Canadian stamp collecting is as easy as ABC auctions...

A sale of collections from the US and the rest of the world is being led by a Commonwealth selection

ABC Auctions of Arizona is currently gearing up for its 87^th rare stamp auction. With 712 lots of US and Worldwide collections on offer, it is an intriguing opportunity for collectors and investors to take a step directly into stamp investment with the owning of a collection.

Direct viewing of the lots will be available for the entire auction for the two weeks prior to the closing date of the sale at the company's offices in Carefree, Arizona.

Over half of the lots have scans available which can be viewed online. One of the key lots in the sale will be a broad collection of stamps from worldwide, with several hundred mostly used stamps hinged on 100 year old album pages.

Strong in Germany, France, Europe in general and South America, the condition is very mixed with faults to be expected. A precise estimate is not given, as the auctioneers have not carried out the extensive cataloguing that would be required - perhaps a job for a more expert philatelist.

A page from the Canadian stamp collection

However, their overview suggests that there are pieces included such that the whole is worth up to $10,000. There is also an extensive Canadian stamp collection mixed mint and used, mounted in two Scott Speciality albums, which runs to 2001 and has a particular strength in Newfoundland pieces.

This is believed to have catalogue value of up to $20,000, so it could make a strong investment. The auction takes place in Carefree, with bids accepted by mail, phone, fax and internet bidding as well as live on August 26.