Starting A Stamp Collection

One of the most popular hobbies today is collecting stamps. Being among the simpler of the hobbies to take up, it brings enjoyment to many. Getting started in stamp collecting is easy if a few basic guidelines are followed:

1. Consider what topics or focuses within the field of collecting stamps would be preferred. For example, a collector could decide to specialize in stamps from a particular area, time period, or stamps that follow a specific theme such as birds, political figures, or anything else stamps have featured. It is recommended to begin a collection with a somewhat more general focus and allow the collector's interests and development within the hobby to narrow it naturally. Most stamp collectors report that it is more interesting to have a specific theme.

2. A good way to start is by purchasing new stamps from the post office or market. It should be possible to find stamps relating to the focus within the variety offered at most postal counters, and buying a pack will often yield different designs, making it easy to build a diverse collection rapidly.

3. Asking friends and relatives to donate stamps they don't plan to use and those they receive on incoming mail can conserve money. They can also help by asking their friends to donate stamps. When friends and relatives donate stamps to a collection the stamps often carry greater meaning for the collector.

4. It is not uncommon for a stamp collector to begin receiving stamps as gifts from their friends and relatives on nearly any occasion. This also can make the building of a collection easier. It may become worthwhile to let others know which stamps or types of stamps would be most appreciated.

5. It's important to begin to determine whether older stamps or newer stamps will be the focus of a collection. While many people prefer to collect older stamps due to the increased value, rarity, and prestige of such a collection, new stamps are more affordable and easier to find. If the focus of a growing collection is ever changed or refined to exclude some or all of the stamps within it, these stamps should not be discarded. Rather, the collector should endeavor to sell or trade those stamps with another collector (preferably one with unwanted stamps perfect for the new focus).

6. One of the primary benefits of stamp collecting is that the hobby can be done very inexpensively. The tools and supplies necessary can be obtained cheaply and the stamps themselves can be had for free if the focus of the collection is undemanding enough. For example, a loose-leaf album (the basic tool required) can be had for less than most people spend for a single restaurant meal.

7. For those opting to collect received stamps through incoming mail it is important to remove them properly. The envelope should be cut around the stamp, leaving a small area of free space around the stamp's edges. The stamp and envelope piece is then placed facedown in a bowl of warm water until the gum adhesive on the stamp loosens. The stamp my then be carefully peeled free using tongs, allowed to air dry, and then placed in an album. (Note: this works only with stamps that have water-based adhesives.)

8. Take advantage of the many resources for stamps and stamp collecting. The Internet is perhaps the most effective way to search for information on stamps. It can also help determine where specific stamps can be inexpensively obtained, even rare or hard to find stamps. The Internet also provides resources to make contacts with other stamp collectors. This can be an invaluable information base to build knowledge within the hobby as well as point out special deals or places to find coveted stamps. And of course any other collector is also a potential trading partner who might just have little need for the highly desired stamp to complete another's collection.

For the many stamp collectors the best part of the hobby is displaying their collection to, friends, family, and other collectors. Once a collection is established it can be shown or even warrant its own exhibit. A Web site is an excellent way to show a collection without risking harm to it. Not only can it generate interest in a collection, it even makes possible the inclusion of each stamp's story and how it found its way into the collection.