WISHING OUR READERS A SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR 2009

Stamp Collecting as a Hobby

Stamp collecting is one of America’s most popular hobbies, with an estimated 20 million stamp collectors around the nation.

The hobby is also popular among collectors from many other countries throughout the world.

Old and young alike enjoy collecting, reminiscing, and exploring foreign countries through the hobby of stamp collecting!

Stamp collectors usually focus on one stamp collection category because there are numerous stamps and philatelic items issued.

The most popular stamp collections categories include postage stamps, Federal Duck stamp, souvenir sheets, first day covers (FDCs), First Day, and counterfeit or forged postage stamps.

Additionally, stamps may be categorized as definitive or commemorative stamps. Definitive stamps are easy to find because they are common.

Commemorative stamps are specialty stamps celebrating events and occasions; only available for a limited time, but most can be found through various dealers.

To begin collecting stamps as a hobby, ask friends and family to save any stamps, especially foreign or unusual ones, to add to your collection.

With the global community the Internet provides, ask online friends, as well as fellow stamp collectors to send or swap stamps from foreign countries.

Grandparents and older relatives may also be a wealth of valuable resources when it comes to finding rare stamps.

Antique and philatelic shops are other places to begin building a solid foundation for a great stamp collection.

Subscription to magazines and related publications are also a great roadmap for stamp collecting.

Avid and beginner stamp collectors alike take special precautions when handling and preserving their stamp collections.

Stamps pasted on envelopes should be removed carefully by soaking the envelope face down in warm water.

When the stamp has separated from the envelope, remove the stamp with stamp tongs, tweezer-like metal instruments used for handling stamps.

Once stamps have been gathered, dry them in a stamp drying book. Complete collections or individual stamp specimens should be kept in a clean album or stock sheets, both making excellent display cases.

While the majority of U.S. issued postage stamps are easily accessible and not worth much in value, there does exist highly valuable stamps every collector seeks.

Some of these include: the 1865 British Guiana “Black on Magenta” , the Sweden “Three Skilling Banco”, and “Hawaiian Missionaries.”

Other various items of value valuable include souvenir sheets from foreign countries, rare plate number coils and unique misprints.

Popular, and more affordable, items among collectors are Confederate U.S. Stamps, United Nations Stamps, 19th Century Stamps, Asia Stamps, and UK Stamps.

Stamp collectors comprise thousands of local and national organizations where buyers and sellers congregate to buy, sell, share, and swap stamps.

There also are national collectors’ organizations, such as the American Philatelic Society in the United States.

Also, the ease and convenience of the Internet makes stamp collecting as a hobby much more enjoyable by allowing collectors to buy and sell stamps from the comfort of one’s own home.

Stamp catalogues such as Stanley Gibbons, Scott catalogue, Michel, and Yvert are essential publications for earnest collectors around the world.

These catalogues serve handy guides for organizing, classifying, and appraising entire stamp collections, as well as individual items.

The American Stamp Dealer Association, Inc. (ASDA) is another excellent resource for both beginner and expert collectors. ASDA hosts popular stamp shows across the nation drawing large crowds of beginners and experts alike.

While some individuals view the future of stamp collecting as pessimistic due to the advances in technology such as e-mail, avid collectors remain optimistic.

Stamp collectors will always be searching for rare valuable finds, even in the midst of all the new stamps being issued every year.

The proof is in the fact stamp collecting as a hobby remains one of the most popular pastimes in the United States!

The Beginners Guide to Stamp Collecting!

Know the lingo of stamp collectors

Stamp collecting is a hobby that dates back to the 1840s when the first stamp known as “Penny Black” was issued by Great Britain. Prior to this year, man’s communication system was done primitively without the use of postal service. 

This was before society learned to appreciate the functions of a postmaster and the corresponding costs of hiring him and a staff.

British postmaster general Sir Rowland Hill came up with the concept of using a stamp that would be paid by the letter sender as early as 1837 but the long debates stretched the issuance of the first stamped letter three years after that proposal.

The first issued stamp, which had a photo of Queen Victoria, became known as Penny Black because it used black ink and it required a penny for one stamp. 

The United States, which caught on to the practice of sending letters with a stamp, made its first stamp in 1847 with the image of Benjamin Franklin.

Since then, philatelists or stamp collectors started their vocation.  Stamp collecting may look like a simple hobby but listen to philatelists do their stamp banter and you would get lost along the way.

While the word ambulant may commonly refer to medicine or ambulances, philatelists view an ambulant as a roving post office. 

And do you know that stamp makers protect stamps from counterfeiting by placing a burelage or a design on top of the stamp?

When philatelists say grill, they are not talking abut dinner but parallel line pattern pushed into stamps to prevent their reuse. 

And when you hear the words killer or killer cancel, do not call a policeman just yet because they are just referring to the cancellation of a particular design of stamp.

Cancelled mail which does not reveal the identity of the canceling post office can be referred to as a mute cancel.  

While a specimen naturally refers to an object placed and studied in a microscope, the word specimen in philatelist lingo refers to a stamp.

When you are just starting your stamp collecting hobby you will probably be inundated with words like adhesive which refers to that sticky substance under a stamp which enable you to stick it easily to an envelope.  

Stamps with cancellation marks mean stamps that have been marked to show previous usage.

When choosing your stamp collection, you can start with collecting commemorative stamps or stamps issued to commemorate a particular person, event or for a significant reason. 

In 1893, the United States issued its first commemorative stamps to mark the discovery made by Christopher Columbus

And when you are asked by a philatelist if you got your stamps from a covered enveloped, it may just mean that the envelope has been mailed. 

A denomination on the other hand does not refer to a religious group but to how much the stamp is worth in terms of postage.

Stamp collectors use simple but weird terms like referring to a stamp placed on an envelope but which was canceled the very first day it was sold as first day cover.  

Business people may be more familiar with the term revenue stamps which refer to stamps that are not for postage of a letter but for the payment of taxes.

So now that you are quite familiar with the philatelists’ lingo, it may be time to get to know the process of creating stamps. 

For quite a long time, it was the postmaster general who decided on the design of stamps that will be issued. 

However, the US legislators started making laws about the subjects to be featured on stamps, giving rise to the formation of a committee that will review the stamp designs.

At least fifty thousand stamp design ideas from Americans are reviewed by the committee annually. 

Out of these, only 35 ideas are recommended by the committee to the postmaster general who then makes the final decision.

While any design idea can be entertained, the general rule is that only dead people can be the subject of a US postage stamp. 

As a general rule only former presidents can be depicted in US stamps at any time after their death while other people can only be depicted in the stamps at least ten years after their death.

Your First Stamp Album

How to make your first stamp album

Collecting and bringing stuff together is fun and it can be rewarding too when your collection gets noticed by other people who may even want to buy your collection. 

People collect dolls, cars, toys, and almost anything that can be accumulated.  For some, there is nothing like collecting stamps.

Before you decide on starting a stamp collection you must first determine what kind or type of stamps you are going to collect. 

You can collect any kind of stamp but it would be more valuable if you collect a certain kind of stamp.  You can choose to collect stamps according to their types, formats, purpose, or condition. 

A total of ten thousand postage stamps are being issued every year throughout the world and it would be very expensive and perhaps almost impossible to aspire for a worldwide collection all at once. 

You can however start with a realistic and doable stamp collection by collecting stamps issued in a specific country.

The easiest stamps to collect are those issued in the country where you live because it is more accessible. 

However, you can also choose to collect stamps from countries which have special meanings to you. 

The kind of stamps you will collect will also depend on your financial resources because there are stamps that are way too expensive.

You can also collect stamps by topic such as stamps depicting birds, ships, planes, flowers or any other object. 

There are people who collect Disney or cartoon stamps but you must develop a network for this collection starting from friends in all areas of the world.  Another option is to collect used or new stamps. 

You can also opt for a color-scheme stamp collection where you will only collect blue or red stamps.

You can already start collecting stamps even if you do not have the money to spend on it.  Start with used stamps because you can have them for free. 

Start by asking your housemates for stamps that come with their postcards and letters. 

You can also expand your network by asking friends, relatives and acquaintances for used stamps. Some people write to many pen pals from different countries so they can exchange stamps.

While you may be excited enough to tear off stamps from envelopes, the best way is to cut the stamps from the envelopes and remove them later using a special process used by stamp collectors.

If you have extra money then you can look for new stamps from stamp dealers in your area. 

Also join clubs for stamp collectors because this can be an opportunity for you to exchange stamps with other collectors.

To start off your stamp collection, make sure you are equipped with the very basic stamp collecting tools like a stamp album, tongs, hinges, a perforation gauge, a magnifying glass and a watermark sensing device.  

When you have collected enough stamps, it is better to place them in a stamp album.  Most stamp albums already have hinges with which you can mount the stamps safely.

Never mount your stamps using adhesive tapes or glues because it can damage your stamps. 

If your album does not have those little plastic dividers then it is best to buy mounts or hinges to separate your stamps accordingly.

Be careful when handling stamps because you do no want to ruin them; better use tongs to keep sweaty and dirty hands away from the stamps. 

No matter how you wash your hands, there will always be sweat and grime which could affect the quality of the stamps you are handling.

Also but a good magnifying glass as it will help you inspect your stamps closely.  Stamps may appear the same when viewed with the naked eye but who knows what you will discover when you use a magnifying glass.

There are a variety of choices when starting your stamp collection but do not be so caught up with the technicalities because stamp collection is basically a hobby and you do it for enjoyment. 

You can start a stamp collecting hobby for pleasure but when you have already mastered this hobby then you can turn it into a money making venture. 

But first, take the time to enjoy your stamps. 

What Are The Different Types of Stamps?

What are the Different Types of Stamps:

Learn the Basic Types of Stamps

For many years, stamps had always been a significant part of man’s history. In fact, it has been known as the single most effective motivating force for people to infuse history into the modern world of information technology.

This goes to show that in spite of the various gadgets and mechanisms that man was able to invent, stamps will continuously thrive in the society as history persists to evolve

Stamp, or “postage stamp” as it is commonly known, is proof of prepaid payments of “postal services.”

Placed at the right –hand corner of the envelope, stamps indicate that the person forwarding the letter or document has shelled out for its delivery.

Hence, stamps must contain the essential data about the country where the letter will come from.

These things will facilitate the sorting process in the “electronic mail sorting” device.

Stamps had been used as an alternative to postage envelopes as early as 1830s. In 1837, the “first adhesive postage stamp” was created by Rowland Hill, an English schoolmaster. 

As we discussed previously it was on May 6, 1840 that the first “British Penny Black” stamp was discharged.

From then on, stamps continued to proliferate in the different parts of the world and have always been the primary form of postage payment throughout the globe.

Along with the growing popularity of stamps was the development of stamp collecting. Many people had been mesmerized with the creativity, uniqueness, and classiness that stamps bring.

And since they carry a significant monetary value considering they indicate prepaid postal services, stamps had been viewed by collectors as valuable items.

Stamp collecting continues to thrive in the history as man persists to create various types of stamps. These will exhibit a unique array of stamps; each has its own unique beauty and elegance.

Before they start collecting, stamp collectors try to identify the types of stamps. These will help them segregate and sort stamps according to their classification.

On its basic concept, there are three main classifications of stamps — special, commemorative, and definitive.

Here is a brief description of each type:

1. Special

From the word itself, special stamps are used on special occasions only. In the United States, special stamps are those that are used when sending out Christmas cards or in any kind of special celebration.

Special stamps are physically larger in dimension just like the other type of stamps — commemorative.

These kinds of stamps are sold at the regular rate. On the other hand, it can also be bought on sale if ever the stocks go low.

Letters, packages, or documents sent out with special stamps indicate they are first-rate posts in the United States.

2. Commemorative

To commemorate is to honor or remember the historical events that bear significant and notable values. For this reason, commemorative stamps were created.

They were initially made to signify the commemoration of a particular time in history.

It was on 1983 when the first commemorative stamp was issued. These stamps were used to commemorate the unearthing of the “New World” by Christopher Columbus.

In most cases, commemorative stamps are not used to dominate the stamp industry. In fact, they were made in smaller measures. In the U.S., commemorative stamps were produced by the hundreds, usually 200 at the most. This goes to show that no reprints are being made available.

Physically, commemorative stamps are bigger than the other types of stamps. Just like the special stamps, commemorative stamps disburse the first-class rates.

3. Definitive

Definitive stamps are given out usually to pay everyday postage charges. Since they are very common, they are less attractive than the other types of stamps. 

In fact, there are instances wherein a single design in definitive stamps is utilized for many years.

Definitive stamps may not be as big as commemorative and special stamps but they are usually made in similar fundamental sizes.

However, in spite of their lack of creative designs, definitive stamps are far more appealing to philatelists than the other types of stamps.

This is because definitive stamp’s single design used through the years tends to lead to a lot of accidental varieties.

Other types of stamps are airmail, certified mail stamp, customized stamp, late fee stamp, express mail, etc. Whatever type of stamp you choose, these items denote one thing — man’s value of his history.

Basic Tools a Stamp Collector Needs

Handle Your Stamps Like a Pro – Stamp Tools and Their Uses

Stamp collecting is one of the most stimulating and enjoyable hobbies in the world.

And though it may not seem as exciting as most people picture it to be, there is a quiet, and almost otherworldly exhilaration and satisfaction to be gained from such a collection.

And while many hobbies require very expensive equipment, stamp collecting requires inexpensive and readily available equipment to enjoy.

You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to set up you collection, not to mention straightforward and engaging.

Stamps have a certain amount of history and culture attached to them, and that makes them so fascinating to collect.

You are brought face to face with different cultures and different time periods. Browsing though a stamp album is pretty much like browsing through history itself.

If you are serious about starting and maintaining a good stamp collection, you cannot be without the following tools.

Stamp Tongs – Stamp tongs are specially designed tools that look like tweezers so you may be tempted to ask whether tweezers would do instead.

The answer to that is a resounding “No!” Stamp tongs are built with blunt edges as opposed to the angular, sharp edges tweezers have.

Tongs are especially designed to pick up and handle stamps so they do not damage or mark them in the process.

Stamps, although they used in heavy duty postal service, are actually sensitive artifacts.

If you are tempted to handle your stamps with your bare hands, for goodness’ sakes, don’t. This would only increase the chances that you damage your stamps.

And, of course, damaged stamps are a tragedy to any serious collector, especially if it is a rare one.

Magnifying Glass – These optical instruments help you examine your mini treasures up close and personal.

Stamps tend to be tiny, and even the larger ones have text that is hard to decipher. A good set of magnifying tools can help you spot damage, tears, and detail of stamps.

Being able to examine your stamps up close is important as the value of your stamps is dependent on their condition, however, miniscule they may be.

Transparent Envelopes – If you are looking for transit storage for your stamps – a place to put them before mounting them in your collection, glassine envelopes are the way to go.

Avoid using paper envelopes as they have a high acid content that could very well damage your stamps.

These envelopes also make a great container when mailing or giving stamps to other people.

Perforation Gauge – perforation gauges help collectors count how many perforations a stamp has per 2-cms.

Perforations are those jaggy semicircle holes at the sides of your stamps that are formed when the stamps are separated from each other.

Perforations are another feature that an avid stamp collector should pay attention to.

Watermark Detector – this is very handy in viewing hidden, embossed or imprinted patterns that stamps may or may not have.

It is interesting to note that some stamps may seem similar, but upon closer inspection will reveal that they have different watermarks.

Being a serious stamp collector means you have to pay attention to even minute details.

Stamp Albums – this is where you store your stamps and should be the centerpiece among your tools.

A good stamp album protects your stamps against chemicals, the elements, dust and dirt. This is probably the piece of equipment you will want to invest a better deal of money in.

Shop around and compare products well before choosing a stamp album for purchase.

As said earlier this equipment is inexpensive – the only thing you will have to spend a substantial amount of money on is your stamp album.

But even the stamp album shouldn’t really hurt the pockets of even a grade school student.

Collecting stamps, on the other hand, may or may not be expensive to acquire depending on your collection methods.

The great thing about stamp collecting though is that you can start cheap and gradually build up a goodly sized and valued collection.

Back to tools, if you are looking for a convenient means to purchasing these tools, you may want to consider purchasing complete stamp collectors kits.

This would be a good gift to kids or other people wanting to start a stamp collection.

Where to Get Stamps

Starting a Stamp Collection: Where to Get Stamps

So, you want to start your own stamp collection, don’t you? You may have heard at how satisfying and fulfilling a stamp collection has proven to be for countless people around the globe.

The great thing about stamps is that you not only get the satisfaction of browsing through the cultures and the history of the origins of these stamps, but you also stand to gain financially as the value of these stamps increase along with age.

Aside from being just postal implements, stamps have attained the status of being important memorabilia.

Stamps typically increase in value when they are rare or are of age. Some people collect stamps as an investment, hoping that the increased value these stamps accrue with age will pay off dividends when sold in the future.

Others collect stamps purely for fun.

Whichever collector category you belong to, you will always need a good, steady supply of stamps to fill your albums. But where do you get these stamps?

And how do you procure them?

There are two ways to get stamps – the free way or the paid way. The free way is fun, since you get to work like a detective sorting, soaking, mounting and processing these stamps on your own.

If you wish to collect stamps the quick way, the paid method works pretty well – especially when you seek bulk amounts of stamps.

Paying for stamps is also a great way to acquire rare stamps. However, paying for stamps is not advisable to beginners unless they go for bulk stamps to beef up their collection.

Free! Yes, the oldest and cheapest means of getting stamps is the mail that gets to your mailbox.

And while the amount of mail you are receiving may be affected by the advent of the internet and email, mailboxes are still a great way to get stamps.

However, you will have to take great care in handling such stamps as you have to learn how to properly soak and mount these stamps for you collection.

Let your friends and neighbors in on your hobby and they’ll only be too eager to share in your efforts.

You may have to instruct them to give you the envelope as it is so that you can properly process the stamps out.

Or you may have them cut out the stamp from the envelope – while, of course, leaving a lot of leeway around the stamp.

You may also want to trade duplicate stamps with other stamp collecting enthusiasts. By trading like this both of you get to acquire unique stamps.

It’s also a great way to browse and admire each other’s collection while learning more of the hobby itself.

Paid!  As time goes on, modern ways of collecting and buying stamps have evolved.

In the past you had to go to specialty shops or other collectors to purchase stamps – not to mention dropping by your local post office to snag unique ones.

Today, the internet helps stamp collectors communicate with each other. You might want to browse the internet for sites that help stamp collectors band together.

There are also over 1,200 stamp stores in the United States, so it really shouldn’t be too hard to find one around your locality.

Some will sell bulk orders of assorted stamps. This is a great way to beef up your collection, especially if you are starting out.

Knowledge is Power!  This phrase cannot be stressed enough. It is really possible that you come across a really valuable stamp and discard it as useless all because you do not know enough about your hobby.

Try to know as much as you can about stamps, rarities, current values and useful trivia that will help you gauge the value of stamps in your collection.

It is really possible that some glitch or error in a stamp has made it valuable. Without information about such stamps you would probably just let it sit around not knowing that it has great value.

Try subscribing to stamp collecting magazines and sign up for organizations or clubs that cater to collectors just like you.

There’s no better way to know more about your hobby than to engage in study and discussion with fellow stamp collectors.

What Are the Different Methods for Collecting Stamps?

Master the Two Major Stamp Collecting Methods

Stamp collecting, for the uninitiated, is the collection of stamps from around the globe. Technically, it is called a philatelic collection (funny way of naming things, these scientists have).

And if you think it’s a hobby for kids and weird ones, you’ll be surprised at how many people, great and small have been indulging in this hobby for years.

It has become serious enough that people are setting up and maintaining organizations that study these postal artifacts with care and respect.

Stamps have a certain amount of history and culture attached to them, and that makes them so fascinating to collect.

You are brought face to face with different cultures and different time periods. Browsing though a stamp album is pretty much like browsing through history itself.

And while many hobbies require very expensive equipment, stamp collecting requires inexpensive and readily available equipment to enjoy.

You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to set up you collection, not to mention straightforward and engaging.

So you’ve started your own stamp collection, huh? You’ve invested in tools and albums and are ready and raring to start you stamp collecting career.

The only bummer is that you don’t know where to get your stamps.

For starting collectors, here are a few sources of collecting stamps to help you build up your stash of postal wonders.

1. Mail – Yes, the oldest and cheapest means of getting stamps is the mail that gets to your mailbox.

And while the amount of mail you are receiving may be affected by the advent of the internet and email, mailboxes are still a great way to get stamps.

However, you will have to take great care in handling such stamps as you have to learn how to properly soak and mount these stamps for you collection.

Your friends and neighbor are also a good source of stamps. You can tell them of your hobby, and more often than not, they’d be happy to give their unused stamps to you.

You may have to instruct them to give you the envelope as it is so that you can properly process the stamps out.

Or you may have them cut out the stamp from the envelope – while, of course, leaving a lot of leeway around the stamp.

2. Trading – during your stamp collecting career, you will definitely come across a glut of same stamps.

Well, if you have two of the same kind, why not find another stamp enthusiast and swap stamps.

Trading stamps is one of the most exciting activities in stamp collecting. It’s a great way to meet fellow enthusiasts and a great way to land your hands – I mean stamp tongs (never handle your stamps without them!) on a unique stamp.

But before you consider trading a stamp, you have to examine them if they truly are alike.

Some stamps may look alike, but may actually be different. Try looking at the perforation count using a perforation gauge or at watermarks and fine detail; and to top that, look at every minutiae, including wear, tear, and damage.

This will help you assess whether the stamp you are trading is worth trading after all.

You may also trade some of the unique ones in your collection for unique ones that you like better. But that is a trickier and more complicated story.

3. Sellers – there are some that sell stamps either as a collector’s item or in bulk. Many collectors have duplicate stamps – just like you.

You may be able to get good deals on these stamps especially if they are not rare.

In the case of rare stamps, you will find that they will cost a greater deal of money.

If you are starting out in your hobby, you may want to focus on the easier ones to procure before going after the bigger fish.

Some will sell bulk orders of assorted stamps. This is a great way to beef up your collection, especially if you are starting out.

There is a multitude of ways to get your hands on stamps - everyone as exciting as the other.

The trick here is to be consistent in your collecting efforts.

Try not to pass up on opportunities to get new stamps for your collection. In terms of value and enjoyment, they definitely become more fulfilling as time goes by.

How to Soak, Sort, Identify and Mount Stamps

Sort, Soak, and Mount Your Way to Stamp Nirvana: a Stamp Processing Guide

One of the most exciting ways to collect stamp is to process them while they are still attached to envelopes.

It's a little like detective work, and doing so is pretty fun and exciting. However, if you are careless in processing your stamps from the envelopes, you could very well damage them.

And you know what they say, damaged stamps are worthless stamps.

If you are one of the countless stamp collectors that derive much pleasure from soaking and mounting stamps yourself, you will want to learn the proper way of processing stamps.

First of all, you have to collect all the envelopes with their stamps attached. Some of this mail will come from your mailbox.

The others you can collect form neighbors and friends – having a foreign correspondence won’t hurt (plus they use stamps not readily available from where you’re from.

But at least be sincere with your correspondence!).   We discussed numerous ways to obtain stamps previously.

You may then want to sort or organized them before and after soaking.

Get your tools ready for the soaking and mounting process – your stamp tongs, scissors, and a saucer with lukewarm water, towels, and such.

Now, take an envelope and cut the envelope around the area around the stamp. Make sure you leave enough space so that it is easier to handle the stamp.

You can then place the stamp along with the paper it is stuck too – reasonable trimmed by your earlier action – on the saucer of water.

Make sure you put the stamp in with its front facing up. If possible avoid having the stamp getting damp on the face.

Also, avoid putting too many stamps in the saucer at the same time. The purpose of soaking the stamps is so that the stamp gum dissolves.

However, the gum also can cause the stamps in the saucer to stick to each other if they are not properly spaced.

Make sure you use lukewarm water. Hot water can cause the color of the stamp to spread or stain. Now, place the stamps on a towel face-down.

Use a pair of stamp tongs to separate the envelope paper from the stamps. Although using a newspaper is fine, try avoiding paper that has colored ink on it as may stain the stamp.

Let the stamps dry. It may take a while and they may end up curled and wrinkled. Do not fear, however, since the next step will take care of that problem.

When the stamps are completely dry, place them flat in any book. Telephone directories do well for this. Just make sure the book does not have colored ink to stain the stamp.

This step should take a few days. Make sure, that you remove them immediately as paper contains acid that could damage your stamp.

When you are ready to store your stamps, you will need a stamp album. This is where you store your stamps and should be the centerpiece among your tools.

A good stamp album protects your stamps against chemicals, the elements, dust and dirt.

This is probably the piece of equipment you will want to invest a better deal of money in. Shop around and compare products well before choosing a stamp album for purchase.

A good album will allow for the stamps to be laid flat and safe from damage. Use stamp tongs to deal when placing the stamps in your album.

For stamps which you will not place in your album – duplicates, or those that you plan to give away, use glassine envelopes. Glassine envelopes are great way to keep stamps temporarily.

They also serve as transit storage for your stamps – a place to put them before mounting them in your collection. Avoid using paper envelopes as they have a high acid content that could very well damage your stamps.

These envelopes also make a great container when mailing or giving stamps to other people.

In all, stamp collecting can be a fascinating experience for those who do it properly. As you build your stamp soaking, and mounting skills, you will better appreciate the beauty and the history of stamps.

You may, as you go on, opt to purchase more specialized tools and equipment to keep your stamp collection in tip-top shape.

But in any case, the knowledge of these basic stamp processing skills is integral to any stamp collector’s hobby efforts.

How to Judge the Condition and Grading of Stamps

Stamps ‘r us: know their grade and condition

Collecting stamps is a worthwhile if not a very lucrative hobby.  But more than simply gathering them, it is just as important that their condition and grade be well determined by its collector.

Serious stamp collecting requires discipline and sufficient knowledge thereby allowing the collector to save appropriate money and time to build a strong and sufficient collection.

Believe it or not, there are available catalogs that provide an outline of a stamp’s relationship between its grade and value. 

Even modern-day technology such as the internet offers no respite from sound stamp descriptions since some stamp faults could very well escape the eye of the scanner. 

Basically, the grading and condition of a stamp is the same for all stamp collectors in any part of the world. 

So how does a stamp get to make that all-elusive grade?

What is a grade?

First things first, a grade involves centering, gum and cancels. 

It basically describes the design of the stamp and just how well the design is located right in the middle and in between the stamp’s perforations. 

The stamp must be looked at both vertically and horizontally on the stamp paper. 

The grading of stamps is similar to how a grade will be given out in an exam in schools, such as:  excellent or poor.

The grades

A stamp that has been given a “superb” grade basically means that it is perfect and possesses the qualities that are the finest. 

A grade that says “extremely fine” basically means that the stamp is almost close to perfection. 

It also means that the design is centered well.  The margins are even around the stamp. 

Cancels present in such a stamp are hardly perceptible and are generally neat.  The condition of the stamp is bright; it possesses a rich color and is clean. 

Although most stamps made early on are seldom, if not never, seen in such a condition. 

Stamps that are given the grade of “very fine” are centered well.  It is also balanced and the margins are appropriate, though not even. 

Just as the previous grade, the stamp possesses no undesirable faults.  Believe it or not, it is this grade that is usually used in many stamp catalogs.

A stamp that has been given a grade of fine or very fine means that it has a design that is a little off-center. 

The general condition of the stamp is that it has no such faults.

Meanwhile, a stamp that has been given the grade of fine is where the design could be found as not centered, both vertically as well as horizontally.

However, the stamp’s general condition is that it possesses no faults.

A stamp that has been given the grade of average or good mean that its design is not centered. 

There are no available tears or spots that are thin.  Stamps that are given such a grade are collected less.

A stamp that has been given the grade of poor means that the design is not centered and the found perforations extend into the stamp’s design. 

The cancellation marks are also heavy, thick, blurred and smeared.  Stamps with such a grade are generally not suited to be collected.

What are the conditions of the stamp? 

A stamp’s condition is the basic description of its obvious characteristics, such as the stamp paper used, the ink, or the gum. 

A stamp that has been given the condition of positive generally means that the stamp is clear, and has a crisp impression of its printing. 

It also has colors that are rich and fresh. However, faults may be considered when there is any part that has been damaged, altered or modified. 

The color of the stamp may also be stained. In such cases, any attempt to clean it up may just as well result to the color being changed permanently.  

The stamp may also be considered as having faults if the paper has some holes, or maybe torn, or has creases or stains.

All in all, a perfect stamp may or may not be that hard to find.  What is definite is that what one seeks one shall definitely find. 

Though it could take numerous and stamps upon stamps of searching, it is definitely out there.

Should You Collect U.S. Stamps or International Stamps

Collect it, stamp it:  should you go US or international?

Since that first “Penny Black” was issued the issuance of stamps grew in all countries and the collection of stamps has also increased, and there is no stopping it. 

And because the number of stamps has grown in leaps and bounds – for the sake of convenience – collectors have limited themselves into single country collecting. 

Multiple country collecting

Collecting stamps from one country compared to collecting stamps from various nations is better as there is a lot more time and effort to have access to more stamps locally than internationally. 

For instance, it is a bit difficult to complete an Austrian stamp collection because of its rarity and only a few stamps are ever available.

The easiest and probably the most famous stamp to collect are those that come from one’s own country.

However it all depends on your own preference.  For instance, stamps from Austria began to be collected through a specific motif that a particular stamp or group of stamps have. 

An example would be the collection of stamps as according to the pictures they have, such as flowers, dogs, trains, paintings, ships, buildings, weapons or women.

However, a beginning stamp collector or those that intend to collect on an average basis may do well to start gathering stamps from their own country. 

Stamps that are issued fresh hot of the post are very affordable.  Believe it or not, stamps that have just been released may be bought with no additional charge from any postal office right on the day of its issuance. 

Beautiful US stamps about beautiful US

If you are willing to collect stamps about the beautiful country that is the US of A, there are a set of stamps out there which showcase such. 

The Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, for instance are shown in the stamp issued by the United States Postal Service. 

The stamp that costs a mere seventy-five cents shows the Great Smokey Mountain during sunset as photographed by David Muench from California, specifically in Santa Barbara. 

The breathtaking picture view also has portions of Tennessee and North Carolina. 

This national park is best known for its diverse plant life as well as animal life as one will definitely see when he hikes along its eight hundred mile trail.

Another beautiful US landmark that has been immortalized in a stamp is the Yosemite National Park. 

The stamp costs eight-four US cents and it features a picture of the valley gates of the Yosemite as photographed by Galen Rowell of California, specifically Emervville.

If you are a nature lover, or even if you are not, collecting the stamp will most probably make you one. 

Yosemite Park was established as such on the first of October in the year 1890. 

The park boasts of a variety of natural features and geographical wonders such as meadows that stretch as far as the eye can see lakes, waterfalls, sequoias and monoliths that are made out of granite. 

These granites are called half Dome and El Capitan. Believe it or not, Yosemite has been designated as ninety five percent authentic wilderness.

Another US treasure found on a sixty three cent stamp is Utah’s Bryce Canyon.  These stamps are all part of the Scenic Landscapes in America released by the US Postal Service.

The canyon is beautifully photographed by Tom Till from the city of Moab, Utah.  Thanks to erosion, the Utah landscape developed spires now called as whimsical-looking hoodoos.  Bryce Canyon was recognized nationally as a monument in 1923. 

America’s crops

Believe it or not, the crops grown in America are also featured in US stamps.  The following crops has been featured, beans, corn, squashes, chili peppers, sunflowers.

An artist named Steve Buchanan designed five of the stamps through the slides photographed by his wife. 

Other crops featured were corn ears, chilies (both the red and green type), lima beans, pintos, squash, pintos, seeds and sunflowers.
 
All in all, collecting stamps is a worthwhile activity that anyone who has the perseverance, patience and passion to pursue could. 

All it takes is a good eye for detail and a liking for anything and everything literally small. 

What Are Rare Stamps and How to Spot Them

How to know rare stamps when you see one

Believe it or not, investing in rare stamps is a normal occurrence. Usually, the collection and gathering of rare stamps is a hobby that is better appreciated by the advanced collectors. 

Unbelievably, rare stamps are investments that are of the tangible kind.  Compared to art they are also a worthwhile and enjoyable investment especially for enthusiasts. 

First things first, the fact is that rare stamps are really, definitely very rare. 

But what is it that makes a stamp rare? 

The following are some of the reasons as well as circumstances that make a stamp that rare, expensive stamp that everyone would want to own.

The mother of all rare stamps

Believe it or not, there exists the stamp that would be considered as the mother of all rare stamps and quite possibly the stamp that – if given the chance – would be the one to rule them all.  

The stamp that costs one cent is the British Guiana.  This stamp is currently considered as the rarest stamp in the whole world because only one of such kind was made. 

This stamp was reportedly discovered by a school boy back in the year 1873. 

Another valuable rare stamp is called the Penny Black where it is also considered as a very rare and valuable item for collectors.

The father of all rare stamp collectors

A man with the name Philipp von Ferrary who lived during the years 1850 until 1917 was considered to be the collector of all collectors when he was able to amass stamps from all places in the world.

Ferrary, as he was fondly called by his clients and almost everyone, began the hobby of collecting stamps when he was young.  Since he inherited a great fortune, he made it his life long quest to buy stamps that are rare. 

On the fifteenth of January, 1915, he relegated to the Berlin Post museum his collections. 

But since he was an Austrian – who at that time was residing in France during the First World War – he left his albums to the embassy of Austria & left for Switzerland where he soon died.

Post world war one brought on the government of France to confiscate his collection.  Since then, most rare stamps have a stamp of “ex-Ferrary” on them, because almost always, the stamps may have previously belonged to him.

Rare stamps found in a dresser

You know you have in your possession a rare stamp when people are suing you to have it back.

It was one hundred and fifty thousand dollars worth of stamps that a judge granted the stamp’s original owners when it was found that it was included in the dresser a Robert Ganter bought in a used store that sells furniture. 

The original owners discovered Ganter’s find when the latter issued an ad in a stamp catalogue for collectors and offering it up to be sold.

Buying rare stamps is a cinch

So just how is one supposed to buy rare stamps when they see one?  The best method is by simply buying the best stamp that you could possibly afford. 

New rare stamps recently unveiled in Asia

Beginning in April of this year (2006), stamps that highlight Vietnam’s birds, specifically the partridges as well as pheasants of the country was launched in Vietnam’s Ministry of Post and Telecommunication.

These rare stamps provide the people who live in Vietnam with a magnificent documentation of how the country’s birds thrive. 

The birds that were included in the stamp include a partridge whose neck is orange in color; its scientific name is arborophila davidi. 

Other birds in the stamps include lophura hatinhensis or the more popularly known Vietnamese pheasant.

Why are these birds featured in such a stamp series?  For one, putting their pictures on a stamp is one way to immortalize their existence as they are currently considered as endangered.  

Their populations have been slowly dwindling due to the loss of their natural habitat as well as hunting.

What do the stamps represent then?  The series also aims to showcase the varied and special life that Vietnam’s birds live. 

All in all, collecting rare stamps is a fun, enjoyable and interesting activity to do especially if rare stamps are your cup of tea.

Who Are Some Famous Collectors?

Who’s who in stamp collecting? 

The following are famous stamp collectors and enthusiasts who have made stamp collecting their living breathing and walking life. 

Carl Pelander

He was a man from New York City who lived from the years 1893 to 1966.  His expertise was Scandinavian stamps as he has collected such items when he was still young. 

It was in the year 1937 when he began to deal and auction stamps.  Since then he has held 130 auctions from the year 1940 up to the year 1963. 

The stamps he usually dealt with were from Scandinavia, of which the collection from Agathon Faberge’ was included as well as from Caroline Cromwell. 

Believe it or not, he was also the one responsible for selling the famous US collection of Ferrars H Tows.

Thanks to his expertise, a book was published entitled The Postal Issues of Finland.  He was also able to produce a check list of stamps that included those that come from Denmark, Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Finland, and West Indies, Sweden.

Pelander was also able to form the Stamp Club of those who are Finnish and American during 1935.  The club is now known as the Scandinavian Collectors Club. 

Pelander edited the journal the club produced, The Posthorn from 1943 to 1949 and even financially helped the club out during trying times.

Philip Ward Jr

He was a man from Philadelphia who was most known to buy and sell great and rare stamps. 

A lot of auctions were conducted by him wherein amazing materials were available from a series of valuable collections. 

His most famous collections were stamps from US that were unused, letters from presidents, autographs from presidents, the history of Philadelphia post, etc.

Another of his most famous collection was the US Revenues wherein it contained a set of complete centers that are inverted.

Unbelievably, he also had a collection of stamps called Match and Medicine. 

William W Hicks

Hicks was from Pennsylvania, and specialized in three-cent US stamps issued in the years 1851 up to 1857.  He founded the three cent unit. 

William Hicks built the largest as well as complete collection of railroad cancels from the US during his time.

George Ward Linn

He was a man from Ohio who was most famous for his weekly stamp news issued on November 5 1928. 

Since when he was young, he was able to edit and publish journals on philately including monographs until his retirement in the year 1965.

Linn was the son of a publisher and a printer.  During his active stamp collecting life, he also auctioned off some stamps. 

He was also interested in the literature of philately that in 1902 he also came out with the Philatelic Literature. 

George Linn supported a lot of stamp clubs and societies beginning with the Club of the Columbus Philatelic. 

He was also the one responsible for making Ohio the one location where the American Philatelic Association holds its convention.

Harry Weiss

He was a man from Illinois and was considered the most read columnist in philately during his time.

He regularly wrote a column which provided tips, stories on the hobby of stamp collecting. 

During 1946, he organized the Laboratory of the Midwest Philately wherein it offered a lot of services to stamp collectors as well as estates on stamp appraisals, mounting, and other expert information.

Louise Boyd Dale

She is considered by America as its most distinguished stamp collector.  Her love for philately began early on in her life thanks to the influence of her father, whom she also considered as her mentor.

There were many collections that she built, specifically those from Asia and British Africa.  Most of her collections were put under the foundation of her daughter, Anne Boyd Lichtenstein. 

Now, these are available to stamp collectors and students to further support research on philately.

It was in 1956 wherein she was the first ever woman appointed to be a judge in the exhibition of international philately, also called as FIPEX.

In the same year, she also became the first woman from America to provide her signature in the list of distinguished philatelists. 

Four years later, she was included and appointed to the International Stamp Exhibition in London. 

All in all, stamp collecting requires no special skill or talent just a passionate love if not a healthy obsession for stamps.

How to Spot a Fake or Forgery

How to know an original stamp from a counterfeit one

Postage stamps are one of the most collected items in the world.  However, they are also considered as the most fake, re-gummed and counterfeited items. 

The following are basic tips and advice to know what is fake and what is not: 

Gum or re-gummed, that is the question

First things first, what does it mean when a stamp is said to have been re-gummed? 

A re-gummed stamp basically means that the stamp no longer contains gum in its one hundred percent original content. 

A gum is said to have been original when the gum is produced from the United States postal authority or any other official postal authority such as Newfoundland or Canada.   

The instance a particular individual has applied his own gum blend to the stamp’s back is the instance wherein the stamp is considered as officially re-gummed.

Why is re-gumming done?

Re-gumming is made to stamps to make it appear better and enhanced, therefore further increasing the stamp’s value. 

Fraud occurs when a particular collector buys a stamp and was informed that the stamp has an original gum, but is really a re-gummed one. 

How to know which is which?

The most easy and convenient way to detect which gum is original and which is counterfeit is by simply comparing an original gum from a re-gummed one. 

Try to take note of the following.  A re-gummed stamp has a textured and dull appearance with little inconsistencies in the thickness of the gum or when it is reflected in the light. 

Also, there are stamps that have been re-gummed and appear to have a surface that is glossy.  The same appearance holds with stamps that are imperforated. 

A stamp that contains a watermark can be easily seen on a stamp that has been re-gummed. 

Meanwhile, a stamp that was originally gummed has a watermark that could only be seen when the stamp is dipped in a tray of watermark using fluid for watermark. 

In the absence of such a fluid, the watermark in an original gum could also be seen when the stamp is put up to a light that is very strong.

Observe, try to notice if the watermark seems to have been impressed in the gum.  If so, start to be suspicious.

Another tip is that a stamp that has been re-gummed will most likely curl if it is placed down with its face on the hand’s palm. 

A stamp that has been originally gummed will not do that. One sure sign that a stamp has been re-gummed is to check on the stamps tips. 

If the perforation feels sharp, it surely has been re-gummed. Usually, an originally gummed stamp will feel soft. 

Fortunately or unfortunately, a good re-gummer still has a way to fake it. 

What he usually does is that he will try to file patiently down the tips of the perforations in order to make them soft.

The only way to effectively differentiate this is via looking through them under a strong magnifying glass. 

Another clue to know a re-gum from an original is to check and see if the gum extends well into the holes of the perforation. 

This situation never occurs in an original because the perforation is done after applying the gum. 

However, a re-gummer still has a way to fake it via filing out the perforated holes in order to eliminate any excess gum.  But most likely, they will almost always miss a spot.

Stamps that are re-perforated

Believe it or not, these types of stamps are prevalent than most collectors think. 

This basically means that a perforation has been done privately by an individual and not officially by the United States Postal Service.

Why do individuals do it then?

This is done in order to increase the stamp’s value.

Stamps that were perforated officially have holes that are shaped in oval form and are cut less cleanly than perforations done privately. 

When seen closely, perforations that are originally done have little paper tufts that extend to the holes. 

All in all, stamp collecting – contrary to popular belief – is a challenging and an adventurous hobby. 

It requires diligence, patience, perseverance and a lot of passion.   That is if you know what to look for and how.

What Are Expert Certificates

Ensuring Stamp Authenticity: What Are Expert Stamp Collector Certificates?

Stamp collecting has been a very popular hobby and has been thriving for several generations all over the world.

Technically referred to as philately, stamp collecting is an art itself, requiring great discipline among its enthusiasts.

Perhaps a great reason for the popularity of stamp collecting is the stories about valuable stamps.

A lot of people have heard that some of these little things could sometimes cost thousands of dollars.

Finding a rare and valuable stamp is often a philatelist’s dream. Unfortunately, this induces some people with bad intentions to create forged stamps.

As such, many stamp collectors find their craft to be risky. Luckily, such anomalies can be avoided by making use of expert stamp collector certificates.

Like anything valuable, such as jewelry, money, signature clothing, rare stamps are subject to forgery.

The regrettable proliferation of fraudulent stamps has led avid collectors to look for ways to protect themselves.

The most popular way doing so is availing the services of expert stamp collectors and organizations to certify the authenticity of stamps being purchased.

One of the most sought after authorities in stamp collecting is the American Philatelic Society (APS), which offers such certification service which they refer to as expertizing service.

A collector simply sends a stamp in question to the American Philatelic Expertizing Service (APEX), the certifying division of APS, to their headquarters at Pennsylvania.

The service has been around since 1903. The stamp is then assigned a number and then photographed.

The stamp is then examined by up to five expert collectors among 170 philatelic specialists.

The identity of the collectors who availed of the service would not be disclosed to the experts, and conversely, the experts’ identities would not be disclosed as well.

The service could take 90 days to be completed. A unanimous decision must be made by the experts and if the panel fails to do so, APEX declines to give an opinion refunds all fees, less administrative charges.

Once a formal opinion is agreed upon, it is written on a certificate and returned to the owner with the item.

The comments made by the panel would be kept in the permanent records of APEX for future reference.

Opinions are limited only of stamps’ genuineness and the APEX never accepts requests for market value appraisal.

If the owner disagrees with APEX’s opinion, there is an option for reexamination within a year from the issuance of the certificate.

The APEX provides a guarantee on their certified items.

If a collector buys a stamp with an APEX certification attesting the item’s authenticity but it is subsequently shown to be fraudulent, misidentified, or modified, APEX would pay up to 5,000USD provided that the guarantee is still valid and there are no other warrantees given for the item.

Items that were subject to change (thinning, disturbance of the gum, torn, etc.) after the issuance of certificate would not be included in the guarantee.

Should APEX’s certification be proven wrong, the service will purchase the item from the owner.

The value of the item will be determined by APEX based on the selling price, receipts submitted by the owner, placed value of the item during the time of certification, and the judgment of a panel of experts.

Should APEX disagree with the contention to its certification, the owner may appeal to a disputes panel comprised of three members of the American Philatelic Society.

And the decision of the panel would be based on Pennsylvania state laws, which would be binding for both parties.

The fees for the service begin at 25USD for an item valued at 1,000USD or less according to the Scott catalog. Items of higher value would be charged 2% of the appraised value according to the catalog.

Items not listed in the catalog would be initially charged 25USD.

Should an item of a high value be considered counterfeit, its fee would be adjusted to the minimum fee of $25 USD; the difference with the original rate paid would be refunded.

There are other expert stamp collector certificate issuance services. Some of them are listed online.

Many avid followers of philately find such services very valuable, saving time, effort and money, and decreasing the incidents of forgery.

With expert stamp collector certificates, the world becomes a better place for serious philatelists.

What Are Special Stamps

Stamps for Special Occasions – What are Special Stamps?

While snail mail has definitely been declining since it has been replaced by email, a lot of people still value and cherish old fashioned writing.

Ask anyone in this hi-tech world, and most would admit to be excited to see real mail in their old mail box, as long as it is not a bill or an advertisement.

Among the great joys of traditional mail are the stamps that are also starting to become extinct.

Stamps add a nice, nostalgic feel to mailed envelopes, and they can also be collected as a hobby.

There are stamps that have more charm and character than others. These are special stamps, usually released and used for special occasions.

This was covered in a previous chapter, but worthy of further exploration.  Special stamps are certain kinds of postage stamps that are intended to be use on holidays and other occasions that occur regularly.

Christmas stamps are among the most common examples of special stamps. During the yuletide season, stamps with holiday designs are released and used, usually to accompany Christmas cards.

Special stamps are usually confused with definitive stamps and commemorative stamps as their characteristics are very similar.

Like definitive stamps, special stamps can be used for postage, but special stamps are more elaborate and attractive.

Definite stamps are just regular stamps, the ones people see in the mail every day. 

Like commemorative stamps, special stamps celebrate specific events, but they are issued a few weeks before the occasion rather than on the day of the occasion itself, this allows specials stamps to be available during the season in mind.

Unlike commemorative stamps, which are primarily for collecting purposes, special stamps are used by more people as they are released during occasions when people send a lot of mail.

The production of special stamps are not as limited as that of the commemorative stamps since special stamps are usually intended to be used for a period of time rather than just a one-day event.