help and answer any questions you may have.

Origins of the postal service 

Under the reign of Henry VIII, the first Master of the Posts was appointed. Charged with establishing a line of communication between the King and his network of courtly servants, it wasn’t until the 17th century that the service provided by the Master of the Posts was extended to non-aristocratic circles.  

A total of six post roads were opened, alongside a Letter Office in the capital. In 1660, under Oliver Cromwell, The Post Office Act created the world’s first publicly owned postal service.  

The modern postal service 

It was in the 19th century that what we think of as the modern postal service first began to really take shape – coinciding (and indeed, facilitating) the rapid social changes taking place in Victorian Britain. 

It followed calls from political thinkers such as Rowland Hill, who campaigned for a fast, safe and cheap method of sending and receiving letters across the country. 

In 1839, uniform rates were introduced, so that for the first time the sender would pay for postage rather than paying the recipient. The Penny Black, the first adhesive pre-paid postage stamp, was truly revolutionary, more than doubling the number of letters sent in the year after its launch. 

Uniform, pre-paid postage was an innovation that was soon copied in Switzerland and America and by 1860, was the preferred method in more than 90 countries across the world.   

Meanwhile, the Parcel Post was set up in 1883, allowing businesses and individuals to send and receive parcels more easily. 

A system of ‘firsts’ 

The first pillar boxes were to be found on the Channel Islands, where they were put up in 1852 – followed by their adoption on the mainland the next year. 

Rowland Hill wasn’t just responsible for the development of pre-paid stamps. His ideas included the creation of London postal districts, the forerunner of the modern postcode system. 

Get in touch

If you would like to request a valuation of your stamp collection, just get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer your questions. 

Tony Lester’s next stamp auction will be held on November 17. For more information, here’s how to contact us.

An A to Z of famous landmarks 

In 2011, the then Prime Minister David Cameron and Palace of Westminster postman, Martyn Hardy, launched the first 12 stamps in an alphabet series celebrating the most recognisable tourist hotspots in the country. Covering letters A to L, the series was launched on the steps of Downing Street – the ‘D’ in the initial set.

The following year, the remaining stamps – covering M to Z – featured landmarks including the Tyne Bridge, York Minster and the White Cliffs of Dover. ‘X’ proved tricky but eventually designers settled on ‘Station X’ – the codename given to Bletchley Park during World War II and the place where a team of the nation’s finest minds cracked the Enigma Code.

Historic inspiration

Castles are a favourite theme and have in fact been used to create two definitive series of stamps. Both series feature four castles from each of the four countries which make up the United Kingdom, with the first issued in 1955 and the second in 1988, based on a series of photos taken by Prince Andrew.

Meanwhile, both Hadrian’s Wall and Stonehenge took pride of place in a special edition of stamps to honour World Heritage Sites in 2005.

Natural landmarks

To celebrate the centenary of the Forestry Commission, Royal Mail has recently created a six-stamp special series featuring scenes of stunning woodlands from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Coed y Brenin, near Snowdonia National Park, is one design while Sherwood Forest, in Nottinghamshire, pays homage to the site’s historic oak trees and conifer plantations.

Other woodlands in the series include Glenariff Forest Park in County Antrim, Glen Affric in Inverness-shire and Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, the Forestry Commission’s flagship collection.

Understanding what you have

If you would like to request a valuation of your stamp collection, just get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide more information.

Tony Lester’s next stamp auction will be held on November 17. For more information, here’s how to contact us to speak to a member of the team.