Philately, or stamp collecting, has been a popular activity since the mid-19th century. In 1886, 219 collectors joined to create the American Philatelic Association, which changed its name to the American Philatelic Society (APS) in 1908. Collecting stamps and postal paraphernalia can be a hobby and an investment, as rare stamps appreciate in value over the years. Collectors can learn about world history, geography, and social issues through their activities. Today, the APS is the world's largest stamp collectors' organization, with more than 44,000 members in 110 countries. The best way to find international stamps is to meet other collectors.
Instructions
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1
Conduct an Internet search for "stamp collecting", "stamp dealers" and "philatelists". The results will yield dozens of sites for organizations, collectors and stamp dealers. You can also specify "stamp collectors + (your city)" to narrow the results.
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Review your Internet search results for links to international stamp catalogs and collectors who specialize in stamps from various countries. Request catalogs from the commercial websites you find online to find out what's available.
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3
Consider joining a philatelic organization and attending a collectors' convention.
