STAMPS

Tips For Stamp Collecting

Stamp collecting is an age-old hobby that holds the interest of millions of people the world over. Stamp collecting began in the 1840′s when the first stamps were issued. “Stamp madness,” or “timbromania” swept through Europe and spread worldwide. Stamp collecting is not as popular as it once was, but there are still an estimated 25 million people in the US alone and over 200 million around the world who still collect.

It is not hard to get started in the infamous art of stamp collecting, nor is it overly expensive. There are a few must have items needed to begin: tweezer-like tongs to handle stamps, a magnifying glass, a stamp album, and of course, the stamps.

The first thing to decide is what type of stamps you wish to collect. Many people collect new stamps and just as many collect used ones; it is all a matter of personal preference. If collecting new stamps, there are thousands of Internet sites selling stamps, there are dealers all over the world that sell them, and there are even stamp auctions. If collecting Used Stamps, most people will save stamps off of their mail and also save the stamps off of all their friends and families mail. One of the cheapest ways to start a large collection is buying a roll of used Stamps From a collector. You can get 1000 mixed stamps for as low as $12.00.

Many people only collect stamps from their respective countries, then there are some that collect worldwide stamps. If you like a specific theme of stamp you can collect just that one type, such as birds, ships, planes, animals, or even celebrities. The types of stamps are as different as the people that collect them. It is often a good idea to start with a general collection until you decide exactly what type of stamp interests you.

After there are a good number of stamps in your collection they need to be sorted. Most people will sort their stamps by countries and or themes. Then go another step further and arrange them alphabetically. This will make stamps much easier to find.

When stamps have been accumulated, it is essential that you know the proper ways to care for stamps so as not to ruin them. In order to remove the stamp from the envelope, first cut around the stamp carefully. Place the stamp face-up in a bowl of luke-warm water and let it soak for about 20 minutes. When the stamp comes off carefully put the stamp on a dry towel then use the special stamp tweezers to put it into an album.

If looking for more information on stamps and stamp collecting, the local post office is a good place to start. They usually have separate philatelic counters. Some larger post offices also sell a Stamp Collecting Start-up Kit. As a source for more information there are also stamp clubs, magazines and stamp catalogues, or experienced stamp dealers.

About the Author

Want to find out about daisy varieties and montauk daisy? Get tips from the Types Of Daisies website.

1974 American Revolution Bicentennial First Day Cover with John Adams medal $4.00 …

Walt Disney, Once Upon a Time Framed Print with 1958 First Day of Issue on a 6 Cent Stamp and Quote Plaque $137.77 Framed print that commemorated the First Day of Issue of a 6 cent stamp with Walt Disney’s image. Stamp was canceled in Marceline, MO, Walt Disney’s birthplace with the date: September 11, 1958. Bottom of artwork is a plaque with one of Disney’s favorite quotes….

The Art of Disney 2005 First Day Issue Stamp Collection Mint Framed …

Nothing But the Best — USPS Special Edition (includes first day cover of Sinatra stamp and rare bonus track) $24.85 Twenty-three of Frank Sinatra’s best songs from his Reprise Records years. Includes previously unissued version of “Body and Soul” only available on this edition….

1962-1970: Collector’s Edition Box Set (Remastered Red & Blue Albums with Cards & Stamp) $111.28 This collector’s edition box set includes the 1962-1966 and 1967-1970 remastered Beatles albums, expanded booklets, newly written essays, rare photos, a 32 page booklet, a vintage 1964 Beatles stamp (graded and authenticated Gem Mint 10) and a square acetate collector’s set containing one square for each Red and Blue album, plus eight additional squares for each Beatles’ career between 1962 and 19…

Elvis Presley first day stamp issue envelope cover 1993 $54.95 Elvis Presley first day stamp issue envelope cover 1993. Signed items come fully certified with Certificate of Authenticity and tamper-evident hologram….

2007 George Washington Presidential $1 Coin – First President, 1789-1797 $0.01 2007 George Washington Presidential $1 Coin – First President, 1789-1797….

Lighthouse First Day Cover Stamp Album in Green FDC2 $18.75 The album is covered in a forest green leatherette with gold colored edging. Pages are free of chemical softeners and open from the top. The external measurements of the album are approximately 9-1/8″ x 2-1/2″ x 5-3/4″ (228 x 63.5 x145mm)….

Lighthouse First Day Cover Stamp Album in Blue FDC2 $18.75 The album is covered in a dark blue leatherette with gold colored edging. Pages are free of chemical softeners and open from the top. The external measurements of the album are approximately 9-1/8″ x 2-1/2″ x 5-3/4″ (228 x 63.5 x145mm)….

Peculiar Institution: Slavery in the Ante-Bellum South $7.63 …

Chad – Europa CEPT 50th Anniversary – Set of 8 $12 This is a complete set of 8 stamps, issued by Chad in 2005 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the first Europa CEPT stamp issue. The set is Post Office fresh, mint never hinged.

Chad – Europa CEPT 50th Anniversary – Sheetlet of 8 $17 This is a beautiful sheetlet of 8 stamps plus a center label, issued by Chad in 2005 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the first Europa CEPT stamp issue. The sheet is Post Office fresh, mint never hinged.

St Thomas – Europa 50th Anniversary – Set of 8 – STP136 $12 This is a complete set of 8 stamps, issued by St Thomas & Prince Islands in 2005 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the first Europa CEPT stamp issue. The set is Post Office fresh, mint never hinged.

The Postal Service Guide to Us Stamps 30th Ed $0.01 The only fully illustrated, four-color guide to U.S. stamps, this official publication provides the most comprehensive information available about the U.S. stamp program and its vivid history. Beginning with the first stamps released in 1847, The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps covers nearly 4,000 stamps issued up to the present, as well as: Every category of U.S. stamp — definitive, commemorative, airmail, duck stamps, stamped envelopes, and more — all organized into easy-to-use, color-coded sections for quick access Detailed listings for each stamp, with color illustrations, Scott catalog numbers, dates of issue, used and unused prices, quantities issued (when known), and separate listings for design variations A complete guide to the new 2003 commemorative stamp program Advice on how to start yourown stamp collection A resource section, a glossary of important terms, and much more!

The Postal Service Guide to Us Stamps 32nd Ed $6.18 Now in an easy-to-use, oversize format, The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps is just the delivery you’ve been waiting for! The only fully illustrated, four-color guide to U.S. stamps, this official publication provides the most comprehensive information available about the U.S. stamp program and its vivid history. Beginning with the first stamps released in 1847, The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps covers more than 4,000 stamps issued up to the present, as well as: A new Stamp Series section that lists stamps categorized by their respective series, such as Legends of Hollywood, Black Heritage, and Nature of America Every category of U.S. stamp — definitive, commemorative, airmail, duck stamps, stamped envelopes, and more — all organized into easy-to-use, color-coded sections for quick access Detailed listings for each stamp, with color illustrations, Scott catalog numbers, dates of issue, used and unused prices, quantities issued (when known), and separate listings for design variations A complete guide to the new 2005 commemorative stamp program Advice on how to start your own stamp collection A resource section, a glossary of important terms, and much more!