| Stamp collecting or philately has been a popular | | | | stamps and have built up an information base to |
| hobby for years. People | | | | get information about collecting |
| like the many different styles of stamps and are | | | | you can start buying stamps. |
| drawn to the idea that some stamps | | | | |
| have been all around the world. Stamps are a | | | | You can buy new stamps or used stamps. You |
| way to remember special events, people | | | | can get stamps from other collectors, |
| and places. They celebrate the ordinary and the | | | | dealers or the post office, to name a few. You |
| not so ordinary. Stamp collecting | | | | should also have an idea of the |
| can be a fun hobby that also is an amazing | | | | types of stamps that are available for you to |
| educational experience. | | | | buy. |
| | | | |
| If you are thinking about starting a stamp | | | | The following list explains different types of |
| collection you gather your supplies | | | | stamps. |
| before getting any stamps. You will need an | | | | |
| album or box to hold your stamps. | | | | Definitive - feature presidents, other leaders, |
| Think about what kinds of stamps you will be | | | | national treasures, etc.; |
| collecting. If you are looking for | | | | printed in large quantities |
| old stamps you may want an album with special | | | | Commemorative - feature historic events, special |
| covers to protect your stamps. Your | | | | people, important American |
| collection can have a theme or you can collect | | | | topics; printed in limited quantities |
| any kind of stamp. Consider joining | | | | Special - feature symbols for special |
| a stamp club. At a stamp club you can talk to | | | | circumstances, like holidays; printed |
| others and learn about their experiences, | | | | around time of special event |
| about what is big in stamps at the current time | | | | Airmail - used to send overseas mail |
| and what people are looking to | | | | Special Purpose - feature special people, places, |
| find. You should also get a stamp catalog that | | | | events, things not covered |
| covers many different stamps. This | | | | by other stamps |
| catalog will give you information on different | | | | |
| stamps so you can be informed about | | | | Now that you know a little something about |
| the stamps in your collection. Once you know | | | | stamps and stamp collecting you |
| where you are going to store your | | | | can get started on your own stamp collection. |