British Stamps Miniature Sheets - Collecting Stamps for Fun and ProfitFew hobbies are as widespread throughout the world and as far reaching as stamp collecting. People from all backgrounds and walks of life often find a particular type of stamp that interests them, making this collection one of the most popular hobbies in existence. Stamp collecting can be a relatively inexpensive hobby, making it accessible for individuals on any budget. The History of Stamp Collecting The world’s first postage stamp was issued in England in 1840. The stamp – called the “Penny Black” – featured an image of Queen Victoria. By the 1860s, children of all ages were drawn to the variety of postage stamps in production and began collecting stamps. As those children grew into adults, they continued stamp collecting, and thereby made it an acceptable hobby for adults. By the years leading up to the Great Depression, stamp collecting had become a popular hobby around the world, including the United States. The hobby has continued to be popular for both children and adults alike well into the 21st century. There are very few stamps that possess high value, making the hobby an accessible one for virtually anybody without having to spend significant amounts of money. Types of Stamp Collections With such a wide array of postage stamps and similar items available, it comes as no surprise that the types of stamp collections that exist are as varied as those who collect them. Many casual collectors may collect stamps that reflect their personal interests, such as animals, sports, celebrities, Americana, Walt Disney, cartoon characters, Elvis, and dozens of others. Others collect by stamp type. For example, Federal Duck Stamps comprise one of the most popular and well-known collectible stamp series. Other stamp types that many people collect include souvenir sheets, postal stationary, and more. Properly storing a stamp collection is vital to ensure the long life of your collection. Stamps can be somewhat fragile, but a simple and inexpensive means of storage and display includes clear plastic sleeves and a notebook. Collectors may also invest in other specialized tools, including specially designed stamp tongs. These tongs prevent skin oils from coming into contact with the stamp, which will further promote sustainability in the stamp. Beginning a Stamp Collection The first step to start stamp collecting is to identify the specific focus of your collection. Will you collect based on a theme, postmark date, unused stamps, or stamp type? Once you have identified the focus of your collection, it’s a good idea to invest in the inexpensive, easy-to-find tools mentioned previously. Where to Get Stamps for a Collection When you’re ready to start acquiring stamps, let your friends and family know. Most of the time, your loved ones will be more than willing to save the stamps from their incoming mail for you to look over and select from. If you have contacts at a place of business, you might also request the stamps of incoming mail there. Since businesses often receive large amounts of mail, this can be an excellent resource for finding stamps for your collection. There are also programs in which companies send out a selection of stamps for the collector to look over. Generally, these programs allow the collection to keep the stamps for up to a month without charge. After a month’s time, the collector can choose to purchase the stamps that are of interest, and return those that would not be relevant to their collection. The Value of Stamps Most stamps are valued at face value or less. That means that a very high percentage of stamps are worth just a few cents. Many casual collectors simply collect the stamps as personal enjoyment, not as a financial investment. On occasion, though, stamp collecting can be lucrative. It is not terribly uncommon to find stamps that range in value up to $50. Because stamps valued at over $100 are quite rare, it is a good idea to always request and receive a certificate of authenticity for these stamps. Resources for Stamp Collectors Because stamp collecting is such a popular hobby, there are literally thousands of organizations available for stamp collectors throughout the world. In the United States, the American Philatelic Society is one of the oldest and most well known organizations. These groups often sponsor trade shows, conventions, and other events, which promote networking, trading, and transactions involving stamp collections. There are also a host of online resources available to those interested in stamp collecting. Online beginner’s guides are a great place to start for those new to stamp collecting, while price guides, social stamp collecting networks, and other resources are available for more seasoned collectors. Opportunities to purchase, sell, and trade stamps are also popular in the Internet spectrum.
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