Stamp Collecting For Beginners

Stamp collecting is currently one of the most popular hobbies. It is estimated that in the United States there are over 20 million people collecting stamps. Originally stamp collecting began as a child’s hobby dating back as far as 1860. It is now common for adults and children to collect stamps. The expense of this hobby will vary, depending on what your personal preferences are. There are several ways for you to begin your collection. Ask friends and family members to save stamps for you. Many beginners decide on one particular type of stamp that they want to collect. It is wise to not limit yourself in the beginning. You might find unknown types that will spark your interest once you begin collecting. Beginners should start off being a general collector.

For those of you who are just starting your collection, you can find stamps in bulk sold at stamp shows. At shows, you will also be able to find stamps, sold on paper, that are usually sold by the pound. On paper stamps are stamps that have been cut off from envelopes in the mail. These are called Kiloware. At times, stamp collectors can also find economical worldwide stamps located on Ebay. These are often sold on paper. Beginners should check out their local hobby shops where you will find stamps that are sold in bulk quantities for consumers.

No equipment is needed in order to be a stamp collector. Many collectors decide to have a few essential items for their use. A magnifying glass would be helpful for viewing the details of the stamp, a stock book for storing the stamps; and stamp tongs with rounded tips to help prevent damage to the stamps.

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Stamp Collecting Tools To Have On Hand

Even novice stamp collectors should use good stamp handling practices. Here are a few that you may want to consider incorporating into your routine when you work with your stamps.

Stamp Tongs. These special stamp tools look similar to tweezers but don't have any sharp edges and are created to be able to handle stamps without damaging them. The reason we recommend stamp tongs is that you will not transfer body oil or chemicals from your hands to your stamps. Using tongs keeps your stamps clean, keeps them from being creased or additionally damaged by rough handling. Stamp tongs should be thin enough to pick up a stamp from a flat surface yet large enough for your hand to operate properly. Stamp tongs come in many sizes. Please don't use tweezers to fulfil this function as stamp tongs will have a rounded edge and will keep stamps from becoming scratched by a tweeser's possibly sharp edge.

Stamp Catalogs. Consider purchasing one to be able to easily identify your stamps. There are several great catalogs in the market. We like the Scott catalogue for its in-depth review. Many stamp stores and dealers will list stamps by their Scott catalogue number.

Magnifying Glass. To really be able to see the detail of any stamp you need a quality magnifying glass. Many types of magnifying glasses are available. You can sometimes even find them at eyeglass stores. Pocket folding varieties are easy to store with your collection.

Perforataion Gauge. This is a large plastic piece that allows you the ability to line up your stamp and measure the perforations. Often the only way to tell the difference between two seemingly identical issues is with a perforation gauge in hand.

Watermark Detection Fluid. You may want to consider purchasing a bottle of this special chemical to reveal hidden watermarks to identify a stamp's real value. A watermarked stamp should become visible once it has come into contact with watermark fluid. If you are still unable to see the watermark, try holding the stamp up to the light using your tongs of course.

A Drying Book. This is an excellent item to have. It allows you to layout your stamps flat after you have soaked them to remove them from an envelope or other item.

Stamp Stock Book. Consider investing a few dollars in a stock book that provides a temporary storage place for your stamps until you move them into a catalog or collection. This is great if you are not exactly sure what you want to collect yet or have a very wide variety of interests.

Glassine Envelopes. Use these special somewhat clear envelopes for stamp storage. These evelopes are made of a special paper that keeps stamps from sticking to them. It feels almost like waxed paper, but is not the same thing. You will usually want a separate envelope for each stamp as humidity can cause stamps to stick together.

Stamp Hinges. You may want to use stamp hinges, small adhesive corners to use to apply your stamps into catalogs or albums.

Stamp Mounts. Are the preferred way to install stamps into albums and preferred over hinges. Mounts are adhesive free and a great way to protect valuable stamps.