Engaging Hobby of Stamp Collecting
Engaging Hobby of Stamp Collecting
Stamp Collecting is an engaging and rewarding hobby (called "philately") that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life (called "philatelists").
Even royalty enjoys the pastime of Stamp Collecting which is why it is referred to as the “hobby of kings”. In addition, Stamp Collecting can be:
- Accomplished with very little investment
- As simple or as complex as you want it to be
- Lucrative because you can resell some stamps for a lot of money
- Lifetime hobby that can be passed down from generation to generation
- Great way to learn and teach others about different countries, cultures, and history
If you are thinking about starting a stamp collection, this article is for you! We will explain what you need to get started and where to find stamps as well as give some great collecting tips.
How To Start Stamp Collecting
To begin a stamp collection, you'll first need to decide on the types of stamps you are going to collect. You might choose to collect stamps from one of the three main classifications of stamps:
- Mail-Use Stamps: regular postage stamps issued in an indefinite quantity for an indefinite period of time (also known as "definitive stamps")
- Special Stamps: bigger postage stamps issued in large quantities but for a limited time
- Commemorative Stamps: postage stamps celebrating a specific anniversary, event, landmark, person, brand, or date that are issued in limited quantities that are available only for a limited time
Additionally, you might choose to collect definitive stamps based on a specific topic (called "topicals"). Some examples of topicals would be stamps that feature:
- politicians
- celebrities
- countries
- time periods
- flowers
- animals (i.e. birds)
- events (i.e. the Olympics)
After deciding on the type of stamps to collect, proceed with finding some stamps. You can acquire stamps from post offices, online websites, stamp dealers, auction houses, stamp shows, mail order, family, and friends.
Once you've acquired your stamps, you should familiarize yourself with all the different aspects of a stamp such as the design, paper, centering, perforations, and watermarks.
To examine your stamps, you'll need a magnifying glass. Focus on the quality of each stamp. Things to watch out for are color fading, missing perforations, creases, and other imperfections.
Another tool you should have handy, is a stamp guidebook or catalog (such as the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps & Covers) for valuation and in-depth knowledge about each stamp.
Next you'll need a place to store your stamps. A stamp album is a great way to organize, display, and store your stamps. Albums come in a variety of sizes and styles. Choose ones that fit your budget and collecting interests.
Stamp Collecting Tips
When inspecting stamps, it is recommended that you use tweezers to hold the stamps instead of placing them directly in your hand because the oils from your hands can damage the stamps.
Back in the old days, collectors glued (or hinged) their stamps directly onto a page in their album. However, doing so makes it difficult to later trade or resell the stamps.
We now know that the best way to place stamps in an album is by first placing the stamp inside a clear plastic sleeve called a "mount" and then attaching the mount to the album page.
Besides stamp condition, the rarity of a stamp and misprints are the most crucial factors in determining a stamps value. Another significant factor is the extensive history in connection with the stamp.
Also, depending on the size of your stamp collection and its value, it might be beneficial for you to get your collection insured in case of damage or theft. Visit Collectibles Insurance Services for more information.
To further assist you on your Stamp Collecting journey, be sure to check out our 22kt US Stamps of the Century and our US 22kt Gold Replica Stamps.
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