And while rarity is one factor in determining value, the history behind the stamp often is more important. The above values are based on catalog values or last known sales. If all stamps appeared the same, Postal clerks and customers would be more likely to confuse them. In fact for a period of years the Universal Postal Union required that stamps had to be a particular color based on the rate they paid. Another important consideration is that stamps give us an opportunity to honor our great citizens, commemorate important events in our history and encourage our citizens to do things that help our society to work well, such as register to vote, and to give blood.
People collect stamps for many different reasons.
Some like to learn about the designs. Others enjoy them as little art works. Still others like to try to get all the stamps of one country. But most of all, stamp collectors have fun with their stamps because no collection is ever complete, so there is always a challenge. Besides, your stamps belong to YOU, and that is a nice feeling.