Home >> Collecting >> Stamp Collecting

How to Exhibit Stamps

Stamp collectors like to store and exhibit their stamps in ways that both show off the collection and keep it safe. Stamps can be very delicate and will get ruined easily if they are not exhibited properly. They should be exhibited in a way that they can be viewed closely, while also being protected from unwelcome touching by admirers. If the exhibit is going to be in a competition or a show, you also will have to follow their rules and guidelines for display. In addition to meeting show requirements and installing protection measures, you can also make the exhibit interesting with information and visual appeal.

Things You'll Need

Mounting paper or board
Stamp mounts
Clear sheet covers

Instructions

How to Exhibit Stamps
- 1
  Visit a stamp show to see how other exhibitors have displayed their stamps. You may be able to follow a style or come up with a variation of your own based on the ideas you pick up. Take extra note of professional-looking exhibits and prize-winning exhibits.
- 2
  Pick a theme or subject for your exhibit. It can be based on a country or a specific subject, but make it something that will continue to hold your interest. Pick a theme about which you can find background information online, in books or from other collectors. You can then incorporate this information in your display to give your exhibit more interest and flair.
- 3
  Research the history, production date, specialty features, perforations and/or trivia about each stamp. This information can be used as a write-up in the exhibit to give background into the history of your collected stamps.
- 4
  Type (or hand-write if your writing is attractive) your captions. Think of them as small stories about the stamps and write them that way for a more natural, personal effect.
- 5
  Mount the stamps using specialized materials that conserve and protect your investment. Select archival quality paper, mountings and backings free of damaging contents. Stamp dealers sell everything you need for your stamp-collecting hobby.
- 6
  Use interesting groupings. Add blocks of four stamps, envelopes with the canceled stamp showing a clear cancellation mark, first day of issue covers and even advertising cut-outs to give the exhibit visual appeal. Arrange them on the backdrop and add your captions.
- 7
  Insert the finished displays into clear sleeve covers that are approved by the show where you will be exhibiting your stamps.

Stamp Collecting