| Stamp Collecting - Not Just for Kids | | | | |
| | | | Sources of Stamps |
| Starting a stamp collection can be a | | | | |
| rewarding and fun hobby. Not just for kids | | | | To keep your stamp collection moving along, |
| anymore, stamp collecting - or philately - | | | | there are several different types of stamps |
| has become one of the world's oldest and most | | | | and locations to pursue: |
| popular forms of collecting. The advantages | | | | |
| of stamp collecting include: | | | | • Persuade your friends to save your |
| | | | stamps from those letters mailed to them from |
| • Learning about stamps which have been | | | | abroad |
| issued by other countries of the world over | | | | |
| the years | | | | • You can buy stamps from the UK Post - |
| | | | several times a year, the UK Post will issue |
| • Appreciating stamps as works of art | | | | special stamps for those interested in |
| - colourful, well-printed, and well-designed | | | | collecting |
| | | | |
| • Understanding the purpose of the | | | | • There are several stamp magazines |
| stamp - whether it is to commemorate famous | | | | where you can see and meet other collectors |
| people or events, flowers, railways, flags, | | | | |
| or space and sport | | | | • Review the online stamp collecting |
| | | | websites for forums and discussion on where |
| Stamp Collection | | | | to get the latest stamp collection tips |
| | | | |
| Stamp collections can provide both | | | | Stamp Collecting and Increasing Worth |
| entertainment and education. By learning | | | | |
| about all the stamps which have been issued | | | | Over the years, as stamps age and their |
| by the countries of the world, you can begin | | | | rarity increase, the worth of the stamp can |
| to understand another country's geography and | | | | increase tenfold. The condition of the stamp |
| history. Stamps collection is also a | | | | is vitally important to its worth. Nothing |
| practical way to learn the politics, | | | | detracts more from the value of a stamp than |
| religion, and everyday way of life in | | | | a crease, tear, or heavy postmark. Damaged |
| different parts of the world. Stamps also | | | | stamps are generally considered useless and |
| open a world of education in a country's | | | | worthless, so be wary of your collection when |
| postal services and postal history, transport | | | | adding stamps. |
| systems, and the significance of postmarks. | | | | |
| | | | If you are looking to make the most of your |
| Want to Start Collecting? | | | | stamp collection, have unused stamps in their |
| | | | original gum as issued by the post office. |
| Many stamp collectors have advice for those | | | | Also, the ideal postmark is light and clear, |
| looking to get into the stamp collecting | | | | as heavy postmarks decrease the value of the |
| scene, however, the best advice to the novice | | | | stamp by large amounts. |
| is to buy the largest packet of whole-world | | | | |
| stamps you can afford. Also, consider buying | | | | If you are already realizing that there is |
| with this purchase, a medium-priced album and | | | | much more to stamp collecting then first |
| some 'hinges' to mount the stamps. By buying | | | | thought, you are right! Stamp collecting can |
| a large amount of stamps at first, you can | | | | be extremely rewarding if you take the time |
| then go through most of the stamps, | | | | to pursue it as a serious hobby. Consider |
| identifying those which you don't believe you | | | | learning more about your planet and start |
| can find in the stamp collectors catalogue | | | | your stamp collection today. |
| for identifying purposes. | | | | |