The Wide World of Stamp Collecting

by Marty Weil

 

Stamp collecting dates to the issuance of the first stamp, the Penny Black, which featured a portrait of Queen Victoria. The Penny Black was struck in the United Kingdom in 1840. Although not the rarest or most valuable stamp, it is still a highly prized collectible.

 

By the late 18th century, stamp collecting became an established hobby and the systematic study of stamps (known as philately) began. By the early 20th century, many large stamps collections existed and prices began to rise due to the scarcity of older stamps in good condition. Once prices of older stamps rose, collectors began hording new stamps, which led to a glut of 20th century stamps that lasts to the present day. Therefore, stamps issued in the U.S. since 1930 are relatively easy to obtain at low prices, which is good news for collectors entering the hobby with limited budgets.

 

To acquire stamps, many collectors begin by asking family and friends to save stamps or they may inherit a collection begun by a relative. Of course, stamps can also be purchased from dealers or through online auctions and sales. Rare and old stamps can be found through similar means.

 

Building a world-class stamp collection requires philatelic knowledge. While stamp collecting shouldn’t be confused with philately, anyone interested in creating a large or comprehensive collection will need some philatelic knowledge. With the rising value of rare stamps, philatelic knowledge goes hand-in-hand with the accumulation of stamps. Those entering the hobby should endeavor to learn as much as possible about stamps, and there are a number of books that can help a new collector understand the basics including the following titles: Encyclopedia of United States Stamps and Stamp Collecting; The Complete Illustrated Guide to Stamp Collecting; and, Stamp Collecting for Dummies.

 

In addition to books, there are a myriad of organizations and clubs that can assist a new collector in learning about the hobby. The American Philatelic Society in the United States is a good example. The Internet has greatly expanded the knowledge base of stamp collectors and has spawned countless Web sites on the topic.

 

While the only thing necessary to begin a stamp collection are stamps, there are a few tools that are useful for the display, preservation, and inspection of stamps including archival sleeves, stamp albums, magnifying glass, and stamp tongs. These materials are available from a wide variety of sources and are relatively inexpensive. The easiest and cheapest method for the storage and retrieval of stamps is glassine envelopes, which can be should be kept in a box free from humidity, light, and heat.

 

When it comes to stamp collecting, there are infinite ways to structure a collection. A complete worldwide collection would be gigantic and nearly impossible to assemble. Stamp collectors normally limit their scope to particular countries, time periods, subject matter, or some other manageable system of collecting. A stamp collection can be built to suit nearly every interest.

 

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