Posts Tagged ‘Stamp Collecting’
The postal service is one of the oldest and most time-tested conveyances of information that is still in use today. Because of this storied tradition, there are countless styles, designs and editions of postage marks for collectors to choose from. While seasoned collectors probably have their favorites and rarities that they seek out at every opportunity, stamp collecting for beginners can be daunting.
With so many countries and eras to choose from, one of the most difficult tasks is choosing where to begin. When I first started collecting stamps over 10 years ago, I decided to focus on my passion: music. Instead of conducting a wide search for every postage mark I could find, I began by seeking out music-themed stamps and broadened my collection from there.
Contrary to what I had thought, but according to Wikipedia, philately is not stamp collecting, but is the study of stamps. Taking that fact into consideration, someone could be a stamp collector, but not a philatelist. On the other hand, someone might be a philatelist, but not a stamp collector. However, one who has a large extensive stamp collection may desire and need some philatelic knowledge.
It was interesting to me also to learn that some smaller countries create limited runs of elaborate stamps to be bought by stamp collectors. These collectible stamps have become an important source of revenue for these countries.
Stamp collecting for beginners or for that matter anyone, I’ve read, is one of the most popular hobbies. That is most likely due to the easy accessibility of finding stamps, with mail arriving almost daily. This, of course, offers us a chance to start our collection with little or no investment to speak of. Perhaps this also why stamp collecting is so popular with kids also, in addition to the beauty and variety of stamps available.
Stamp collecting is not just collecting stamps, but includes related items, such as covers (envelopes or packages with stamps on them). First-day covers are sought after eagerly by the avid stamp collector.
It is estimated that the number of stamp collectors in the United States alone ranges up to 20 million. How many times have we received a piece of mail with a stamp we just had to keep?
If you’re dealing with an abundance of stress due to work, family or some other source, it can be beneficial to find a hobby that can clear your head. Recently I’ve thrown myself into the world of stamp collecting – known in stamp circles as philately. To be more precise, philately is the study of stamps. You might find it hard to believe, but many people enjoy simply gazing at the intricate designs on stamps or appreciating them for their historical value without actually owning them.
But I prefer to collect and display my own. I keep my stamps in meticulously sorted albums classified by country. All the stamp collecting supplies I really need to pursue my passion are an empty album with adhesive paper and a magnifying glass. I’m always keeping a lookout in newspapers and online forums for any stamp shows or conventions that might be coming to town.