Sunday, August 25, 2013

Collecting Rare Postage Stamps As A Hobby

By Tara Daniels


Collecting rare postage stamps has been a hobby of people since stamps were first introduced. It is considered one of the most popular hobbies of all time and there are collectors all over the world. It is an interesting pastime, with people of all ages taking part in it.

Having the proper equipment to begin a collection is very inexpensive. A simple album or albums to keep and display specimens in is a must to help protect them from damage due to folding and from the stamps sticking to others. Many people use tweezers or small tongs to handle specimens to avoid damaging them, to keep oils from the fingers from permeating them, and to stop the sticky side from adhering to the fingers. Having a magnifying glass on hand is a good idea as it can be used to view the intricate detail, and to find printing flaws that may make a stamp rare.

It has never been easier to collect stamps. With the digital age, finding pieces to add to a collection is as simple as looking online as there are many places that they can be purchased from all over the world. It opens up a whole new way of finding rare and sought after specimens that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to find.

Historical stamps are a very popular and sought after item. There are a dizzying number of different kinds and sizes with people, animals and scenes on them. Some have never been used while others have been found circulated from different places as postage. Some people collect only one kind, horses, for example. Others have many different types within the same collection.

Some intricate stamps are overproduced in some countries simply for the purpose of being part of the hobby. Their production exceeds the needs for actual postage and then they are sold all over the world as uncirculated specimens. It is a popular habit with serious collectors to obtain these and add them to their albums.

There are a number of ways to build up a collection fairly quickly. Asking people to save the envelopes that their mail comes in is a good start, and is an inexpensive solution to having an array of examples. Duplicates can be sold or traded for other desirable ones. Visiting a local shop that specializes in the hobby is another way to find more. These sops may also provide the opportunity to sell items that are no longer wanted.

Joining a club of other enthusiasts is a great way to see what types of collections others have amassed. Looking at collections online is another good way to get ideas of what type are desired in a collection. There may be areas to buy and sell on these online sites, with members from all over the world offering a huge array of different specimens.

The fun and enjoyable hobby of collecting rare postage stamps is a very old and popular pastime. Adding new items to a collection is simple and easy once one knows where to look. Once immersed in this hobby, collectors will find there are many other enthusiasts sharing their enjoyment.




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