| Some of you may say that stamp collecting | | | | Since some stamps are rare and are not in |
| boring, a hobby for old people. But, what you | | | | production anymore, it is important to keep |
| do not know is that stamp collecting is one | | | | your stamps safe. In order to keep them |
| of the world's most popular hobbies. The | | | | safely, they should be kept in an album or in |
| number of collectors ranges up to twenty | | | | a stock sheet. The stamps should also be kept |
| million in the United States alone. | | | | in a non fire hazard area just to take |
| | | | precaution. |
| Surprising, you may say but it is true. There | | | | |
| are up to twenty million stamp collectors in | | | | Types of stamp collection |
| the United States and this number is still | | | | |
| growing. What is stamp collecting? Well, | | | | There are different types of stamps that |
| stamp collecting is the collecting of postage | | | | people prefer collecting. The most common |
| stamps and related objects such as envelopes | | | | type of stamps collected is known as |
| or packages with stamps on them. | | | | definitive stamps. These stamps are generally |
| | | | printed daily. |
| Collecting vs. Philately | | | | |
| | | | Other type of stamps that people collect is |
| Some of you may think that collecting stamps | | | | commemorative stamps. These stamps are |
| and philately are the same. Well, you are | | | | printed on special occasions to commemorate |
| wrong. Philately is the study of stamps but a | | | | events. These stamps are usually sold for a |
| philatelist need not collect them. Most stamp | | | | limited period of time and are mostly |
| collectors however, collect stamp but do not | | | | available at stamp dealers. |
| pay attention to the tiny details of the | | | | |
| stamp like a philatelist does. Nevertheless, | | | | Some people prefer collecting pictorial |
| collecting stamps in large quantities require | | | | stamps. These stamps are usually printed with |
| some philatelic knowledge. In some small | | | | the lifestyle of the country as well as the |
| countries, elaborate and rare stamps are | | | | country's scenery. These stamps are sometimes |
| created so that stamp collectors buy them. | | | | printed with the country's famous monument. |
| | | | |
| Stamp enthusiasts who have been observing | | | | Revenue stamps which are used in government |
| rare stamps for a very long time may find | | | | documents are also collected. |
| that the prices of rare stamps are rising. | | | | |
| Some stamp collectors have also indulged in | | | | Stamp collecting is a widespread practice, |
| Philatelic investment. | | | | even at present. This is a hobby which people |
| | | | of all ages can enjoy. It is also an |
| Keeping your stamps safe | | | | attractive art and is studied by a section of |
| | | | people. |