How to Collect Unused Postage Stamps

Decide what type of unused postage stamps you want like to collect. You might choose to collect stamps of the United States, or choose a topic such as unused stamps with flowers, birds or sports. Focus your collection on one or two different topics in the beginning of your collecting.

Find sellers of unused postage stamps. There are several long-established stamp collecting companies including Kenmore Stamp Company and Jamestown Stamp Company. According to the Kenmore Stamp Company a "mint" stamp is one that has never been canceled and is unused. You can search for mint stamps on both the Kenmore site and the Jamestown site. See their website information in the Resources section. Also, you can purchase new and past released unused U.S. stamps from the United States Postal Service.

Purchase stamps for your collection from online stores, catalogs and local stores, either in singles or in larger sets. Store them in glassine envelopes and avoid heavy handling because this may harm their value. Use the stamp tongs when examining them.

Catalog and store your collection in a stamp collection album by placing the stamps in stamp mounts to protect the stamps and their adhesive. There are albums produced for U.S. collections, world collections and topical collections. Stamp mounts are available in several sizes.

Study and enjoy the different stamps you collect with the magnifying glass and learn more about their history. Keep your eyes open for rare stamps such as misprints, which have a value above their normal counterparts.