| Stamp Collecting | | | | notebook to store your stamps in a manner that |
| Stamp collecting takes place all over the world. | | | | protects their condition and keeps them safe |
| Indeed, there are likely few, if any, hobbies that | | | | from the elements. You should also think about |
| are as widespread. Stamp collectors come from | | | | investing in other specialized tools, including |
| all backgrounds, which is again reflected in the | | | | specially designed stamp tongs. These tongs |
| diversity of the collections, as each individual will | | | | prevent skin oils from coming into contact with |
| find a particular type of stamp that interests | | | | the stamp, which will further promote sustainability |
| them. Stamp collecting can also be a relatively | | | | in the stamp. |
| inexpensive hobby, making it accessible for | | | | How do you get stamps? |
| individuals on any budget. | | | | Your first and best resource for stamps will be |
| The first stamp and the start of stamp collecting | | | | your friends and family. Let them know you are a |
| To find the first postage stamp you have to go | | | | collector, and have them send the stamps they |
| back to England in the mid-nineteenth century. | | | | receive over to you, they will likely be happy to |
| The famous "Penny Black" stamp, featuring an | | | | save the stamps from their incoming mail for you |
| image of Queen Victoria, was released in 1840. | | | | to look over and select from. There are also |
| As soon as the 1860s, children were drawn to | | | | products where companies send out a selection |
| growing range of postage stamps in production, | | | | of stamps for the collector to look over. |
| and stamp collecting was born. As those children | | | | Generally, these programs allow the collector to |
| grew into adults, they continued collecting stamps, | | | | keep the stamps for up to a month without |
| thereby making it common hobby for adults. By | | | | charge. After a month's time, he or she can |
| the inter-war years, stamp collecting had taken a | | | | choose to purchase the stamps that are of |
| firm position as one of the most popular hobbies | | | | interest, and return those that do not fit into their |
| in the United States. The hobby has continued to | | | | collection. Just remember to return the stamps |
| be popular for both children and adults alike well | | | | you do not want on time! |
| into the 21st century. | | | | Putting a value on your stamps |
| Types of stamp collections | | | | Although they are collectables, most stamps are |
| One of the great things about stamp collecting is | | | | actually valued at face value or less. That means |
| that there is such a wide array of postage | | | | that most stamps are worth a negligible amount |
| stamps and similar items available, which means | | | | of money. This is fine for most casual collectors |
| that there can be countless different types of | | | | however because they are simply collect for |
| stamp collections. Whatever your personal | | | | personal enjoyment, not financial investment. This |
| interest, be it animals, Americana, cartoon | | | | is not to say of course that stamp collecting can |
| characters, sports, or even Elvis, you will find | | | | never be lucrative. Stamps that range in value up |
| stamps from all over the world just waiting to be | | | | to $50 are not uncommon. |
| collected. Stamp collecting is not just limited to | | | | Finding out more about stamp collecting |
| postage stamps, either. Oddly enough, Federal | | | | Stamp collecting is an extremely popular and old |
| Duck Stamps are one of the most popular and | | | | hobby all over the world. For this reason, there is |
| well-known collectible stamp series. Other stamp | | | | no shortage of hobby groups that any |
| types that are popular include souvenir sheets, | | | | prospective or experienced stamp collector can |
| postal stationary. | | | | join. The main organization in the United States is |
| Beginning a Stamp Collection | | | | the American Philatelic Society. The American |
| To start collecting stamps on a casual basis, start | | | | Philatelic Society is one of the oldest and most |
| looking at your mail as it comes in and keep the | | | | well known organizations. All of these stamp |
| ones you find interesting or beautiful. After a | | | | collecting groups often sponsor trade shows, |
| while, you should get an idea about what kind of | | | | conventions, and other events, which promote |
| collection you want. Once you have a basic idea | | | | networking, trading, and transactions involving |
| of where you want your collection to go at first | | | | stamp collections. And of course, as with so many |
| (and keeping in mind that it is always easy to | | | | things, there are also a host of online resources |
| expand or change the focus of your collection) it | | | | available. Online beginner's guides are a great place |
| is time to invest in some proper tools. Of course, | | | | to start for those new to stamp collecting, while |
| if you are on a tight budget, stamp collecting can | | | | price guides, social networks, and other resources |
| be done on the cheap. But for best results you | | | | are available for more seasoned collectors. |
| should get some clear plastic sleeves and a | | | | |