Us Stamp Collecting

A Beginner's Guide to US Stamp Collecting

Stamp collecting is a fascinating and rewarding hobby. If you are new to the world of US stamp collecting, there is much for you to learn. A good first stop is the American Philatelic Society, an organization devoted to the hobby of collecting stamps. Members of this society gain access to a variety of resources and benefits related to the world of stamp collecting. Even if you're not ready to join an organization such as this, you can still learn the basics of this pursuit and start your collection.

The first thing you will need is an album in which to store and display the stamps you collect. It is important to choose an album specifically designed for this purpose that has acid-free archival quality pages. You will also need tweezers suitable for handling delicate stamps, and stamp hinges which are used to attach the stamp to the album pages. A magnifying glass for viewing stamp details is also a must. All of the supplies you will need can be purchased at most any hobby supply store or even online. Sometimes you can find philatelic kits for beginners which contain everything you need to get started.

A good first stop when starting your American stamp collection is the post office. Here you can buy single stamps, stamps that come in books, sheets and rolls, collectible stamps and more. You can also check the USPS web site to view all the stamps available for purchase that may not be offered at your local office. Of course, you can also take stamps right off of envelopes you've received. To do this, you can carefully soak stamps in cool water until the adhesive loosens and the stamp can be removed from the envelope.

Another great place for beginners to US stamp collecting to shop is Ebay. On Ebay, you can view and purchase a variety of stamps from around the world, including the United States. You may find rare stamps offered here that are not available in your locality. When shopping via Ebay, always make sure you deal with sellers who have a lengthly history of positive feedback. This will ensure you don't get scammed by a dishonest seller. If you can find a seller that is associated with a philatelic society or group, all the better. Ebay can be a wonderful resource for stamp collectors, as long as you do business with legitimate and experienced stamp sellers.

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