Stamp professional complains: Post refuses to replace 1200 euros!

Stamp professional complains: Post refuses to replace 1200 euros!

Linz, Österreich - On April 29, 2025, the passionate stamp collector Manfred H. (72) from Linz is faced with a tragic situation. Since 1961 he has been devoting himself to the hobby, which has given him a lot of fun over the years. But in July of the previous year, he lost some of his most valuable pieces - stamps from 1945, which were to be sent to Vienna for an estimate. The estimated value of these brands amounts to 1200 euros, which makes the loss particularly painful.

The Post has refused to compensate the loss because the wrong tariff was allegedly used. Manfred H. is very disappointed and intended to take legal action to fight for the loss. This situation not only reflects the challenges that collectors face today, but also shows the importance of stamps in the world of philately.

The meaning of the philately

Collection of stamps is considered less popular than in the 1980s than it was a mass phenomenon in which many families took part. At that time, stamp traders experienced a heyday, with high demand for innovations and first day leaves. At that time, collecting stamps was also widespread in the GDR, where it offered potential insight into other cultures that were unreachable for many people in the West.

The value of stamps depends heavily on its rarity, its condition and historical context. However, the mass production of many brands in the 1970s and 1980s led to many pieces hardly gained in value. This was often caused by the phenomenon of the "Carton Philatelie", in which collectors experienced disappointments, since many "special editions" did not have the hoped -for value increase potential.

Current challenges and opportunities

In today's world, in which digital communication prevails, social and technological changes are a challenge for collecting stamps. Younger generations often show less interest in this hobby, which has increasingly developed into a niche passion. Nevertheless, there are still committed collectors who focus on historical rarities and seek harmony between tradition and modernity.

Thanks to online platforms, trading in stamps has simplified, which has led to increased market transparency. High quality and rare brands from the 19th and early 20th centuries retain their value, while the future of the philately remains uncertain. Each piece tells a story from the past, which underlines the cultural meaning of this art form.

Manfred H. and many other collectors are partly faced with difficult challenges in a changing world of collecting stamps. Despite all the adversities, the passion for philately remains and continues to inspire new generations of collectors.