Stamp collecting
From ArticleWorld
Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies. Collectors look for both stamps and other items related to stamp collecting.
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Definition
'Stamp collecting' is a popular hobby. A person does not need to know about stamps or study them to enjoy collecting them. Philately is the study of stamps. A philatelist doesn't have to collect stamps to study them. Stamp collectors can collect merely for fun, but a little philatelic knowledge is helpful, also.
Collecting specialties
Popular postage related collecting areas include postage stamps, postage stationary, revenue stamps, postage due stamps, and Federal duck stamps issued with hunting licenses. Artists who specialize in wildlife design Federal duck stamps. Winning this contest brings great fame to the artist, and donations to wildlife conservation efforts. Other types of postage collectibles are souvenir sheets, first day covers, first day ceremony programs, topical collections, stamp -type labels, some envelopes, pictures of postage stamps, faked stamps, counterfeit stamps, reprints, postmarks, and hand stamps. Definitive stamps are the most popular type of stamps used, and are printed frequently. Commemorative stamps are printed for a limited time, and celebrate a specific event. .
History
The One Penny Black was the first postage stamp issued in Britain in 1840. Queen Victoria, in her youth, was the subject of this stamp's artwork. Youngsters were the first to collect postage stamps. By the late 1800's adults had begun to collect and study stamps, too. By the 1920's, the earlier stamps had been thrown away, and were considered rare and collectible, especially if they were in good condition. Many stamps in the US during the 1930s were saved by collectors, in case they became valuable. Because so many people saved these stamps, they are easy to find, and not worth much money.
Future of stamp collecting
The telephone and the telegraph did not stop the postage stamp, or its collectors. Email will probably not stop stamp collectors, either. Some collectors complain that there are too many types of postage stamps, which makes collecting all new stamps difficult.
Storing your stamp collection
Stamps should be kept in special albums made especially for that purpose. They should be kept dry, and not left lying around to be lost. If you discover that you have duplicate stamps, you can sell or trade them to another collector or dealer.