Need advice on stamp collecting new to this game

airplane1

Hi all i am a stamp collector new in the game & i am trying to find out a few things so i decided to come here for help !!!

Are used stamps usually more valuable than mint ?

how do i know if a stamp will go up in value

is there any shops i can buy packets of world wide stamps in Dublin apart from
cathedral stamps

i am trying to get all the irish commemoratives will this cost allot

final question stamps with errors can someone tell me what to look for when buying these kind of stamps overprints etc & how much should i be paying for the stamp

many thanks hope someone can help

Missent

Airplane

Will try to answer your queries based on many years' collecting experience:

Mint v Used
The difference in value between these two conditions depends on the stamp and even the postmark, whether it's on cover etc. For example, mint 1d blacks are usually rarer than used as the former are much scarcer. On the other hand, high value Irish overprints are often more valuable in fine used condition as they are difficult to find in that condition. Similarly, a common stamp with a very rare postmark can really increase its value.

Increase in Value
Difficult to give advice here as it depends on market conditions. However, if you can pick out a country whose economy is going to really pick up over coming years you will normally find that their collectibles will increase in value to reflect that. The huge increase in the value of Chinese stamps in recent years is a good example of this.

Packets of Stamps
If you buy a stamp magazine in those shops which stock them, you'll find loads of advertisements for stamps in packets. However, most serious collectors will generally try to specialise on a specific area rather than buying in that manner. However, it's your collection so take whatever approach you like!

Irish Commemoratives
Raven Stamps in Cork are currently offering the early comms. from 1929-1959 (the difficult ones) for 275 euro, if I remember right.

Stamps with Errors
Need to be careful here as you need to know what you're buying. Many errors such as missing colours can be faked. Would be better off gaining some knowledge of that area before buying. Irish overprints are also complex and again it would pay to study the area before buying.

Personally, I switched many years ago to collecting postal history and covers from Ireland as I felt that it offered more scope and interest.

Judgement Day

Surely stamp collecting is like all areas of collecting, you don't wake up one morning and think 'hey I'll take up stamp collecting', it's something you gradually drift into and acquire knowledge as you go along? It's not something you can be taught, certainly not on Boards.