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