| ollecting is a worthwhile hobby. Stamp collecting | | | | additional details regarding the stamps. It can |
| and philately as well are popularly shared by many | | | | include the date the stamp was issued, the color |
| people all over the world as their favorite past | | | | variations and many more. Philatelist recognized its |
| time. It is one educational endeavor where a | | | | significant purpose that it cannot help but to |
| person can spend considerable effort and time. | | | | become widespread to most people. |
| What Is Stamp Collecting? | | | | Stamp catalogues have different coverages. Only |
| Stamp collecting is concerned with saving postage | | | | a handful is out there that cover the worldwide |
| stamps from the letters. It involves earnest | | | | coverage: Michel catalogue, Stanley Gibbons |
| efforts to search out old stamps. It also includes | | | | catalogue, Scott catalogues and Minkus catalogue. |
| the collection of objects related to stamps like | | | | This worldwide coverage is very considerable |
| envelopes with stamps on them. The stamp | | | | given that there are thousands of new stamps |
| collector is very likely to find a another stamp | | | | released every year from different countries. |
| collector just about everywhere due to the | | | | Each new stamps will have to be described. |
| popularity of the past time. In United States alone, | | | | Furthermore, the prices of the stamps must also |
| the population of stamp collectors reach 20 million. | | | | be taken into account. For some publishers,the |
| Stamp collecting, however, must not be confused | | | | prices are determined by collecting the data from |
| with philately. Philately is the study of the stamps. | | | | dealers and auctions. |
| Studying the stamp does not necessarily include | | | | Some catalogue publishers even give out |
| the collection, nor does stamp collection | | | | specialized volumes. These contain additional |
| necessitates the study. Most collectors simply | | | | details, most of the time according to nationality. |
| enjoy the act of acquiring stamps. | | | | Most countries would have their own catalogues |
| Ways of Collecting Stamps | | | | or their 'national catalogs.' The postal |
| Most serious stamp collectors are not just into | | | | administrations may come up with these |
| accumulating the stamps. They choose a certain | | | | catalogues. The experience with them however is |
| aspect or detail and focus on it. There are just so | | | | that they do not supply the full details of the |
| many ways by which a stamp collector may | | | | stamps featured. The leading dealer or publisher in |
| narrow down his or her focus. | | | | the country can also initiate the effort to put up a |
| One way is to collect only the stamps of a | | | | catalogue. |
| certain country, it may be of the own country or | | | | Some examples of the 'national catalogs' are the |
| a foreign one. | | | | Brusden-White in Australia, Ma catalog and Yang |
| Some would be interested with the illustration | | | | catalog in China, Facit in Sweden and Anfils in |
| featured in the stamp, for example cats, | | | | catalog in Spain. |
| butterflies, airplanes or religious figures. | | | | Stamp shops have stamp catalogues that can be |
| There are people concerned only with stamps | | | | purchased. At present, thanks to the Internet |
| released on a certain year, like the year they | | | | technology, stamp catalogues can easily be |
| were born or when a certain historical event took | | | | accessed for purchase online. Most web sites on |
| place. This can be more challenging yet still very | | | | stamp collecting can link to another site that |
| much rewarding. | | | | offers these stamp catalogues. The price range |
| The Challenge | | | | would usually depend on the kind of stamp |
| With the onset of the email technology, people | | | | catalogue. |
| now are less likely to receive a letter in their | | | | Discounted rates can also be offered by some |
| mailboxes. Thus the chances of acquiring more | | | | web sites. Take note however that the discount |
| stamps are lessened. Still, the search goes on | | | | may only apply to certain catalogues, usually |
| even if one cannot convince enough distant family | | | | those that covers a certain period only. |
| and friends to communicate through snail mail. | | | | What may sound better is a free stamp |
| The Stamp Catalogue | | | | catalogue. Free stamps are usually offered by |
| A stamp catalog or also stamp catalogue is a list | | | | stamp companies or even a particular web site on |
| or directory of postage stamp types. This will | | | | stamp collecting. Some would offer free copies of |
| simply consist of a register of descriptions and | | | | their catalogues. The free stamp catalogues may |
| prices of the stamps. This is not to be | | | | not be as comprehensive as the worldwide |
| undermined. This is an essential tool for any | | | | catalogues but they can still be very useful |
| serious philatelist. | | | | resources for a dedicated stamp collector. |
| Initially, this catalogue were just used to help the | | | | One can easily avail of these free stamp |
| dealers with the prices. Stanley Gibbons for one, | | | | catalogues offer as they are often used to |
| still uses the stamp catalogues for that purpose. | | | | promote the web site or to serve as a token for |
| As time went on, philately as a past time | | | | being a regular in the web site. So, simply grab |
| developed as well the function of the stamp | | | | the chance of this offer. There is nothing to lose |
| catalogues. The catalogues started featuring | | | | only a free stamp catalogue to gain. |