£10 Challenge at Stampex -

This is a philatelic #challenge at a stamp show! In this special episode, 5 Stampex visitors are challenged to find the most interesting item for their collection. They will have just one hour and £10 to impress all of us with their postal finds.
#stampcollecting #history
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Dealer Links
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Additional Info:
One Cent Magenta: www.stanleygib...
Guernsey Wartime bisects: thestampblog.c...

[@rosabehr535]

Alan Berman is my dad!! Chuffed to see so many people enjoying the stand 🥰

[@ExploringStamps]

🙌 absolutely you should be chuffed, he was popular throughout the show 👏😊.

[@GreatStampAdventure]

My vote goes to Oliver for the collection of Danish stamps he bought, including an amazing old stamp. A real bargain, I think, and an excellent addition to his collection. I also choose him, because as a relative beginner collector my heart still lies with stamps themselves rather than postal history. Graham, thanks for this absolutely fun episode. It felt like one minute because it was so engaging. I know it is not my place, and I don't know the reason, but the day you stop to produce videos will be a tragic and sad day, and you will leave a big hole. You by far surpass other stamp channels in quality of presentation and content, and you definitely contribute immensely towards philately! You are an inspiration to many! Oih! Not a good thing. 😥

[@ExploringStamps]

The Danish stamp collection is really impressive! Thanks Charnie 😊 Glad you enjoyed the episode, the hour at Stampex went really fast! I'm excited that the online philatelic community has grown so much since I started, content creators like you are producing such wonderful content that I dont think my departure will be as big of a gap anymore, I really think that online philately will be even more exciting than it already is in the very near future. 😊 I will share more in my final mail day episode soon, thanks so much for watching!

[@barrytownsend8519]

I was here in the day, Graham. I remember the announcements over the public address system. A fascinating challenge. Great to see a younger crowd of stamp collectors showing their enthusiasm. My vote goes to Luke and the Guernsey bisect.

[@ExploringStamps]

Ah you got to witness this as it happened 😊. It was loads of fun, another vote to Luke 🗳️

[@juliebooton1360]

Luke received my vote also!

[@SomniferousAlmondEyes]

I vote for Luke. He was very astute in his search. Even took the chance by heading over to the more expensive area. That's what the hunt is all about. Also learning the in and outs of bartering for certain items you want. Hr also seems to know quite a lot about the hobby. That is very good for a young collector. To top it off, I believe he said he got a free tea as well.

[@ExploringStamps]

Luke really had a serious strategy for his search, super well done!! I have no idea how he negotiated a tea 😂 but it doesnt surprise me!! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@IiImonix3]

I'm not even into stamps at all, but randomly finding this video, it fills me with an oddly warm feeling. So many different interests out there in the world that people enjoy doing and sharing with others. Things they take pride in. Kind of like with me and literature huh?~

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 so true! We can all find a little thing or interest that we can pursue, something we can share and enjoy with each other. I stumble upon new ones all the time while making these videos, thank you so much for watching 😊

[@StampCatStamps]

Graham this has been one of my favorite episodes ever! You guys are so creative to come up with these fun challenges to showcase Stampex and all it has to offer. It was so cool to see the wide variety of things people were able to get. I'm glad the contestants all seemed to have fun! Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Lisa 😊 I am particularly proud of this video, it was pretty complicated to produce but the participants, dealers, PTS, and the ‘camera crew’ were outstanding. I’m really glad we gave it a go and I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome 😊 Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stephenogier7499]

They were all great purchases, but if I had to choose one that really stands out for me, my choice would be the Guernsey bisect stamp. A real piece of fascinating history from an area that I collect. To be honest, I'm a little envious. I don't usually collect covers (other than FDCs postmarked on 13 March), but this one I'd definitely put in my collection. If I needed to choose a second, it would be the Egyptian cover. The postmark is an interesting part of history and of course it was on the 13 March, so that makes it even more interesting for me.

[@ExploringStamps]

I’m also envious of Luke’s cover, what a special find! 😊. Glad you enjoyed the episode, thanks for watching!

[@pennyfodca7752]

I don't know what to say...this was such a great idea and very well done. I hope that societies and clubs, future stamp show organizers were watching, there is a lot to learn here. Oh and I'm with Team Lia :)

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Penny 😊. I would love to see more challenges like this, or other exciting activities at stamp shows. Thanks for watching!

[@thedigitalphilatelist]

What a fantastic challenge! My favourite was the Luxor hotel cover.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks DigiP 😊. The Luxor Hotel cover was an excellent find! Glad you liked the challenge.

[@CheersMyDudes]

I love this channel, I think I learn something new in every video. I had no idea that there was such thing as uni/college stamps! Nice to see some younger faces too - I feel like such an odd one out at my local group. With regards to the challenge, I found the story behind Hassan’s find the most interesting. However the beat up old stamp that Oliver focused on also got my attention because I recognised it as being similar to one that I recently found in a £1 charity shop bag. Just did some quick googling and it turns out that it’s from 1854-62. Had Oliver not drawn my attention to it, it would have probably sat in that bag for quite some time!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊 I also didn’t know about college stamps until I started reviewing this footage, so interesting!! Thanks for watching!

[@JessicaCristinaMourao]

🎉 The cutest episode of the season, I died laughing with Laura losing the participants, we need an episode just with behind-the-scenes stories with Laura (I love you Laura), this initiative is really cool, and that must be the spirit of the thing: It is possible to start a collection with any value or as we say here in Brazil: there is something for every budget, thank you Graham for all your dedication to philately. 😊

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you Jessica! I have no idea how Laura did such an incredible job with the camera work when everyone was spread across the entire show floor. I think she is the best Stamp-cameraman around! 😎🎥. Glad you enjoyed the episode, thank you so much for your support!

[@jeffrey8881]

They're all winners. Great challenge!!! Well done!

[@ExploringStamps]

I agree, they are all winners 🏆 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@olivermiller2013]

Hi Graham, all of them were interesting. I liked the idea, to try to get something interesting with a small amount of money. That´s not so difficult, even 1 EURO covers can be very interesting. Especially from Egypt I found some on a stamp fair from the 1920/30s also with nice and clear cancels some years ago. I do not especially look for Egypt, but I like the old stamps. I don´t have a number one for voting, because every item and the collection are nice. The first stamp from Denmark is not too rare (Im not sure, if it is a 1 or a 4. For the 1 in the Michel catalogue you have two varieties and for the second variety three different colors. Not easy), the second 2 skilling blue is very rare (I do not have it). And in the collection from Denmark the sets with the many 4/8 Skilling/Öre can be specialized a lot. If he is lucky he can have a good find when looking through them. I also love the buses, this is a wonderful idea in the mini-sheet. Every participant gets 0,2 votes from me and a nice item from you 😅.

[@ExploringStamps]

☺️ Thank you Oliver. I agree, they were all interesting and deserve a shared vote! As you said, you can get some incredible items for a small amount of money, and I’m hoping that this episode shows that to people who haven’t been to a stamp show or bought an interesting postal item/cover before. This is such a cool (and affordable) hobby 👏. Thanks so much for watching.

[@siam1883]

Great idea!! Like a philatelic Easter Egg hunt. All the participants impressed me in different ways. Five winners in my opinion.

[@ExploringStamps]

5 winners indeed! 😊 glad you liked the idea, thanks for watching.

[@Scott-dv3iv]

This was so fun to watch,, Graham! I think my favourite was Hassan's Egyptian cover because I found the hotel cancellations quite interesting and something I had not heard of before. Smacks of "local post" almost, right?

[@ExploringStamps]

Yes!! Totally a local post concept! It is really cool, and I need to look more into what other hotel cancellations are out there. 😊 Thanks so much for watching!

[@JCPhilately]

Wow!! 🥳what a great episode to watch, Graham, all the contestants' items are wonderful. I like the ones picked by Hassan & Luke, it is a great airmail cover with both US and GB postage, and the Egypt & Guernsey Occupation covers with so much history. Really enjoyed. Appreciate your efforts and your editing skills, so much to learn from you. 😊🙌

[@ExploringStamps]

The US GB cover really is special, a very cool bonus item for Hassan. So glad to see that you enjoyed the episode 😊Thanks so much for watching.

[@zakshakey4686]

Woah! This needs to be a regular feature on Stampex - it reminds me of a British antiques "show" called Bargain Hunt (ask Isobel!🤣). It's really difficult to pick a winner because they all are in their own right - but it does demonstrate that anyone going to Stampex, won't go back home empty handed. Great episode!

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 I would binge watch 6 seasons of this! Just need someone else to make them, hmm maybe we can see if itv is looking for any new show ideas 🤔. Thanks so much for watching!

[@MarkASmith48]

What a fun idea! Loved seeing how each collector enjoyed what they found. That's what collecting is all about.

[@ExploringStamps]

Exactly!! 🙌 That’s really what it’s all about 😊 thanks for watching, Mark.

[@jameswardell1840]

Well I've always been partial to stampless covers, so I lean toward Dan. But certainly everyone looked like they had fun. What a great challenge! Luke's bisect is also a great find. Well done to all the contestants, and well done you, Graham! Great video as usual. Thanks

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you James 😊 All the participants were super impressive with their finds and as you said, they seemed to have a lot of fun. Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@MikePascoePhD]

Steven Taylor is the most generous dealer I have ever met!

[@ExploringStamps]

He sure is generous 😊 that US/UK cover is pretty cool!

[@BitterClinger1947]

Just saw Stephen Taylor at a show here in the states. Bought a Montana cover from him. 😀

[@MikePascoePhD]

Love seeing youth involved, bravo!

[@ExploringStamps]

😎👍

[@JohnVaughan-sl7mj]

The bisected was very impressive. But the older stamp collection was truly the deal of a lifetime. Good to know dealers can be so helpful

[@ExploringStamps]

It really was an amazing deal, I was quite impressed. Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@JohnVaughan-sl7mj]

It really was an enjoyable video thanks for sharing

[@erikmulder2574]

Another Wow video, I love the concept. Making it a treasure hunting competition with a time limit. My favorite? The two ladies. All got something nice for their collection and were enthusiastic about their finds, however my vote goes to them because we need more young people and women in the hobby. From a philatelic perspective they all won, but I liked the stampless cover and the Jersey cover the most. But it is not really a competition, is it? It is all about fun we have together.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Erik 😊. Great choice for your vote, Lia and Rayna really explored a number of cool options like the FDCs and the Stamp pool, I loved that they chose the the souvenir/mini sheet in the end. Glad you enjoyed the episode, thanks for watching!

[@RichardPhilatelist]

Great challenge and it was really enjoyable to watch! I also got quite a few postal history items from Alan Berman. Yes, I agree his booth is the best place for the challenge 😂 Every participant got a great item for under £10. But personally, I would like to pick up Luke’s, just because I collecte the Channel Islands😊

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it, Richard 😊. I am quite a bit sad that I didnt have an opportunity to dig through the boxes at Alan Berman's booth, there are clearly a lot of gems there! I also figured the Guernsey cover would be a particular interest to you, there is something that you can add to your shopping list for the next stampex and see if you can find one 🙌. Thanks so much for watching!

[@everydayexpats]

Loved this, Graham. As you said, they were all winners. When you can find something that interests you, which you can add to your collection, that is all that matters. Looking forward to the next challenge.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Ted 😊. Agreed, finding special items for your collection that you can cherish is really all that matters. Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@garyholdener2470]

This video put a smile on my face just watching the joy from their challenge, exploration, and then the fun of finding a new treasure and it made me smile even more that your participants were young people who were excited with their discoveries. Thank you Graham for the joy you and Laura bring to Philately!

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Glad it put a smile on your face, Gary! This is probably the most fun that we had with a camera at a stamp show, the participants were just perfect and really went all-in with their discoveries. Thanks so much for watching!

[@juliebooton1360]

Fun challenge. I think Luke had the most interesting purchase. I had not seen a bisect before. Like his strategy too!

[@ExploringStamps]

Right?!? It was quite an impressive strategy 👏

[@LouisGedo]

29:25 Very interesting cover......especially the fact that this hotel apparently had their own delivery service to the P.O. certified with a custom cancelation

[@ExploringStamps]

Right?!? I thought so too

[@StrangeMusical]

All 5 have success , so I say it's a tie. Per rarity factor, the commercial Guernsey bisect cover was the best value for the 10£. Stephen is a friendly dealer, who ventures across the lake regularly.

[@ExploringStamps]

Stephen is awesome, I’ll have to keep a look out for when he stops by the US stamp shows 😊 Thanks so much for watching, I agree it’s a tie!

[@sarahgoodman6279]

This was so fun to watch and I felt like I was able to experience the adventure of finding treasures at Stampex! Well done to all the participants, they all found such unique and interesting items!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Sarah 😊. I was amazed by how they each found such interesting and unique items, they were all excellent. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@leesautomotive1737]

Another great video Greg. Young content creators like yourself, Kyles stamp, Silk on the web and many others really keep the interest in this hobby alive. Keep up the great work. Just my 2 cents worth.

[@ExploringStamps]

I appreciate that! Glad you enjoy the videos. I’m very proud of the online philatelic community and the awesome content that’s out there now, it’s energizing the hobby

[@dannysunay4386]

Definitely for me was the different pages of stamps from denmark! Cool find!😂😂❤

[@basila6290]

phantastic and fun episode. Thank you Graham for the work and effort you put in producing such interesting, creative and fun content.

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it! I thoroughly enjoyed producing this episode. 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@jjmiphoto]

Beautiful episode, all are winners 😅... Yet, the Danish collection shows not only an interesting item, but a knowledge on dealing for the best price. So for me, he's the most interesting one.

[@ExploringStamps]

Brilliant! A vote for Oliver. 😊But I agree, they are all winners! Thanks so much for watching!

[@adamhuffman3354]

Hey Graham great video! I have to say that if I was there and you walked up to me and ask if I would be interested in taking the challenge I would politely say “ I don’t have time “. Looks like soooo much fun! Thanks man!

[@ExploringStamps]

Yeah I wouldn’t blame you 😅 I’m surprised these participants so eagerly agreed to doing this, but wow it was fun! Thanks so much for watching!

[@ostevoostevo1592]

Great episode! I think all the contestants did really well and all their purchases were very interesting. My favourite find was the cover from Guernsey with the half stamp on it and the bill inside. As a runner up I very much like the sheet with the history of double decker buses. Well done to all the contestants and thanks Graham for your entertaining video!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you! 😊 yes I agree, they all did well! Thanks for sharing your favorites, glad you enjoyed the episode.

[@ThreeStunStamps]

That was indeed fun! the message of finding treasures for less was important ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊 the participants really showed us that philatelic treasures do not need to be expensive, they were all stars!

[@Mirhan123]

REALLY FUN to watch and very interesting! Nobody on KZbin makes this type on content ON PHILATELY! thanks a lot for making PHILATELY FUN!😅 really appreciate your work and EFFORT😁

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊, it means a lot to know that enjoy the content and channel, thank you so much for watching!

[@amrelsharkawy1990]

I am voting for Hassan. I think his old Egyptian stamp is amazing

[@ExploringStamps]

I think so too 🇪🇬 😊 thanks for watching!

[@MarkDyck]

This is so awesome. The contest is a great idea and I was genuinely excited to see their discoveries. And you found a lovely range of ages and interests in your contestants too. I'd love to be one of the contestants in something like this. Well done! 💖 PS - and as always, your editing and extra information is top notch. You're the acme of philatelic videos!

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it, Mark! 😊 I’m really impressed how this idea actually worked and made for an adventurous episode. Everyone including the participants,PTS, the dealers and the ‘camera crew’ were just perfect!! Thanks so much for watching.

[@jamesshattell1425]

All finds were winners, but if I had to pick out the best in postal history pursuits, Luke's commercially used cover with a bi-sect stamp, well tied to the cover, with contain, from an occupied region, stood out to me as a great 10 pound find. It was a great challenge. You and the people you work with are definitely countering the thought that philately is a fading hobby. You make it alive, modern, and thriving.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you James 😊 Luke really has a special find, I am quite impressed by it. Glad you enjoyed the episode, thanks for watching!

[@jeffnewbery7376]

That was one of the best episodes yet, great stuff! All did well, my vote though goes to Luke, followed by Dan and Hassan.

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it, Jeff 😊. Thanks so much for watching.

[@zubazub66]

So much choice and so little time. Well done to everyone involved, there were some great items purchased and fascinating stories told. Also it's pleasing to see that stamp collecting can still appeal to all ages and people from all corners of the world 👍

[@ExploringStamps]

Everyone did fantastic! 😊 I also was very pleased to see the variety of items from these wonderful participants. Thanks so much for watching!

[@raulgongora2077]

Nice lot of world stamps collection. Blessings

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you, I agree 😊

[@VicenteKuster]

I like that Egyptian cover and the history behind it. So that’s my election

[@ExploringStamps]

A very good choice indeed 😊 🇪🇬. Thank you for watching!!

[@saadfaisal1577]

Hi , I am shams from Pakistan a young Philatelist. I have not seen any such competition in Pakistan so I was enjoying watching it ❤

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you for watching in Pakistan 😊 🇵🇰. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LouisGedo]

9:00 I've got my bet on this young chap.......he's a sharp philatelist with a serious strategy

[@ExploringStamps]

He wasn’t holding back, strong bold strategy from the start! 😆

[@nylemonday8630]

A friend and I used to do this by starting with five dollars and seeing who could end up with stamps with higher catalog value at the end of the day. Swapping with dealers and other collectors was a challenge. This looked like great fun and added another dimension to the show for your participants. I bet they had a great time…and I had a great time watching. Thanks yet again, Graham!

[@nylemonday8630]

I meant to add that it would be hard to pick a favorite among the finds, but I especially liked the stampless railway cover…and of course the orange caps!

[@ExploringStamps]

That’s a great challenge, I would do terrible at it 😂. Thanks Nyle, the participants seemed to have a blast with this, I think we all had a ton of fun. Thanks for watching!

[@keesdewaard206]

Wow, this was great, enjoyed watching this a lot. I even felt the sensation as if I were there going from dealer to dealer and hoping to find that one item...a really nice challenge. Now making a decision is really tough, I'd not mind adding all of those items to my collection, however I think in the end the collection of Danish stamps Oliver found would be most fun for me so my vote goes to Oliver. Thanks Graham for this nice episode.

[@ExploringStamps]

😆 Glad you enjoyed it, Kees! It was quite an exciting hour for us at Stampex. Oliver certainly got a fantastic deal with that collection. Thanks so much for watching!

[@marcumguay]

Just an amazing episode ! Everything is interesting and I'd really enjoyed being part of this challenge ! For myself, the Denmark collection is amazing and the Double-decker souvenir sheet is so interesting that I want one for myself. Thank you Graham and your team !

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it, Marc 😊 Agreed everything is interesting, the participants were all excellent. Thanks for watching.

[@derekclarke2430]

Well done Graham, another excellent episode. As for the winner, they are all winners because they all got something they all enjoy - covers and stamps.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Derek, and I agree!! They were all winners that day 😊

[@williamault2490]

As always I loved this video!! I think a £10 challenge would be fun!!! I’ve got several smaller shows, in my area, over the course of the year; and I’m going to give this a go and see what I can find!! It’s a way to have fun, meet people, but, more importantly, to add stamps to a collection that someone might not have considered, or r thought were out of the budget!! Great idea and keep the videos coming!!!

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Glad you enjoyed it! I love the idea of trying this at your local shows this year, who knows what treasures you may find! Thanks so much for watching.

[@hirschy10]

Great challenge you can find some good interesting stamps for the money. Graham you always find an interesting topic for your shows 👍👍👍👍. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇭🇲😎

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊 they really found such wonderful items for their £10. Thanks for watching!!

[@buzzawuzza3743]

So much to learn in these videos, the stamps and covers are from all over the world! Also glad to see that the event happens in a modern handicapped accessible building. Well done as always! Best to you.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Buzzawuzaa 😊. It was a wonderfully diverse range of covers and stamps, the participants were brilliant and did such an awesome job. Thanks for watching!

[@jimhresco1728]

Great challenge! All did well! Wonderful hobby where you can buy pages of engravings for under 10!

[@ExploringStamps]

It really is wonderful to get incredible artwork for under £10 😊Glad you enjoyed it Jim, thanks for watching!

[@franciscojofrec.6273]

Really fun episode! And is just like my real philatelic budget 😂

[@ExploringStamps]

😆 glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@benitomichel471]

Great stuff. My favorite one was the Guernsey cover, historic and unique. The great thing is that there is something for everybody.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊 there really is something for everyone. I was impressed with what they got for £10.

[@adamhuffman3354]

I liked that one as well and the buses mini sheet. Never seen that one before. Can’t believe it was just 2 pounds. Nice material for little money!

[@timmygreene3491]

I’m not even British or a stamp collector but this video is really cool

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thanks Timmy!! That means a lot, so glad you found it cool, thanks for watching!!

[@lauraorben7128]

What a fun video. Luke is quite knowledgeable but I really loved seeing our new collector starting out. Love your ballcaps :)

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Laura, glad you like the video (and the caps) 😊

[@topsail2]

Excellent idea Graham..this 10£ challenge..👍... My favorite is the bisect from Guernesey (a true time value and really well negociated by the way..😉)

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. The bisect is really great. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@danielfell2992]

Brilliant!

[@ExploringStamps]

😊

[@voneschenbachmusic]

What a fun challenge! This really highlighted the fact that you can have so much fun collecting even on a budget!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. Absolutely, you can have so much fun on a small budget at really any stamp show, thanks so much for watching!

[@chrisfischer5937]

Great episode! I loved Luke’s bisect!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you! 😊 I’m really jealous of Luke’s bisect cover.

[@chrisfischer5937]

@@ExploringStamps I’m jealous too!! I bet we aren’t the only jealous philatelists!

[@leslieselby5270]

Great episode. It was interesting that the contestants stayed focused on their favoured collecting area even though they were trying to win. I agree with some of the other viewers who said it was great that most dealers were willing to negotiate to help a collector. All the contestants found great items, but I think Luke's find was my favorite.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Les! Glad you found it interesting, I was super happy to see the wide variety of items and that some serious negotiations took place during the 1 hour. I actually couldnt ask for a better mix of experiences from the participants, they were perfect 😊. Thanks for watching!

[@rickwilmot9127]

Great idea, Graham, and a great video as usual. Good to see the youngsters really getting involved. I wonder if one of them actually found any classic Norway. I used to drive those London Transport buses back in the 1960s. The Danish collection a definite bargain for postmark interest. Well done to all five.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Rick! So cool to see that you drove those buses in the 60s, I hope Lia sees this comment, thats awesome 😊!! Glad you enjoyed it, thanks so much for watching!

[@DavidKennett]

Great fun Graham. The most important and exciting take away from this video for me is that you got 5 young (ish) people to participate. Great for the future of this, our great hobby. I am both sad and excited to hear that you are ending this channel. Sad for it coming to an end, of course, but excited if you are going to change tack a little but still be doing something within philately that we can participate in with you. All the best 👌

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you David, I couldnt have asked for a better set of participants for this challenge, they were perfect!! Thanks for the kind words about the channel, I will be sharing more shortly in an upcoming mail day episode 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@alexmihai23]

Nice episode Graham! Interesting finds, my credits goes for Luke!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. Luke is a popular choice I see, thanks for watching!

[@mattys1467]

Great concept. Excellent video. Watched it while sorting my own collection. The winner was definitely that nice Danish collection

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it! Oliver certainly scored big with that collection, I was quite impressed 😊 thanks for watching!

[@joyseng]

This is such an interesting activity. Such a great idea! I would be glad to be a participant myself. :) I am glad that PTS is getting you to do some of these videos of Stampex. I didn't know that there are so many dealers over there! The set of Denmark stamps at 10 pounds is such a good deal :)

[@ExploringStamps]

Oh totally! The Denmark stamps were an outstanding deal 😊. Glad you enjoyed the activity, I would even like to be a participant, it looks like they had so much fun. Thanks for watching!

[@joyseng]

@@ExploringStampsYes, so fun. Thanks for the video!

[@Ranveersodhi]

I think Hassan's item has the best story behind it.

[@bevviljoen3775]

Love the caps. What a fun idea. We only have one dealer here, not that he sells much at the moment as he is only starting and we don't have a large number of collectors. I think I am the only one that has bought a large number of stamps, but he has also give away so many stamps to different members.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. Its awesome to see that your dealer also gives stamps away to folks in your area, dealers really nurture the philatelic communities and are eager to support any collectors that they can. Thanks for watching!

[@charlesverrill2752]

Greetings from California.... well done all!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@godcountrycorps7621]

Great video as always, Graham! It was a lot of fun.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊, we had a lot of fun producing it, and I think the participants really enjoyed the activity. Thanks for watching!

[@happybunny1329]

Great video! I loved watching all the contestants' purchases. Are you selling those hats? If yes, you are going to have to make a new set for next year, because half the arena will be wearing your hats in next year's show and you will never spot the contestants in amongst all the orange! :)

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. I’m not sure anyone would buy the hats, they might be a bit too bright 😅… but can you imagine people wearing them at a stamp show if we tried this again, we would have to go for lime green maybe… hmmm 🤔 thanks for watching!

[@peterdowd4893]

Hi Graham, loved this episode - my vote goes to Luke with the bisect - i have one myself, and the Centenary of the Penny Black commemorative 2d seems to be regarded as the "most genuine" of these bisects. Apparently the Post Office in Guernsey had a lot of them! I've seen some with George V and Edward VIII bisects, but these smack purely of contrived covers.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Peter 😊. Luke's cover gave me the opportunity to learn a bit about bisects as I had never really come across them before. What an amazing piece of history, even the contrived covers of Guernsey speak to philatelists making the most of a terrifying situation, its really quite special. Glad you enjoyed the episode, thanks for watching!

[@henrys3629]

Fun watch. I don't have many interesting UK/ overseas items, but a few years ago I watched Mr Selfridge and picked up a Selfridges store receipt with a 2D revenue stamp overprinted SELFRIDGE from 1942. I think it was under £10.

[@ExploringStamps]

Sounds like a wonderful £10 treasure! 😊

[@ViralVideos-UK]

Great video, good job contestants!

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊 the contestants were excellent!!

[@jeffreywilliams506]

This was a super cool video.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊

[@davidmclean-on4dj]

Really loved this fun video. One of the great things about philately is we can get so much for so little or also something so significant for a price that doesn't reflect its importance. I am interested in buying some gb fdc on the first day of issue. I am not sure if I would receive the cover on the first day of issue and also if royal mail send the cover in an envelope or not?

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you David, glad you enjoyed it 😊. hmm I would assume that royal mail would send the cover in an envelope, but when ordering online they should specify how you would receive it. Usually they package the items into one envelope and send your way.

[@david_1214]

What a fun idea.

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Glad you think so, thanks for watching!

[@Creek54]

I'm partial to souvenir sheets and young collectors. My vote is for the double decker buses.

[@ExploringStamps]

Excellent choice! You can’t go wrong with a beautiful souvenir sheet. The buses are beautiful as Lia said. 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@patriceberna2208]

Lettre de Bonn (Allemagne )cachet d'entrée par Forbach en rouge

[@ExploringStamps]

Ah thank you!!! 😊✉️

[@ericalynn8929]

What a wonderful idea!!! I would love to be a participant for something like this :)

[@ericalynn8929]

Oh and I'm Team Lia! Great stamp sheet 🚌

[@ExploringStamps]

Me too, I would love to be a participant, but I doubt that I would even be half as good as these 5, they were brilliant! Thanks for watching!!

[@chrissahar2014]

I think the best one was the Guersney because the buyer was astute enough to purchase a commercial cover - not one created by a philatelist. Second of course would be the Danish collection, a great bargain.

[@ExploringStamps]

The Guernsey cover is a really special item that Luke will treasure, I’m quite a bit jealous.

[@JoeJRLaw]

Interesting😮😊

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thanks for watching

[@hypnotised-clover]

Philately is so popular in the netherlands, it is no surprise hearing all the dutch accents.

[@ExploringStamps]

I have only recently realized that the Netherlands has quite a few stamp clubs that have a healthy membership, go Netherlands 🇳🇱 !

[@MrFoolingyu]

I need to get the GB Buses minisheet for my own collection.

[@ExploringStamps]

Yes!! I’ve been keeping an eye out for them as well.

[@Luzeon]

I think Oliver won. But very fun challenge…I didn’t know about the diagonally cut stamps, very interesting. Oliver just got more stamps for his money. ☑️

[@ExploringStamps]

A vote for Oliver! 🗳️ 😊 he certainly got the most stamps for £10, we couldn’t believe it 😆. Thanks for watching!!

[@snarky_user]

I always reside at the chum bucket tables at a stamp show.

[@ExploringStamps]

It’s the place to be 👍

[@ralphralf100]

Wow,I would love to join this challenge someday. For a 10 pound, I would buy stamps from the "dead countries" that I don't have yet.

[@ExploringStamps]

ooo thats a good idea!! That would make a wonderful show & tell and is totally achievable for £10. 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@e1337prodigy]

I've been handed down a stamp collection. Unfortunately its just all in a box, a few stuck down on paper but not well organised at all. I'm trying to understand what its all about, and how to organise

[@yessanknow302]

The Guernsey bisect commercially used on cover is rare.

[@ExploringStamps]

It is!! we only realized during post production just how important and rare it really is, such a great find!

[@surrealsoupuniverse]

I am so lucky i found this channel

[@LouisGedo]

I wish Oliver would have shown us all the pages in the collection of stamps he negotiated down to 10 Pounds....... that may have swung my vote to his purchase.

[@ExploringStamps]

Yeah it was a lot to show with almost 20 pages, he is on Instagram so maybe he can post them all for us to see, I’d enjoy taking a look at them myself 😊

[@MitchLambert]

You have to give it to the cover sent from Bonn in Germany purely because that is the home of the iconic Post Tower skyscraper belonging to Deutsche Post.

[@ExploringStamps]

Oh I didn’t know that, great point 😊 Thanks so much for watching.

[@Catfinks]

Luke should have bought a college stamp from St John's College - that's where I am studying for a PhD so I may be biased - however they are only really worth £2 or so, £7.50 is a bit much, but it's BB after all, so that's what you expect haha

[@ExploringStamps]

I had no idea about these college stamps until I saw the footage of Luke and Bill. 😅 that sent me down a little rabbit hole. You will have to tell Luke that he should have made the St John’s purchase…although I think he is super pleased with his Guernsey cover. Thanks for watching, Jack 😊

[@Catfinks]

@@ExploringStamps Oxford still has its own internal mail/messenger system. The stamps were prohibited by Royal Mail, but you can still find college labels until at least the 1970s The most recent (and best) book on the subject is “The University Mails of Oxford and Cambridge 1490-1900: Early Letters, College Stamps and Victorian Security Marks”, by Dr David C. Sigee, published by Matador, Kibworth Beauchamp, UK, in 2012.

[@Rivcuban]

I'm not a cover collector but I vote for the bisected British stamp cover.

[@ExploringStamps]

It’s quite a cover 😊 thanks for watching!

[@peterhugo2078]

The Guernsey bisect cover is a really nice piece of postal history and what makes it especially nice is that it was commercially used within the valid postal period. Good value for £10 I think. That is my winner with the French railway cover in second place as that was nice work spotting that it was a railway cover at all. Certainly an interesting item. I only collect stamps myself but some covers are very interesting.

[@suthat7021]

ขอบคุณ ขอบคุณ😮🎉❤

[@tomk821]

I vote for Luke. Then I hear he got it for free. Oliver was a great find also.

[@rogerturner1881]

Great. But if i were to be one of the contestants i think i would be able to get in the 1st half hour to get an item. Why don't you try next time, Graham.

[@ExploringStamps]

Oh no way, I would need a good 2 hours at least. 😅 I’m impressed with their strategies and what they found in 1 hour!

[@LouisGedo]

@ExploringStamps Goodness, this will truly be a sad day if and when you end the channel, Graham. Your channel has so invigorated so many of us philatelists in various ways. Your episodes are so damned enjoyable and superbly crafted. I get it, life pulls people in different ways and perhaps all great things must come to an end. But honestly, the gap your channel's cessation will leave for me is a big one. 😔