Why Collect Stamps?

The first postage stamp was printed in England in 1840 and is known as the Penny Black. The famous stamp depicts Queen Victoria. The birth of the postage stamp brought with it a hobby that would grow in popularity to epic proportion.

Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Collectors range from the casual, who collect for sheer enjoyment, to the serious, amassing huge collections with significant monetary value. Locating rare stamps can be as thrilling for some as hunting lost treasure or going on safari.

Casual collectors generally get their start by saving stamps from letters. They can be easily removed from envelopes by soaking them in warm water and placing between two paper towels to dry. These collectors will look for Commemorative Stamps which tend to be more colorful, like the Love stamp or a holiday issue. They may pick a common theme to collect like animals, nature, or sports. Some exclusively collect stamps depicting famous athletes, musicians, or actors.

Rare stamp collectors are not as likely to search for used stamps as they carry a lower value than those in “mint” condition. These collectors are on the lookout for old stamps, stamps with printing errors, or those that hold a high catalog value. While these collectors truly enjoy stamp collecting, they are also attempting to build a tangible asset that can be sold, preserved, or handed down to future generations.

Stamp collecting can be a solitary hobby and many collectors enjoy the relaxation and quiet of working with their hands. For others, the ability to share their hobby with others is a great advantage. There are Stamp Clubs located across the world where collectors can meet, share their finds, and enjoy the company of people with similar interests. Stamp Shows are also a major draw and allow collectors to buy, sell, and view collections of all varieties.

One reason the hobby of stamp collecting has stood the test of time is the fact that it takes very little investment to start collecting. An album and photo corners, tongs, and a magnifying glass are the only real requirements. More serious collectors will also keep transparent protective envelopes and watermark fluid on hand. A perforation gauge will measure the perforation marks on a stamp to help in identifying its value, and of course a catalog with current pricing and identification are helpful.

Photo Credits: hellobo

Originally posted 2010-07-31 03:42:37.

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collect stamps, commemorative stamps, first postage stamp, holiday issue stamps, mint condition stamps, old stamps, Penny Black, Queen Victoria, rare stamp, rare stamps, stamp clubs, stamp collecting, stamp collectors

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Philately, Stamp Collecting

Posted by Collectible Stamp on January 9, 2012 in Philately, Stamp Collecting.