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How to View Postal Stamps

Stamp collecting and viewing is a hobby enjoyed and followed by children and adults alike. It can be a hobby for a lifetime, an investment or a business. Although a basic postal stamp collection might not need such careful handling to ensure that the stamps hold their value, it is good practice to learn how to view and care for stamps properly to make sure they last and do not get damaged. Collectors often trade or sell pieces of their collections. To compete with other sellers or traders, the stamps should be in the best condition possible.

Things You'll Need

Stamp album with acid-free pages
Round-ended tweezers
Magnifying glass
Perforation gauge (optional)
Clean cotton gloves (optional)

Instructions

How to View Postal Stamps
- 1
  Buy a stamp album. Get one that has acid-free pages to protect the stamps and keep them from discoloring or deteriorating over time. Acid-free pages are used by archivists to preserve documents. Make sure the pages turn easily and can be opened for viewing without falling closed. In addition, choose an album that has built-in slots, or pockets, to keep the stamps in place and allow easy viewing without touching the stamps.
- 2
  Insert the stamps using a pair of round-nosed tweezers. Use the tweezers to hold, view and arrange the stamps. The flat, round end will not mar the stamps while they are held and no dirt or oil from your fingers will get on the stamps.
- 3
  Use a magnifying glass to examine the stamps close and in detail. A collector wants to see every flaw and perforation to rate, categorize and value the stamps properly.

Stamp Collecting