Starting a stamp collection.
Copyright 2006 Smarket Limited
Stamp collecting or philately has been a popular hobby for
years. People like the many different styles of stamps and are
drawn to the idea that some stamps have been all around the
world. Stamps are a way to remember special events, people and
places. They celebrate the ordinary and the not so ordinary.
Stamp collecting can be a fun hobby that also is an amazing
educational experience.
If you are thinking about starting a stamp collection you gather
your supplies before getting any stamps. You will need an album
or box to hold your stamps. Think about what kinds of stamps you
will be collecting. If you are looking for old stamps you may
want an album with special covers to protect your stamps. Your
collection can have a theme or you can collect any kind of
stamp. Consider joining a stamp club. At a stamp club you can
talk to others and learn about their experiences, about what is
big in stamps at the current time and what people are looking to
find. You should also get a stamp catalog that covers many
different stamps. This catalog will give you information on
different stamps so you can be informed about the stamps in your
collection. Once you know where you are going to store your
stamps and have built up an information base to get information
about collecting you can start buying stamps.
You can buy new stamps or used stamps. You can get stamps from
other collectors, dealers or the post office, to name a few. You
should also have an idea of the types of stamps that are
available for you to buy. The following list explains different
types of stamps. Definitive - feature presidents, other leaders,
national treasures, etc.; printed in large quantities
Commemorative - feature historic events, special people,
important American topics; printed in limited quantities Special
- feature symbols for special circumstances, like holidays;
printed around time of special event Airmail - used to send
overseas mail Special Purpose - feature special people, places,
events, things not covered by other stamps
Now that you know a little something about stamps and stamp
collecting you can get started on your own stamp collection.