| The shoebox is not the ideal storage place for | | | | current estimated value of stamps and many |
| your stamps. At some point in time, you will have | | | | stamp dealers retail price lists are based upon |
| to mount your stamps inside a stamp album or | | | | these figures. It is a good idea to always keep a |
| on your own custom designed pages. | | | | current inventory of the value of your stamps |
| The fact is that you will probably wind up | | | | along with the sums you paid to acquire them. It |
| collecting more stamps than you ever dreamed | | | | could be as simple as a log book with manual |
| imaginable, and as a result you will need proper | | | | entry, or with the help of a philatelic database |
| storage for them. | | | | software. |
| For maximum protection of your stamp collection, | | | | Being an essential piece of your philatelic supplies, |
| a good quality stamp album must have plenty of | | | | these catalogues are great for the arrangement |
| space for growing and a strong binding to keep | | | | of your collections as they classify stamps |
| the album sheets from separating. Many types of | | | | according to the date of issue and gives a brief |
| stock books are available on the market, which | | | | description of each stamps. We can find |
| makes it difficult at the beginning to decide on | | | | catalogues that sorts stamps by countries and |
| what format to choose. Always keep in mind that | | | | others by subjects and they are now available on |
| your collection will keep expanding, so be sure to | | | | CD. |
| give yourself flexibility. | | | | They contain a wealth of information on how to |
| Handle your stamps delicately. A creased stamp | | | | identify stamps, detect fakes and counterfeited |
| or a stamp with a missing perforation will not | | | | copies, abbreviations, printing process and much |
| carry the same value as another one in pristine | | | | more. Rest assured, as you progress in collecting |
| condition. So, you must care for your stamps and | | | | you will also acquire observational skills. |
| treat them securely. | | | | Stamp collecting is truly the most rewarding |
| Stamp catalogues are also an essential tool to | | | | hobby in the world! |
| keep your collection organized. They indicate the | | | | |