A Beginner’s Guide to Collecting Stamps

Stamp collection is one of the most insightful and satisfying hobbies. Collectors of all ages find it fascinating to explore the historical significance of the stamps. Also, antique stamps have a great aesthetic value, which is also something that collectors often find alluring.

Stamp collection is truly an incredible hobby that offers many great benefits. It provides an excellent opportunity to learn about different cultures, countries, and their currencies. Moreover, because of the discovery-based method, stamp collecting can serve as a teaching tool.

It is a truly rewarding hobby that people have been enjoying all across the world. Also, the great thing is you don’t need any expert insight or skills to become a stamp collector. Whether it is the 1941 Hitler stamps or some other antique collectibles you are looking for, it is easy to fun to find some of the rarest stamps and learn about their history.

What Stamps Can You Collect?

As a beginner, you should simply enjoy the rewarding process of stamp collection. There are no rigid limitations and guidelines. Thus, you shouldn’t initially worry about the value of the stamp and instead focus on exploring the ones that bring you joy.

Much like any other collecting venture, one can take different approaches when it comes to a stamp collection. For instance, you can choose to focus on a particular historical period, a single country of origin, or a specific subcategory that piques your interest.

Although a theme can help in putting together your assortment, if you want the hobby to sustain your interest, make sure it resonates with your individual taste.

Following are some of the categories you might want to explore in the stamp collection.

• By Historical Period

Building a stamp collection according to the historical period enables you to surpass national boundaries. In Britain, there is a picture of the reigning monarch on each issue.

Also, different countries use distinctive ways to define specific periods. Furthermore, it is an excellent idea to focus on a well-known era or a historical event such as a war. That allows you to collect stamps from all across the world while following the context of your theme.

• By Country

Each issues its own set of stamps, and they are representative of its history and nation. Thus, it is one of the most prominent ways of compiling or sorting a stamp collection. In addition, you can try to get at least one stamp from each country. Alternatively, you can focus on stamps that were in use during the reigning periods of different monarchs.

• By Theme or Topic

It might be that you already have an area of interest. That could include anything from planes, cars, trains to buildings or famous personalities. Thus, you can look for a stamp design that matches your current hobby or interest. Also, this often allows you to collect stamps from different periods and countries that revolve around a wider theme.

• By Color

You don’t have to limit yourself to a particular theme or topic. It could be that you simply want to put together a stamp collection based on a color palette or a core shade. That can give you a lot of freedom to explore exciting stamps from different places and eras.

• By Shape

If you are up for a challenge, you can collect stamps that are of a peculiar individual shape. Also, it could be that you want a stamp collection that doesn’t have any rectangular shapes. Thus, it allows you to hunt for stamps that have a square, circular, or triangular shape.

Where Can You Find the Stamps?

There are numerous places where you can buy stamps. You can start by asking your family or friends to see if they might have an old collection you could keep. Also, you have the option of collecting stamps from your post and requesting your loved ones to safely keep theirs.

Today, we are living in the fast-paced world of the internet and digital technology. Almost everything is accessible online. Thus, you can easily explore these sites for your stamp collection.

Furthermore, there are many reputable stamp dealers who can provide you with the authentic stamps you’ve been hunting for a long time. Collectors couch provides a wide assortment of antique stamps, bills, paper money, historical postcards, coins, and many other fun collectibles. It can certainly help you kickstart your stamp collection.

How To Care for Your Stamp Collection?

When starting your own stamp collection, there are some essentials that you will be needing. Following are some useful items you might want to invest in for better storage and protection of your stamp collection.

• Stamp Catalogue
• Stamp Album
• Tweezers
• Magnifying Glass
• Stamp Mounts or Hinges

There are some basic ways you can take care of your stamp collection if you are just starting out. Avoid handling your stamps, and try to use tweezers instead. That prevents oils and dirt from leaving your hands and transferring onto the stamps.

Also, it minimizes the chances of your stamps tearing. A decent pair of tweezers can help you pick up the stamps neatly from a flat surface. In addition, a magnifying glass will help you see the fine details of the stamp’s design. It is a perfect tool for beginners. Also, it doesn’t cost much, so it is a good idea to invest in one.

Furthermore, the best way of storing your stamps is to place them in an album. It not only keeps them safe in one place but also protects against damage from light. Moreover, you want to pay attention to where you are keeping your stamp album. Try to avoid places that have damp as it can damage your stamps.

Final Words

There you have it – your beginner’s guide to become a stamp collector. If you decide to start a stamp collection, it will not only give you great satisfaction but will also help you connect with the worldwide community of individuals with a mutual interest in history.

Also, as a beginner, you don’t need much to kickstart your stamp collection. A few stamps and a place for display or storage will do the trick.