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How to Start Stamp Collecting
How to Start Stamp Collecting Information :- The first postal stamp was released in Britain in 1840. Nobody could have foreseen at the time that postage stamps would develop into one of the most exciting hobbies for collectors.
In the present day, there are more than five million stamp collectors in the United States. Before you begin collecting, there are a few things you must know if you want to become a philatelist.
Consider the Type of Stamp
Choosing the kind of stamps you want to collect is the first thing you should do when you first start exploring the world of stamp collecting.
The possibilities are unlimited. You can choose stamps that are focused on a specific nation, niche or theme, quality (mint or used, for example), etc. Of course, you aren’t restricted to the areas listed below, but it’s generally a good idea to focus more directly immediately.
👉 Country – If you have a connection to a specific location, you can always acquire stamps from that nation. If you choose to amass stamps from all around the world, it will be enjoyable but much more involved.
If you take this route, you’ll probably end up with the most stamps because about 10,000 new stamps are released yearly in different parts of the world.
👉 Topic – You can choose a subject or category, such as celebrities, Disney, sports, or flowers. Nowadays, one of the most common ways to collect stamps is by choosing a topic.
👉 Quality (Mint or Used) – Most stamp collectors choose either mint or used stamps. These stamps have never been used if you wish to collect mint ones (making them rarer, and, thus, more expensive).
Nevertheless, it is unquestionably simpler to acquire old stamps, and many of them are still in high demand.
How to start stamp collecting
You will first need a few pieces of equipment to assemble your collection.
| Stamp tongs or tweezers | Tongs or tweezers can be used to handle stamps without causing damage from skin oils. |
| Magnifying Glass | Most collectors love inspecting stamps. To see the context of your stamps, you need x10 magnification. More will obscure it. |
| Stamp Albums | Start with a ring binder or loose-leaf book. Later, you may want to buy albums to organise your collection. Each year, the USPS releases new collector booklets. |
| Perforation Guide | The Gibbons Instanta is the most common perforation measurement tool for collectors. Perforation measures can quickly differentiate stamps. |
| Color Guide | A stamp’s colour affects its worth. A colour chart shows the difference. |
| Watermark detector fluid | Two identical stamps with differing watermarks are not unheard of. The collector classifies these as two stamps.
Apply watermark fluid to a stamp’s back to reveal its watermark. USPS is a common stamp watermark. |
| Hinges | Stamps are adhered to album pages using gummed hinges. |
| Stamp identification book | This might be an informative part of your collection. Specialized reference books provide stamp history, value, and print date. |
| A map or Atlas | Maps show the stamp’s provenance. |
Purchasing Your Stamps
It would help if you then thought about where you will get your stamps. You can use numerous resources (or methods) to obtain authorisations. Below, we’ll go over a few of those choices:
👉 Post Office
At the post office, you may always buy stamps for your collection. You can find out whether logos are limited edition or commemorative by visiting the post office. You might enquire about symbols related to your area of interest, such as sports or animals.
👉 Family & Friends
When looking for new stamps, you may also spread the word and enlist the aid of your close friends and family.
Find out if your friends, family members, and even nearby businesses would be willing to save stamps for you by speaking with them.Your stamp collection will have a far wider audience if you know people who live in various parts of the country or the world.
👉 Dealer
Try looking in the APS Dealer Directory to locate a local stamp dealer. To start the search, enter your city or state. Purchasing stamp packets from a dealer is a fantastic way to begin your stamp collection.Stamp packets, which include many used stamps, are frequently sold in hobby shops and stamp collector shops.
A new group might get off to a beautiful start by purchasing some stamp packages.
👉 Club
You will have plenty of opportunities to find stamps if you join a local stamp club. You can consult other club members, get suggestions from knowledgeable collectors, and talk to them. The APS Stamp Club Directory is a valuable tool for finding a stamp club.
👉 Shows/Exhibitions
Another fantastic approach to getting stamps rapidly is by attending a stamp show. If you can, go to a stamp show where you’ll find many rare stamps and meet many knowledgeable collectors.
The APS Calendar of Events should be able to assist you in getting started if you’re not sure how to locate a stamp exhibition close to you.
👉 Pen Pal
Joining a pen buddy programme is one way to obtain some “free” stamps. Make sure you enjoy sending and receiving letters if you choose to pursue this path; otherwise, you’ll probably get burned out quite quickly.
All over the Internet, you may find pen buddy websites that will connect you with people who may very well have similar interests to yours.
👉 Stamp Trading
Sort through your stamps and eliminate any duplicates you don’t want once you’ve established the foundation for a collection and have established relationships with other stamp enthusiasts.
After that, you can exchange these stamps with other stamp collectors (for their duplicates – which is a win-win for both parties involved). You can also ask around at your local hobby store or stamp dealer to see if anyone is ready to swap.
Stamp Collecting Supplies
What supplies will you need to preserve your stamps in top shape now that you know some well-liked sources to get them from? You’ll need stamp collecting supplies, which typically include the following, to preserve your stamps.
| Watermark Detector Fluid | It helps to highlight the stamp’s watermarks and designs. |
| Tongs | I will assist you in picking up and putting your stamps so that you don’t damage them. |
| Magnifying Glass | It is used to get a close-up look at your stamps’ condition. |
| Perforation Gauge | Should record any perforations on the margins of your stamp. |
Removing Stamps Correctly from Envelopes
If you’ve decided to start a used stamp collection, you’ll need to learn how to remove stamps from envelopes to prevent damage. To correctly remove a logo from an envelope, separate the symbol from the envelope by cutting it, leaving some room on all sides.
After that, immerse the stamp in cold water for around twenty minutes with its face down. Eventually, the logo will float free. When that happens, use your tongs and sandwich the stamp between some paper towels. Afterwards, place a large book on your authorisation to ensure flat drying.
Stamp Collection Values
You’ll need to get a stamp collecting pricing guide if you ever want to determine the worth of your collection. The Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue is the most widely used catalogue in the United States. You can use this catalogue to evaluate the value of your stamp collection.
The rarity and quality of your stamps are the significant determinants of their worth.
Correctly Storing Stamps
Many stamp collectors keep their stamps in albums, stamp mounts, or stamp hinges. Stamp mounts are helpful since they are transparent plastic holders that provide a reasonable degree of security. A translucent glassine envelope is another fantastic choice for protecting your stamps from airborne contaminants and dust.
Should You Get Insurance?
Consider purchasing insurance to protect your investment if you find that you have a few rare stamps or if your stamp collection grows significantly. Many insurance firms provide all-risk coverage, and many of them have plans that cover collectables.
Finishing touches
Stamp collecting is a flexible activity that will teach you much more than anticipated. They can share a wealth of knowledge on everything from historical events to notable people and commemorative holidays.
Once you start with the fundamentals, a world of enjoyment and fact will soon envelop you.Getting into stamp collecting will also help you get to know other philatelists better.
Stamp Collecting-FAQ
Is collecting stamps a good investment?
In periods of excessive inflation, stamps may perform better than cash because they are not a financial asset. A logo cannot go out of business since it is a physical asset, unlike a publicly traded firm. A somewhat secretive investment is stamped.
When did stamp collecting begin?
When the Penny Black, the first postal stamp, was released in 1840, stamp collecting started.
Can you make money collecting stamps?
A stamp auction company is another option for buying your collection. However, their fees range from 40 to 50 per cent of the selling price. In contrast, many stamp dealers would consider 20–30% of the sale price as profit. Depending on how quickly they can resell the product, some may even accept 10%.
Can you buy stamps online?
Online retailers provide both traditional postal stamps and stamps for collectors.
Is stamp collecting a good hobby?
Image for “how to start collecting stamps.“Another fantastic hobby to introduce your kids to is stamp collecting (Stamp Active). Children and older generations can bond through this pastime away from electronics, since older generations may have collected when they were kids.
What is the most valuable stamp in the world?
The British Guiana one-cent Black on Magenta stamp is the most costly stamp ever produced, costing 9 million euros.
What is the most essential rule of stamp collecting?
Stamps should be kept out of the sun, heat, and moisture to prevent damage. Symbols can be arranged attractively for the viewer by the collector’s preferences, such as by country, subject, or even size. There are no guidelines, and each collector must make their own decisions.
What are commemorative stamps?
A stamp is created to commemorate a living person or past event. They have little value and are only printed in limited numbers for a short period.
How do I get Started with stamp collection?
Even though it can be challenging to know where to start, simply collecting as many stamps as you can is an excellent place to start. Your local postal service, a stamp dealer, friends, relatives, penpals, Postcrossing, inherited collections, or mail you receive all qualify.
What is it like to collect stamps?
Stamp collecting can be educational, peaceful, entertaining, or creative. You have complete control over how, what, and when you collect. Each collection is unique and reflects your individual choices, likes, and tastes. There is no proper method of collection.
How old do you have to be to collect stamps?
Some people start collecting as early as age 4, and many continue to do so until their death. Many people begin collecting stamps that feature an interest of theirs. How does stamp collecting work? “Stamp collecting” is the accumulation of material relating to the payment of postage and the carrying of the mail.
What do I need to start a Cat stamp collection?
A selection of the cat-themed British postage stamps. Items you might require. There are a few necessities you will need while beginning your collection. Stamp Catalogue (see if your local library has any catalogues you may use as a resource) Stamp Hinges or Mounts (these will be needed depending on the type of album purchased).
How to save stamps for business?
Ask friends and nearby businesses to save stamps for you. Firms frequently receive a lot of mail; if they do business with other companies or have foreign clients, they may also receive mail from other countries. Another option is for friends and family to keep the stamps from letters they receive and give them to you.
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