| Philately is basically the study of stamps, but a | | | | search for hidden watermarks, and a catalog of |
| philatelist does not have to collect the stamps they | | | | stamps for identifying various types of stamps. Special |
| study nor do they have to research the stamps they | | | | pages for your album can be purchased that will |
| collect. However, collecting is not the same as philately | | | | reflect the types of stamps you are adding to your |
| due to the casual collector enjoys accumulating their | | | | collection. Supplies can be purchased at almost |
| stamps without having to worry about the tiny details | | | | business that sells collectible stamps. |
| within a stamp. | | | | The type of stamps a collector decides to collect will |
| Usually, a collectors collection of stamps will tend to be | | | | depend greatly on the personal preferences of the |
| a large collection with the need of philatelic knowledge. | | | | collector. If you are unsure what types of stamps you |
| Stamp collecting has become a time honored hobby | | | | would like to focus your collection on, then it may be a |
| that is enjoyed by collectors all over the world for | | | | good idea to look a variety of stamps in magazines, |
| centuries. The hobby of collecting stamps is an | | | | books, and catalogs. No matter what type of stamps |
| excellent way for individuals to spend their free time | | | | a collector does decide to collect, they will be |
| and does not have to cost a fortune. | | | | treasured for their historic value and their beauty. |
| Stamp prices can range from fifteen cents to over | | | | Theme collections can limit your collection to a |
| half a million dollars. The important thing to remember | | | | particular subject, so it may be important to have a |
| when starting a collection is to begin slow and learn as | | | | generalized topic. When beginning your collection it may |
| much as you can about each type of stamps | | | | be helpful to purchase a large quantity of used stamps |
| available. There are various places where any | | | | for a reputable dealer, which normally does not cost a |
| collector can purchase stamps for their collection from, | | | | whole lot. Often times this proves to all the collector to |
| but regardless of where you purchase them from it is | | | | receive a number of stamps that will cover a variety |
| vital to know the basics of how to care and store | | | | of topics, plus will allow the new collect a chance to |
| your collection. | | | | learn how sort stamps based upon countries, |
| Any collector needs a specialized album that is | | | | landmarks, animals, etc. |
| designed for storing your collection of stamps, stamp | | | | Understanding cultures and events within a variety of |
| tongs with a rounded tip for handling your stamps, and | | | | countries throughout the world enables collectors to |
| a magnifying glass that has the ability to magnify at | | | | gain a higher knowledge of the stamps they add to |
| least ten times for inspecting the details on a stamp. | | | | their collection. Stamp clubs will aid by opening doors |
| Any magnifying glass with the ability to magnify more | | | | for any collector in meeting other collectors to |
| than ten times may cause the images to look distorted | | | | exchanges information surrounding the hobby of |
| and is not recommended. Other supplies that a | | | | stamps. This also gives the collector a chance to |
| collector may need are glassine envelopes to store or | | | | exchange stamps with other collectors to create a |
| transport individual stamps, a watermark detector to | | | | more interactive hobby. |