About Stamp Collecting

History

• The Penny Black was the first issued postage stamp. In 1840, Britain issued the stamp depicting Queen Victoria. The hobby of stamp collecting became most popular starting in the 1920s as older stamps became valuable.

Equipment

• Equipment used in the collection of stamps include glassine envelopes, stock books, magnifying glasses, stamp tongs and stamp hinges.

Acquiring Stamps

• There are several ways in which stamp collectors acquire their stamps. Relatives and friends are always good sources of stamps. Current stamps can be purchased from the post office. Stamp dealers and auctions are good places to inquire about rare and expensive stamps.

Specialties

• Many stamp collectors specialize in particular countries, types, subjects or time periods of stamps. Collect all types of stamps may be too wide of a hobby, resulting in many thousands of volumes of stamp albums.

Organizations

• It is helpful, for purposes of learning as well as sharing, to join a stamp collector's organization. They range from local clubs to national organizations.