Collectors in the Isle of Man are being offered a novel way to invest their money.

London firm Stanley Gibbons specialises in the trade of rare postage stamps, coins, medals and historical documents.

Experts from the firm will be hosting seminars aimed at people with money to invest, seeking an alternative to property, banks and stocks and shares.

International development manager, Geoff Anandappa is inviting potential investors to the Sefton Hotel in Douglas on Friday 7 September to hear about opportunities.

He says rare Penny Blacks, the world's first stamps, are highly valued by investors today. An unused specimen with full original gum was valued by Stanley Gibbons at ?3,500 in 2002. Today the catalogue price is ?12,000.

Mr Anandappa says Manx stamps aren't usually top of investors' lists, but some local items have attracted interest from clients in the past:


To book a place at one of the free seminars on Friday lunchtime or evening call 0207 557 4442 or register online at stanleygibbons.com/seminar

Pictured: Great Britain 1840 Penny Black.