On Collecting Errors
One of the areas of collecting that I have personally found very enjoyable is the collecting of modern errors.
I specifically look for new errors as they are released in Canada & the USA. But in general, I look for & collect
any errors after 1950.
Without exception, every single error stamp that I have purchased, has increased in real value & demand. The determination of value
is the same as most other stamps, namely the relative scarcity & the demand for the stamp.
Most modern errors are quite scarce and exist in sometimes less that 50 known copies.
Whether they are missing color errors or imperfs does not seem to matter much to the value. I regularly will purchase an error
at full list value, knowing that the value will likely increase over time. Since only a limited quantity can exist, consumer & market demand is then the driving factor
in the prices of these errors.
One needs to be careful when purchasing error stamps to eb sure they are legitimate. Certification is usually a must especially in the errors
of missing gold or silver foil which can be easily removed by unscrupulous individuals.
I try & purchase at least two errors each year. Here are some of my most recent purchases.
Canada #1292b LL Plate Block. Only 16 known. $1900
Canada Recalled Booklet: UNESCO 2015 Dinosaur National Park. Missing From most collections.
Our Price $40
Sometimes, I purchase more than one copy if they are available & sell the others. I always keep one for me.
There are many types of errors available:
- Design errors: where some aspect of the stamp design is in error or improperly described
- Color Omission
- Overprint errors: Inverted , missing or mispelled or sometimes the wrong overprint or surcharge
- Double Impressions
- Watermark Errors
- Imperf Errors (my personal favorite)
Many other kinds of errors exist & to some degree, they are all desirable.
Some errors can demand very deep pockets to acquire & are beyond the means of most collectors, but if you set a
budget for purchasing just one error, it is usually a better investment than purchasing new issues in comparison.
But, it’s not for everyone. We all collect for our own reasons. Some just for the fun of it, some for investment, & some
a bit of both.
Enjoy your stamps!
Marios