Collecting Used Stamps for a Hobby and for Money

Stamp collecting can be rewarding as both a hobby as well as for a collection that can be saved or sold in the future. Used stamps are fairly easy to come by; you just watch for letters in the mail and remove the stamp that has received a cancellation from the post office.

When you start collecting stamps you should try to have some kind of organization, otherwise you might lose a stamp or even damage a good, used stamp. You might consider storing them in a large manila envelope. Then, when you are ready to work with your stamps they are there waiting for you. When you remove the stamp from an envelope you should try to leave about one-half an inch all the way around the stamp. When you first begin your journey with this hobby it is wise to read books that tell you the best procedure to use for removing and maintaining your stamps. If you are just starting to collect used stamps you need to realize there is a lot to learn and understand - however, all stamp collectors had to have a starting point.

There are ways that you can successfully remove used stamps from an envelope. You begin by filling a small bowl with warm water. Try to keep the water luke warm as hot water can damage a stamp. When you put the stamp in the water you should place the picture so it is facing upwards. It generally takes about 30 minutes for the stamp to start separating from the envelope. Carefully remove the stamp from the envelope. If it is difficult to remove then you should soak it a little longer. As you learn to collect used stamps that you want to keep you will soon feel the excitement when you come across a stamp you want to add to your collection.

Once you remove the stamps you can place them on a paper towel on a flat surface. The stamps need to sit for a while and not be disturbed. This time you should place the stamp so the picture is facing down. Let each stamp dry for as long as it takes. Next you are ready to place the stamps on another paper towel that is dry. To flatten out any stamp that might have curled you can place a heavy book over it.

Now your fun begins. The longer you collect used stamps the more fun you will have. You are ready to sort your stamps. You will need to decide what you plan to collect - by country, by denomination, by year; whatever. Once you have made these decisions you are ready to place each stamp in some type of album. Most coin and stamp collecting stores carry a variety of albums that will meet your needs. Also, while you are in the store you might want to browse all the different books they have on stamp collecting.

Photo Credits: karen horton

Originally posted 2010-05-31 03:37:57.

This post involves:

cancellation, collecting stamps, post office, stamp collectors

... and focuses on:

Stamp Collecting, Used Stamps

Posted by Collectible Stamp on January 10, 2012 in Stamp Collecting, Used Stamps.