Stamp Collecting for Beginners

Stamp collecting for beginners is a rewarding hobby. Once you start collecting, you'll realize how beautiful, detailed and artistic postage stamps are. In addition, postage stamps have value, as they are printed in limited quantities and in most countries in the world. Since many stamps commemorate people and events, they are a good representative of cultural, political and artistic moments in history. With these tips, you'll become an expert philatelist in no time.

Getting Your Stamps
Oils and dirt on the fingers can damage stamps, and peeling stamps off envelopes can tear the stamps. Instead, cut around the stamp, and leave it affixed to the portion of the envelope on which it was used. This avoids ripping or thinning the stamp, which could happen if it were peeled off.

Supplies
Hinges, mounts and tongs are the basic supplies most stamp collectors use to preserve and display their stamps. Hinges hold the stamp to a backing without your wetting the stamp's adhesive, and hinges can be removed as necessary. Stamp hinges are available online, at stamp stores or mail-order catalogs.

Instead of a hinge, you could use a stamp mount, which is a small plastic sleeve that encases the stamp, which is then affixed in the display album. Stamp mounts are just as good as hinges, so it is just user preference in terms of which to choose. In addition, there may be benefits to putting the stamp in plastic so it is protected from any damage from handling or touching.

Tongs are made like tweezers, but they do not have a sharp edge. They are not expensive and can be helpful for moving a stamp into position without touching it. These are used to keep moisture, dirt and oils away and to ensure careful handling.

Starting A Collection
It's easy to collect stamps. Simply go through the mail you've received, and choose stamps that you like. You can expand your search by involving family, friends and coworkers in saving stamps for you rather than tossing them out with the envelope. Consider yourself lucky if you know someone who regularly receives overseas mail, as international stamps are especially wonderful to have in a collection.

Additional sources include stamp clubs, online stamp exchanges and stores. Be careful when subscribing to a stamp-receiving business in case your subscription includes an obligation to purchase a certain amount of stamps. Be sure to be aware of terms. Also, make sure you have learned enough from collecting on your own before you start talking to anyone selling stamps so you can ask the right questions and get a good deal.