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I've had a similar realization rather recently when cleaning out my parent's house after both their deaths. My father got me into stamp and coin collecting as a

I've had a similar realization rather recently when cleaning out my parent's house after both their deaths. My father got me into stamp and coin collecting as a young child and it was an opportunity to bond and have something in common. For many years now, I haven't given the hobby much thought. Seeing the remnants on the old stamp collection brought back some memories. As I looked up values and got a better idea of what the collection might be worth, I could see clearly that even sheets of uncanceled stamps, which I used to prize, were near worthless. Some of that difference in perceived value is explained by the perceptions of a child versus that of an adult. But these stamps just hadn't appreciated much in value over many years, certainly not the degree anyone could call them a good investment. But what was most striking to me, which I hadn't really thought about when I was young collecting these for entertainment, was just how particular and stultifying the grading systems for any collectible can be. I think the system, and how it interacts with money, is the culprit. There is this undercurrent of curation and preservation that goes along with collecting which leads to perfectly preserved toys in boxes. I appreciate things in themselves, and not just for their use. But I dislike the idea that a blemish, like a torn perforation on a sheet of stamps, can devastate the value of an object. For the objects I have several of, their use contributes to my enjoyment. If other people want to maintain museums, that's up to them.

philjohn 6y ago
I'd argue that since they brought you and your father closer together, and was something you spent time with him doing, they're priceless - what does it matter if they weren't a good investment monetarily, time, and especially time with people who you won't have in your life for the entire duration, is worth more, because no amount of money can buy more of it.
- michrassena 6y ago
  I agree, there's no question that was the real value. I should point out that whatever made it fun is gone. Whatever I found compelling about design or history as exemplified in stamps, is available through the Internet and books. If I were to collect stamps again, it would be images of stamps, not the fragile artifacts themselves.
pugworthy 6y ago
10 years ago I pre-inherited a nice quality wooden ship model kit (assembled) from my father. He'd meant to assemble it in his retirement, but realized in his 80's he'd never do it. In the last few months, I put a huge push into cleaning up my home office/workspace and now am working on one of the models. It feels good to go back to that thing to try and finish it. It's not as much the completion that drives me as the revisiting of the excitement of the old dream and love of old ships and wooden ship models.

philjohn 6y ago

I'd argue that since they brought you and your father closer together, and was something you spent time with him doing, they're priceless - what does it matter if they weren't a good investment monetarily, time, and especially time with people who you won't have in your life for the entire duration, is worth more, because no amount of money can buy more of it.

michrassena 6y ago
I agree, there's no question that was the real value. I should point out that whatever made it fun is gone. Whatever I found compelling about design or history as exemplified in stamps, is available through the Internet and books. If I were to collect stamps again, it would be images of stamps, not the fragile artifacts themselves.

pugworthy 6y ago

10 years ago I pre-inherited a nice quality wooden ship model kit (assembled) from my father. He'd meant to assemble it in his retirement, but realized in his 80's he'd never do it. In the last few months, I put a huge push into cleaning up my home office/workspace and now am working on one of the models. It feels good to go back to that thing to try and finish it. It's not as much the completion that drives me as the revisiting of the excitement of the old dream and love of old ships and wooden ship models.