Stanley Gibbons Share Discussion Threads

[jasdan] 23/3/2022 14:32

Just read a fascinating posting on the LSE site regarding this share which I shall report here. What's everyone's comments on Pearl's views:
"A while ago in the December update, the CEO spoke with some assurance that the Company would be moving back into the black in 2022. That should be great news to shareholders, especially given the performance of the company since 2015.
However, how is this being done? We all know the company is returning to basics, and certainly the auctions have been great, as have Coin sales via Baldwins. I believe that what is also going on behind the scenes is that Showpiece is becoming increasingly lucrative for SG.
In this context, a lot has been said on here about the 1c sale on Showpiece. I believe this is going to materialise as a clever bit of financial accounting in due course - 39.2% of the fractions are retained by SG, but I think you will find they are accounted for by a 'technical' sale to Phoenix to allow them not to be sold in the open market, thereby retaining control of the 1c asset. Doing this will contribute to SG's balance sheet materially and is presumably why the CEO was so sure the company would be in the black again this year.
I think this company is now due a bounce upwards as oncoming results confirm this, and sentiment becomes more positive towards the company. Am thoroughly expecting a number of larger purchases in the shares now."

[superiorshares] 21/3/2022 20:06

Sikhthetech.
I agree with you on the shop. You couldn't get a better location.
I personally would never buy a fraction of an item . If I can't afford it , I don't have it . End off.
The key to this is if they can pull off s successful marketplace ? .
If they do ?.. it will be a winner 🏆.. Get that Banksy up for all the maccy munchers .

[creme de menthe] 19/3/2022 10:02

It could work if they put items on Showpiece at the right price. £200,000 for the Penny coin (only 2 in private hands) was fine but £8,000,000 for the only known tatty stamp is not. Showpiece has only sold 12,500 shares of the stamp to the public in six months with heavy advertising and press coverage. It will be interesting to see whether the marketplace for fractions goes ahead in May or whether they delay. After all, SG can't have stamp fractions trading less than the retail price can they?

[superiorshares] 18/3/2022 02:39

I am beginning to like this showpiece idea .

[superiorshares] 06/3/2022 08:06

Ternian. That's why you collect the ones that aren't in ample supply :-)

[twixy] 25/2/2022 07:03

Supply and demand dictating price.....hold the front page.

[ternian] 25/2/2022 05:31

Stamps are one of the worst 'investments' around because they rely on supply and demand - most are in ample supply being produced in their millions and demand is low because the stamp collecting is no longer a popular hobby.

Long term, you will lose. Collect because you like to collect.

[sumday] 24/2/2022 12:26

Thank Jas. I’ve only really seen the black and red MAltese Cross. I read that postmasters mixed their own ink so there’s a variety of colours. Will keep an eye out 😁

[jasdan] 24/2/2022 12:05

What is always amazing about penny blacks is just how many seem to have survived. Bear in mind they were issued to the public in 1840 along with the first class two penny blue stamps, yet most dealers have quite a stock of them.

You should always go for the best quality ones you can afford, and with these, only consider four margin copies with a unsmudged Maltese Cross postmark. They should also be looked at in clear light to make sure they are not thinned or having a concealed pin hole.

Depending on your funds, purchasing the varieties with coloured postmarks is always wise, the yellow or green or blue postmarks cost more for example, but are always in high demand.

Good luck

[sumday] 24/2/2022 11:46

Once again thank you to everyone who offered advice. As a novice I suppose it was predictable I’d look at Penny blacks. Absolutely amazing the things which affect price eg postage on a Sunday in May 1840 being one I read. Funnily one thing which struck me was how less populated we were. I saw letters posted in 1840 with an address consisting of a persons name and just a town or city eg Edinburgh or London. That was it. Fascinating. Anyway once again thank you .

[superiorshares] 24/2/2022 00:05

Sunday and anyone else who wishes to invest in Stamps .
Wait until black Friday. Any dealer will offer you between 20/30 per cent off everything.
Ie a 5 grand stamp , 20% off.. 4k gives you a far better chance of selling at a profit.
I would leave hot areas well alone . .its not Rocket science is it ... your buying when prices are strong .
Stick with iconic stamps .. PUC CONGRESS,
5 POUND ORANGE , 4 ANNAS etc
They will always sell regardless of market sentiment.

[jasdan] 23/2/2022 03:41

That’s why SGI’s Indian auctions have been such sell outs! Their stock is always guaranteed to be genuine and Dr Kinns works for SGI

[retriever1] 22/2/2022 22:28

India and mongolia are hot areas but also forgeries are extemely prevelent so you do need a high level of expertise to be able to confidently buy them. Or Certifiicates. I suggest the BPA as Dr Philip Kinns, the World's leading expert on the subject, will sign them off. Good luck!

[sumday] 22/2/2022 21:15

Thank you Jasdan and Creme. Very kind of you to take the time.

[creme de menthe] 22/2/2022 20:27

Just following up on Jasdan's post, India and mongolia are hot areas but also forgeries are extemely prevelent so you do need a high level of expertise to be able to confidently buy them.

[creme de menthe] 22/2/2022 20:22

When you 'invest' in stamps you are really buying a product from a dealer or an auction house. You are also front end loading your 'investment' with huge costs. I don't know what dealer mark ups are, but auction costs can be an extra 30% on the hammer price once buyers premium, taxes, shipping etc are loaded in. Also when selling you have similar costs, typically 10% or 15% for auctions.

This means for example if you spend £100 on a stamp at auction its real cost is £130 and if you sold it next day you would get back say £85 if it achieved its original £100 hammer. Already you are well down on the deal and need more than a 50% gain just to recover your original outlay.

Don't invest in stamps, invest in knowledge, specialise in a particular area so you have the knowledge and understanding to know where value is and when it is cheap. A particular cover, a rare cancellation, something nobody else has spotted. Rare items lurk in everyday collections, it is a matter of finding them and recognising them.

Good luck.

[jasdan] 22/2/2022 19:10

Also red hot is Mongolia pre 1957 but this can be a bit specialised.

Lastly early Middle East especially Indian outposts are extremely popular as are Hong Kong issues with the rarer / more unusual postmarks

[jasdan] 22/2/2022 19:07

Knowledge, if you followed or participated in SGs Indian auctions last year you would have swiftly realised the area is red hot for collectors. Accordingly such stamps are turning out to be superb investment material, if you can get your hands on them!

[knowledgeablestampman] 22/2/2022 18:17

Why’s that Jasdan are Stanley Gibbons starting investment portfolios of India pre 1950 and Indian states?

[jasdan] 22/2/2022 17:46

India pre 1950 and Indian states

[sumday] 22/2/2022 17:27

@Knowlegeable. Thank you for your advice. Appreciated

[knowledgeablestampman] 21/2/2022 22:49

Sumday, my advice unless you have proper specialized knowledge would be to leave the idea of ‘investingR17; in stamps well alone.

[sumday] 20/2/2022 23:25

Slightly off topic but can anyone suggest which kind of stamps to buy for investment purposes. Not so much condition but themes, locations years etc. I understand this is not advice but merely friendly suggestions.

[retriever1] 20/2/2022 22:42

I have been reading this thread for years now and have tried to cut through all of the personal stuff that permeates it. The bottom line is that SGI trades at a huge loss and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Their future is entirely dependent on Phoenix' support and if that is withdrawn they will, inevitably, cease to trade or be sold for the Goodwill of the name. If their next results prove my comments to be premature I will be both delighted and shocked to the core in equal measure. Can we please keep future posts to the relevant rather than the personal.