The Pleasures of Stamp Collecting

An article that originally appeared in the New Zealand Stamp Collector, the official journal of the Royal Philatelic Society of New Zealand, was posted on the Philatelic Database Web site.

It deals with the pleasures of stamp collecting.

According to the author, D. J. Jarvis, "The Royal Philatelic Society was privileged recently to hear an interesting talk on stamp collecting as an investment. The speaker made the point that the acquisition of rare stamps, necessarily in perfect condition, solely for investment as a hedge against inflation is a joyless occupation from a collecting point of view - this notwithstanding its soundness as a financial policy.

"For most collectors the pleasures of seeing their treasures increase in value is tinged with chagrin as they see others which they covet being priced beyond their means."

To read the entire article, click here.

Shown above, The 1856 one-cent "Black on Magenta" of British Guiana which is regarded by many as the rarest stamp in the world.