Prospects

A major U.S investment bank rated rare stamps among the top four investments of the 20th Century. The recording of stamp prices began in 1865 when the first Stanley Gibbons catalogue was printed. It is important to track long term historic prices.

Bloomberg now lists rare stamp and autograph investment values on their site, so now professional investors can check the prices of commodities, stocks and oil. This move helps to recognise rare stamps and autographs as an alternative investment asset class.

The emergence of new economies into the rare stamp and autograph market has brought in a new wealth on a staggering scale. Countries like Brazil, Russia, India and China are starting to collect in the items of their country, which has subsequently brought these national items to the attention of many high profiled investors.

A large percentage of collectors are in the 50-60 year age group, the only growth consumer market according to the UK Government Actuary Department, due to their higher disposable income. With official British Government figures showing an expected 6 million extra over 50's by 2012 in the UK alone and 27.4 million by 2040, the next 35 years look set for a boom period for collectibles as baby boomers invest this disposable income in hobbies/alternative investments such as stamps and autographed pieces. This increased interest for a limited supply product can only have positive effect on prices.

This coincides with the increased interest in stamps and autographs being experienced recently by Stanley Gibbons. We recruited 22,574 new customers in 2007, compared to 11,390 just one year earlier.

“I have to tell you what a great company Stanley Gibbons is! While I am a novice with respect to stamps, everything about my contracts with your company has been only positive. This new online (valuation) feature is but ‘icing on the cake’.”

V.C., USA