Unusual Stamp Collecting

Stamps are normally used to send mail around the world.  In most cases these mail services are large national services – in some countries they are managed by the local government.

In some countries, competition for the mail service comes from private organizations.  In most cases these are large companies – often because the government privatized the mail service.

In some countries mail services are (or have been) offered by a “town service” and these companies then issue stamps for their local deliveries.  In some countries this is illegal (or has been illegal) – making the service even more interesting and challenging.  It also means the creation and introduction of very special stamps – often in small quantities.  Many of these stamps are fabulous and make for outstanding stamp collecting opportunities – and may also present excellent investment opportunities.

Other types of unusual stamps include over-printing.  This typically happens when inflation in that country is out of control – and money devalues very quickly.  These stamps are less common and therefore more valuable.  So this also presents another wonderful investment opportunity.