Postage Stamp Collecting

by Don Tanner

When starting postage stamp collecting, you'll find that
there are many categories to choose from as well as a
variety of other items related to stamp collecting. It is
advisable to stick to one or two categories, and focus on
those areas. Try to find a category that interests you and
you will find it easy to stick to that area.

One of the categories that a collector may start in, is the
state quarters and stamp kits. These are called
commemorative folios.They feature the state, its quarters
and usually 4 stamps. These sets pose little challenge to the
collector, as they come ready for display and storage.
Although, they can be a great starting gate for beginners.

Another category is non-stamp collectibles, such as stamp
lapels and miniature mailboxes. Stamp lapels are
commemorative pins issued by a particular company or
country in connection to a historic event or person. Miniature
mailboxes are exactly that. They can be found at most post
offices, and can be used to store a small amount of stamps.
You may also find items such as miniature mail trucks from
the past and miniature post office replicas.

However, it is most likely, that you will start your collection,
simply by collecting the stamps themselves. You can start
your collection with stamps in either mint or used condition.

Mint condition stamps are stamps that have not been affixed
to letters, and have not had the date stamped on them by the
post office. Basically they are in perfect condition. Used to
stamp usually come canceled, and are found on letters and
postcards that have already been delivered.

Do mint stamps hold more value than used stamps? Or is it
the other way around? There is no actual objective measure
that says a mint is better than a used stamp or vice versa.
Instead, however, the law of demand and rarity explains best
the assessed relative value that one would have over the other.

Mint or unused stamps, however, may be purchased in postal
stores in various forms. They may be bought in numbers as
preferred (4s or 6s, depending on preference), or in panes,
which are blocks of stamps. Other times, mint stamps may
also be purchased in coils. Stamp coils are in reels used in slot
machines in postal offices. Smaller coils are available for
individual purchases as well.

Stamps are historical pieces of note, and collecting postage
stamps is taking part in a hobby that has a history all its own.
If you do decide to collect used stamps, a word of caution.
Soaking and lifting stamps pose the risk of completely damaging
the stamp when done improperly and without adequate
knowledge. Before removing used stamps, research the history
of the stamp. Make sure the ink is not water-soluble, if it is, and
you do try to remove the stamp, you have just ruined it.

The stamp collecting can be a great hobby to get into but just like
any other new field education is key. The more you know about
this hobby, the more you will want to learn. The more you learn,
will increase the enjoyment of this new hobby.