Odd question about stamps and coins?
 

I have a small collection of some old stamp and coins. I was curious if anyone here knows a little about this hobby. I don't the slightest idea how to gauge what I have, the worth, the history, etc.
A lot of the coins I have are old and not in very good shape (mostly US/CAN pennies from the early 1900's to the 1970's) and all I really know is circulated coins usually arn't worth anymore than their currency value.

The stamps however I have absolutely NO idea on, I have thousands! Ranging from the 1800's all the way to the late 1900's collections, old Star Wars stamps, pop culture stamps and a lot in between. http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...ies/wacko1.gif

Anyone have any idea on this hobby and want to shed some light for inquiring minds? [thumbup]

Stamp collecting is a cut throat hobby. Its why I have always avoided getting involved.[surrender]

You'll just have to research things a bit.

But if you have a 1943 copper penny with an "s" mint mark I will buy it off of you for $100.

Local community library...[yawn]

Like antiques you'll need books and a lot of friends and contacts in the industry.

That's certainly true of pennies from the 70s but if you have any Indian head cents from 00s they are worth about a dollar.

A good place to start might be PCGS' pricing guide. If you want to collect and have real value pre '65 half dollars are a good investment. They contain about $6.50 worth of silver and kind of obviously pre 65 quarters, $3.25.

I do have a 1943 penny, however it has no mint mark.

Hmm a library, it didn't occur to me to check there!