Refinitiv Unveils Collector's Dream: Plate Block Sets – A New Way to Connect with Philately & Investment

New York, NY – October 26, 2023 – Refinitiv US LLC, a leading global provider of financial markets data and infrastructure, today announced a surprising – and exciting – new venture into the world of philately with the launch of its exclusive Plate Block Sets. While known for powering the financial world with real-time information, Refinitiv is tapping into the growing interest in collectible investments, starting with these beautifully preserved pieces of postal history. “Look, we’re a data company, plain and simple,” explains Sarah Chen, Head of Strategic Initiatives at Refinitiv. “But we’ve been seeing a trend – collectors are really interested in tangible assets. And plate blocks? They’re not just stamps, they're little slices of history. We figured, why not apply our focus on precision and quality to something a bit different?” What are Plate Block Sets? And Why Should You Care? For those unfamiliar, plate blocks are a bit of a philatelic insider secret. They’re sections of the original printing plate used to produce postage stamps. Each block contains multiple stamps, still attached to the original plate margin, showing the plate numbers and often, other fascinating printing details. “Think of it like a limited-edition print, but for stamps,” explains Mark Johnson, a seasoned stamp collector advising Refinitiv on the project. “Normally, stamps are cut off the plate right away. Plate blocks are the exceptions. They show you how the stamps were made. Collectors love them because they’re rare, historically significant, and often visually striking.” Refinitiv isn't just offering any plate blocks. The initial launch focuses on sets from the early to mid-20th century, selected for their condition, rarity, and the interesting stories behind the stamps themselves. “We’ve really focused on quality," says Chen. “These aren’t just grabbed from some old auction. We’ve partnered with expert appraisers to ensure everything is in excellent condition, properly authenticated, and comes with a detailed provenance report. We’re talking about sets that have been carefully preserved for decades.” Beyond Collecting: A Tangible Asset with Potential While the appeal of plate blocks is strong for traditional collectors, Refinitiv sees a broader opportunity. They’re positioning these sets not just as collectibles, but as potential alternative investments. “We analyze markets, right? We see what’s trending. We’ve noticed a growing demand for tangible assets – things people can hold – as a hedge against economic uncertainty,” Chen explains. “Gold, art, wine… and now, high-quality plate blocks. They offer a different kind of investment diversification.” Refinitiv is leveraging its data analytics expertise to provide collectors with insights into the potential value of these sets. They're tracking auction results, rarity, and historical trends to offer a “collector’s index” that helps buyers and sellers make informed decisions. “We’re applying our financial analysis skills to the stamp world,” says Chen. “It's a bit unusual, sure, but we think it adds value. We’re giving collectors the data they need to understand the potential of their investment.” What's Included in a Refinitiv Plate Block Set? Each Refinitiv Plate Block Set is more than just the plate block itself. Refinitiv is going the extra mile to provide a premium experience for collectors. Here's what you can expect: Authentic Plate Block: Carefully selected and authenticated by leading philatelic experts. High-Quality Archival Mounting: The plate block is professionally mounted in an acid-free, archival-quality holder to protect it from damage and preserve its condition. Provenance Report: A detailed report outlining the history of the plate block, including its origin, printing details, and any known historical significance. Collector’s Index Access: Exclusive access to Refinitiv’s collector’s index, providing data-driven insights into the potential value of the set. Secure Shipping: Plate blocks are shipped securely and insured to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. Certificate of Authenticity: Each set comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity from Refinitiv and its philatelic partners. Initial Sets & Availability The initial launch includes three distinct Plate Block Sets: The “Patriot” Set: Featuring plate blocks from the 1938 Presidential series, celebrating George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson. The “National Parks” Set: Showcasing plate blocks from the iconic 1934-35 National Parks series. The “Airmail” Set: A collection of plate blocks from early 20th-century airmail stamps, highlighting the pioneering days of flight. “We're starting with these sets because they’re popular, historically significant, and offer a good balance of rarity and collectibility,” says Johnson. “They’re a great entry point for both experienced collectors and newcomers.” Refinitiv Plate Block Sets are available for purchase directly through the company’s website (www.refinitiv.com/plateblocks - website is fictional for the purpose of this exercise). Availability is limited, and sets are expected to sell quickly. Refinitiv: Diversifying into New Territories This foray into the world of philately is a surprising – but strategic – move for Refinitiv. While they remain committed to their core business of financial data and infrastructure, they're clearly looking to diversify and explore new opportunities. “We’re a data company, yes,” Chen concludes. “But we’re also a company that’s always looking for ways to innovate and provide value to our customers. We think these Plate Block Sets are a unique and exciting way to do just that. And honestly? It’s been a lot of fun learning about stamps!”