Stamp Collecting Basics

Philately, or stamp collecting, is a time-honored hobby enjoyed by collectors all over the world. This can be an enjoyable way to spend your free time, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are stamps out there for sale that range in price from fifteen cents to half a million dollars! Some people collect stamps for fun, and some go into business. If you’re new to the world of stamp collecting, start slow and learn as much as you can!

There are various places where you can buy stamps for your collection. You can visit stamp dealers, contact the American Topical Association, or even try Ebay! Regardless of where you buy your stamps, it’s important to know the basics of stamp care.

You’ll need an album designed for storing collectible stamps. You can find special pages for your album that reflect the type of stamps you are collecting. You will also need stamp hinges, which are small gummed rectangles of paper that attach to the back of the stamp as well as to the album, which holds the stamp in place. Stamp tongs are another must, and are tweezer-like implements used for picking up and moving stamps.

You may also need supplies like a magnifying glass to see details on stamps, glassine envelopes to store and transport stamps, a watermark detector to look for hidden watermarks, a perforation gauge to measure individual stamp perforations, and a stamp catalog so that you can identify various stamps. These supplies can be purchased most anywhere that collectible stamps are sold and don’t cost very much.

The kind of stamps you decide to collect will depend on your personal preferences. Some people collect old stamps from their native country. Others collect commemorative stamps or decorative stamps. Still others like to collect stamps from around the world. Take a look at some stamp magazines and books to get an idea of the type of stamps you’d like to collect. Some people collect stamps that they think will gain in value, while others choose stamps based on their aesthetic value.

Stamp collecting can be a great hobby for people of all ages. The more you learn about stamps and stamp collecting, the more you’ll see how fun the quest for rare and interesting stamps can be!