Stamp Collecting

Collecting stamps, also known as philately, is a popular and can be an 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 clear envelopes filled with stamps are fascinating to look at. Many of the stamps they collect can be rare and very valuable as well.

There are a few things needed when starting a stamp collection these include a stamp album and special mounting tapes called hinges. Other tools you will find useful are a pair of small tongs or tweezers for carefully lifting stamps specially if they are old and delicate these are also needed to prevent oils off your fingers from damaging the stamps. You will also find a magnifying glass for finding minute details very useful as there rarity of defects in a stamp can really enhance their value. The beginning philatelist can start with the stamps on the mail that arrives every 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 clear 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.

Collecting stamps 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, collecting stamps might be for you!