Stamp Collecting Basics

by Albreht Moy
Stamp collecting is the most popular hobby in the world.
Philately is a broader term for the study of stamps, and
it is frequently - but wrongly - equated to stamp collecting.
Through stamp collecting, people find information about
history,currency, science,politics,arts,architecture and
customs of different nations and countries of the world.
All stamp collectors have fun with their stamps because
no collection is ever complete, and there is always a challenge.

First, decide whether you would like to collect unused (mint)
or used (canceled) stamps.If starting a mint stamp collection,
purchase unused stamps from the post office.And if you see
interesting stamps coming in the mail - collect them.

Many collectors prefer used stamps because they are less
expensive or they may cost you nothing.

Some collectors save stamps by "topic": for instance, if you
are interested in ships, you may want to collect stamps of
ships and boats.Car fans often collect stamps with cars on
them.You can disregard the countries and only collect stamps
that have pictures that you like. Some people like to collect
stamps of one or several countries,but which are all of the same
subject. Popular topical themes are birds,cats, butterflies,flowers,
sports, space,art,chess,famous people and other.

Specialized collecting means that you can collect all the varieties
of a single stamp or collect stamps used for a special purpose.

Country collecting is usually done chronologically by date of issue,
sub-divided into reigns or political periods.

Some collectors specialize in collecting only the first stamps, one
for each country that has ever issued a postage stamp, or
collecting first-day covers,which carry a stamp on the first day it
was sold with that day's postmark.

Some areas of collecting cost less than ten cents a stamp, while
others can cost thousands of dollars.

A lot of people collect "Cinderellas" - stamps that are not official
stamps issued by a country's postal administration.Cinderella
collectors include in their collections local postage issues,telegraph
stamps,tax stamps,forgeries and counterfeits.

The "hobbies" section of your local library may have basic books
about stamp collecting, and the reference department may have
a set of stamp-collecting catalogs.To find the value of a specific
stamp, visit some good stamp-collecting web sites.

If looking for more information on stamps and stamp collecting,
the local post office is the best place to start.

About the AuthorAlbreht Moy owns Old World Maps website.
Find popular antique map reproductions on his site.

What is Philately Stamp Collecting

by Will M

Philately, or the study of stamps, is a huge field of study
that has captured the attention of many Americans over
the years. This fascination with stamps and the history
that surrounds them has led to a hobby related to philately,
which is collecting stamps.

Usually, stamp collection begins with the acquisition of a
first couple of stamps and the choice of a particular
classification of stamps where the collector will concentrate
his or her efforts on. The continued acquisition of the
stamps for the collection is done either through personal
letters, the postal office, trading with fellow collectors, or
collectible stamp dealers, rare and high quality stamps
under the chosen classification.

However, while it may seem that a philatelic hobby is
far too difficult or obscure, it actually is not. The collection
and study of stamps is not a completely novel idea; over
110 countries worldwide have a sort of society for
philatelists (or stamp collectors and enthusiasts).

In the United States of America, philatelists banded
together in the year 1886 under the umbrella of the
American Philatelic Society (APS). For more than a
century now, the APS provides its members not only an
avenue to meet fellow enthusiasts, but also various
services and informational programs to assist in the pursuit
nd enhancement of the collecting experience. Over this huge
span of time, the APS has been kept alive by donations,
sale of its various publications, receipt of payment for its
services, and receipt of its members' dues. The community
of APS is not a small one that may be overlooked. In the
country, there are more than 44, 000 philatelists formally
part of the APS. There are many others who are new to the
trade, or are yet to find their way to APS. This huge number
is proven by the fact that various states hold annual philatelic
conventions for enthusiasts in the area to meet and convene.
Another philatelic association in the United States known
equally for its expertise is the Philatelic Foundation.

Various classifications and concentrations of collection are
available. Some of them include postage stamps from other
countries (particularly those of age), postage stationery
(including air letter sheets, government-issued post cards)
that preceded the printing of the first stamp in the form we
know today, revenue stamps, or first day cover stamps.

About the AuthorTo read the rest of this article go now to http://www.stampcollecting.ws/Philately-Stamp-Collecting.html

Stamp Collecting: An Educational Past Time

by Rose Hillbrand

Stamp collecting, also known as philately, is a popular
and educational past time. Stamp collectors save stamps
from letters, especially those from other countries. They
also search out old stamps that represent a past time.
Stamp enthusiasts can be found everywhere. Their
notebooks and glassine envelopes filled with stamps are
fascinating to look through. Many of the stamps they
collect are very valuable as well.

Materials needed for starting a stamp collection include
a stamp album and special mounting tapes called hinges.
Tools you will find useful are a pair of small tongs or
tweezers for carefully lifting delicate old stamps and a
magnifying glass for finding minute details. The beginning
philatelist can start with the stamps on the mail that arrives
this very day. To remove a stamp from an envelope,
carefully tear away the envelope from around the stamp
being careful not to tear the stamp itself. Now soak the stamp
in warm water. The remaining piece of envelope will turn loose,
allowing you to lift the stamp from the water with the tongs.

Lay the stamp on absorbent paper. When dry, place a heavy
book on top of the stamp to flatten it. As a past time, stamp
collecting requires precision and neatness. Place the dried and
flattened stamp in the album by using one of the hinges, or
store it in one of the tiny glassine envelopes unique to stamp
collecting.

Many collectors specialize in collecting currently available
commemoratives as a past time. Stamp designs are varied,
beautiful and interesting. Commemoratives are those special
stamps that are released by the post office for a limited time.
They can commemorate special people or events. Most
nations print commemorative stamps from time to time.
American stamps have featured wild life, artists, antiques,
and many other themes. In fact, there is an annual contest
in which American school children compete to draw the best
picture of a wild duck. The best duck art is featured on a stamp.

A fun way for a young person to build a collection of foreign
stamps is to find a few pen pals in foreign countries. This
activity helps people make friends as well as broadening their
outlook. There are also companies that will send out introductory
collections of foreign stamps in order to get stamp collecting
customers on their mailing lists. These collections are usually
colorful and contain a wide variety.

Stamp collecting is an educational past time. Stamp collections
can sometimes become very valuable to the right people. If you
are looking for a new hobby or past time, stamp collecting might
be for you!


About the Author
************************************************************

Rose Hillbrand has been a successful internet entrepreneur
since 2001. She owns and maintains several websites, and has
experience in affiliate marketing in numerous areas. To learn
more about arts & crafts and collectibles, please visit Rose's
website, Arts & Crafts For the Whole Family at http://www.10waystowealth.com/crafts/index.html **************************************

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Starting a Stamp Collection

by Craig Dawber Copyright 2006 Smarket Limited

Stamp collecting or philately has been a popular hobby
for years. People like the many different styles of
stamps and are drawn to the idea that some stamps
have been all around the world. Stamps are a way
to remember special events, people and places. They
celebrate the ordinary and the not so ordinary. Stamp
collecting can be a fun hobby that also is an amazing
educational experience.

If you are thinking about starting a stamp collection
you gather your supplies before getting any stamps.
You will need an album or box to hold your stamps.
Think about what kinds of stamps you will be collecting.
If you are looking for old stamps you may want an
album with special covers to protect your stamps.Your
collection can have a theme or you can collect any kind
of stamp. Consider joining a stamp club. At a stamp
club you can talk to others and learn about their
experiences, about what is big in stamps at the current
time and what people are looking to find. You should
also get a stamp catalog that covers many different
stamps. This catalog will give you information on
different stamps so you can be informed about the
stamps in your collection. Once you know where you
are going to store your stamps and have built up an
information base to get information about collecting
you can start buying stamps.

You can buy new stamps or used stamps. You can get
stamps from other collectors, dealers or the post office,
to name a few. You should also have an idea of the
types of stamps that are available for you to buy. The
following list explains different types of stamps.
Definitive - feature presidents, other leaders, national
treasures, etc.; printed in large quantities
Commemorative - feature historic events, special
people, important American topics; printed in limited
quantities Special - feature symbols for special
circumstances, like holidays; printed around time of
special event Airmail - used to send overseas mail
Special Purpose - feature special people, places, events,
things not covered by other stamps.

Now that you know a little something about stamps
and stamp collecting you can get started on your own
stamp collection.

About the AuthorYour #1 Resource for Stamp
Collecting Articles, Products,News and Info!
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Stamp Collecting for Beginners

My goal is to inform you and get you started in the
wonderful world of stamp collecting. We will cover
many topics to help get you started, and keep you
going. We might even touch on coin collecting.
Thanks for visiting. Enjoy!