Why Invest in Rare Stamps?

The fact that rare stamps can be so valuable and such a secure store of wealth may come as something of a surprise.

Stamps are a tangible asset, which means that the moment you take out an investment you become the owner of something physical which is an important piece of history, and they are actually the world’s most valuable commodity by weight. By investing in a stamp portfolio you own a real, rare collectible that can be traded on the open market.

Thrill-seekers need not apply
They are not volatile – yes, you lose the ‘thrill’ of stock-picking and you can’t play the market using your ‘skill’ to monitor rising and falling trends, so thrill seekers need not apply. It is the reliability of rare stamps that provides an anchor for you over the medium to long term if you have neither the time nor the stomach to manage the vagaries of other markets. 

Rare stamps have repeatedly proven themselves strong and stable through times of economic and political turbulence. That’s what makes them such an attractive diversification option.

FIVE Reasons to Invest in Rare Stamps

1. Stamps are a tangible asset, not correlated with any other asset class so unaffected by standard economic vagaries
2. Rare stamps have been historically very stable, rising in value through two World Wars (diminishing supply), 2 economic crashes and the period of hyper inflation in the 1970s
3. Stamps have actually shown an average annual return of 11% over the last 40 years
4. Those ‘in the know,’ largely the rich and famous have used stamps to protect and grow their wealth for centuries – from the British Royal Family, to the Rothschilds, to Eli Lilly, to Warren Buffet, to Bill Gross of Pimco
5. You will own a valuable asset, rich in history, available to be traded – not a ‘virtual’ unit trust or a share in a company that could be at the mercy of the market, changing consumer trends or poor management decisions. 

"One of the hardest factors to evaluate is whether or not an asset deserves a place in a portfolio. If an asset class can be added to a portfolio and reduce the volatility of the portfolio whilst at the same time not reducing its overall return, then that asset in a valuable component. Stamps have virtually no correlation with equities at all making it is a very good asset to hold in a portfolio."

- Joe Roseman, Portfolio Manager, Strategist and former Head of Economics at Moore Capital 1994-2010 and author of SWAG - Alternative Investments for the Coming Decade

We are living in a world where you could genuinely lose almost everything you have worked for; many people have. Diversifying into rare stamps and other collectibles could help you anchor part of your portfolio.

The world is uncertain; rare stamps have proved themselves not to be. You can find out why here.

So, if you’re looking for potentially the best place to put your money over the next 5-10 years, the stability offered by a historical, alternative asset like rare stamps could be your answer.

Find out about the key benefits of investing in rare stamps.

Become a Happy Investor

What we find is that it can sometimes be a difficult first step to take – “Stamps? Really?” – and, of course, you are making a financial decision that needs to be properly researched. That’s why we have a dedicated team of Investment Portfolio Managers who would be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation and personal consultation to see whether a rare stamp investment (or even a mixed portfolio) is right for you.

If you would like to invest today or would like more information on the investment opportunities we offer you, simply call us on 0845 026 7170 (UK) or 00 44 1534 766 711 . Alternatively, you can email us on investment@stanleygibbons.com. We are happy to answer any queries or concerns you may have.