Stamp collecting refers to the act of collecting postage stamps and postage stamp related objects, including envelops or packages that have stamps on them, which are known as covers.
Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, with more than 20 million people in the United States alone collecting stamps as a serious hobby.
In some countries, stamp collecting is an important revenue source because there are a variety of different elaborate stamps which are run specifically for stamp collections.
The stamps that these countries produce exceed the countries' postal needs, making it easy, if not relatively expensive, for collectors to find the stamps that they want for their collections.
Some stamp collectors have even taken to philatelic investment, which involves studying rare stamps based on the rising prices of these stamps.
Rare stamps are popular as tangible and portable investments, mainly because they are so easy to come by, and even easier to store properly.
Collecting stamps does not actually require any equipment, but many stamp collectors invest in a small number of truly essential items so that they may better preserve, store, inspect and display their stamps.
Some of the most common stamp collecting pieces of equipment includes glassine envelopes and humidity, light and heat free boxes which are an easy and cheap way to store stamps.
Stamp albums are also popular for storing stamps as they allow collectors to easily display their entire collection in a storable and portable format.
Stamps can be displayed nearly any way that the collector wishes, in a variety of different organizational styles including by size, topic or country.
The visual appeal of the stamp collection is purely up to the discretion of the stamp collector.
- Archival stock books make good choices for displaying stamps as they have clear plastic pockets that hold stamps well.
This is one of the safest available means of storing and displaying entire stamp collections.
- Stamps can be hinge mounted, but stamps can become damaged this way so it is not recommended for rare and otherwise difficult to find stamps.
Expensive stamps that are irreplaceable are not ideal for hinge mounting.
- Magnifying glasses are an excellent tool to have for handling stamps, especially when admiring or displaying intricately decorated stamps.
Stamp tongs are another important piece of equipment as their rounded tips prevent damage from occurring on the stamps, especially by skin oils and other rough handling.
- Stamp collecting does not require any tools, but having the tools mentioned above can be extremely helpful.
Having adequate storage possibilities and tools for safe and easy handling is an important if not vital part of collecting stamps the right way.
If you want your stamp collection to outlive the collector, properly handling, storing and displaying your stamps is absolutely essential.
Stamps can be acquired virtually anywhere, including from friends and family on their incoming mail.
This is a great place to start, though you may also ask elderly relatives, major businesses and international acquaintances about their stamps, which will allow you to quickly and easily broaden your stamp collecting horizons.