Stamp-collecting, once exclusively the (36) of small boys and an all-consuming (37) for the older enthusiasts, has now become the target of (38) speculators. Stamps are both (39) and negotiable any where and have thus (40) investors with no knowledge of the subject. (41) , many of these people have burned their (42) as all forms of investment require (43) knowledge. There are many cautionary tales. The Post Office (44) . When England won the Cup, the four-penny value was overprinted with the words "England Winners", (45) , When profit taking started, the price dropped sharply and now the stamps are easily attainable at a price which would not make a hole in any schoolboy’s pocket. However, (46) . The condition of most childhood collections means that they were seldom fetched very much, where stamps can only increase value over the years. Surprisingly the first stamp ever issued, the British 1840 Penny Black, is not that much of a rarity and will never have the value of, say, the Mauritius One Penny of 1859.