In response to a surge in demand for information on alternative investments and with prices for rare stamps hitting new highs, Stanley Gibbons is holding three free seminars in Dublin on investment in rare stamps, historical documents and memorabilia.
Aimed at potential investors without any philatelic knowledge, as well as existing collectors and financial advisers, the seminars will highlight the merits of investment-grade stamps and rare autographs as alternatives to traditional equity based investments. They will outline some basic investment strategies and explain how to use Stanley Gibbons’ various investment products to achieve the maximum return over a 5 to 10 year period.
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| Great Britain George V “Seahorses” set of 1935 overprinted for use in Ireland showing variety flat accent on “a”. A rare set, in exceptional condition €2,900 |
At a time when stock markets are performing erratically and many investors have lost faith with conventional investments, stamps are receiving more than their fair share of attention. Interest has been fuelled by the long-term stability of a truly international market, a solid collector base (estimated at some 30 million worldwide) and the consistent growth in values over the last 20 years.
Prices Continue to Rise
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| Ireland 1934 2d Grey Green coil stamp, imperforate on two sides, very fine used. €2,200 |
As any collector can tell you, the prices being paid for rare stamps provide plenty of evidence that the financial future for stamps is very good indeed. The Stanley Gibbons GB30 Rarities Index gives an accurate picture of the market for the scarcest Great Britain items. Fourteen stamps out of thirty in the Index have risen in price by 100% or more since 1998. An investment of £423,500 (€625,000) (representing one of each stamp comprising the Index) in 1998, would have risen to £861,000 (€1.27m) in 2005 – an increase of 103% over 7 years, and an average return of 10.7% per annum, far outweighing the returns available from bank deposit interest rates or the stock market during this period.
Stanley Gibbons has also backtested the GB 30 Index to 1954, demonstrating the phenomenal long-term investment performance of rare stamps over the last 50 years. The total Index has grown from £8,360 in 1954 to £861,000 (€1.27m) in 2005, an annual increase of 9.5% over 51 years. The biggest single mover is the 1851 2d Violet-Blue (SG 15aa) up from £10 to £14,000 (€20,600), a rise of 139,900%.
Specialist Advice
As with any investment product, potential investors and their advisors need specialist advice and guidance before embarking on an investment in rare stamps or other collectables. The seminars will be conducted by a Director of Stanley Gibbons and will cover all aspects of the investment process, including selection, quality, condition and storage. Investment opportunities start from as little as €7,500, and range up to €750,000 or more. This is one investment that could prove fun as well as rewarding!
The seminars, which are free of charge and without obligation, will be held on:
Tuesday 8 November 2005 at The Royal Dublin Hotel, O’Connell Street, Dublin, at 8.30AM, 1PM and 6PM. The seminars will last about 1 hour and refreshments will be provided. Places are limited, and should be reserved in advance. For those unable to attend the seminars, private consultations will be available throughout the day, by appointment.
For further information, please contact:
Richard Purkis – Director Tel: +44 20 7557 4428 Email: rpurkis@stanleygibbons.com
Adrian Roose – Associate Director Tel: +44 20 7557 4454 Email: aroose@stanleygibbons.com
