Stamps -> United States -> Collections

Post office stamps are a great collectible for kids to enjoy, and luckily, it isn’t all that hard to start a collection. Before you start building your collection, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have all the supplies you’ll need. This includes a stamp book with sheets of plastic to protect your collection, and it is also a good idea to subscribe to at least one stamp publication to keep on top of trends and to learn more about rare stamps. There are also many different books on the subject that are quite enlightening about the practice of collecting post office stamps.

For kids, many local post offices have special programs that will help them start their own collection. You can contact the post master at your local branch for more information. Typically however, there will be a box of canceled stamps near the front window that are reserved for children or collectors. While these may not have a lot of value, they keep it fun for kids to get involved and start searching for the stamps they want to have in their collection. Don’t forget to throw in a couple of your own canceled stamps to help out a child whenever you’re in the post office. You could be providing a child with the very post office stamps they were looking for.

It’s a good idea to start off small when you are collecting post office stamps. Do your research and learn about the different kinds of stamps that are available. Don’t forget to think about post office stamps from other countries as well. These can be very valuable and the designs are often very interesting as well. By learning ahead of time about the many different kinds of stamps that are available, you can start to develop a plan for the ones that you would like to collect.

Many people find it easier to focus on one specific era, or a specific type of stamp when they are first getting started. For example, you can start collecting only US post office stamps that were printed during a specific era. Once you have all of these saved in your book, you can start on the next set. By keeping that focus you’ll be able to build up a very strong collection.

Lastly, you’ll need to know where to find post office stamps to collect. There are specific stamp stores that cater to collectors, providing them not only with the necessary stamp collecting supplies they need, but also a good supply of rare stamps. You can also find them at private auctions, where it is possible to get entire collections at once. Online auctions are also a great resource for stamp collectors and open up an entire world of possibilities.

No matter what type of post office stamps you decide to collect, remember to have fun and it will come naturally to you. It may take a few years to build up your collection, but you’ll have a lot to show for your time when you are done.

Photo credits: cliff1066™

Originally posted 2008-10-07 05:00:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Proper Cataloging

One of the primary concerns of any stamp collector is deterioration. Stamps that are not properly cataloged can become brittle and discolor. They may even become tacky allowing them to stick to other stamps. To catalog your stamps properly, use a catalog that can be expanded to include three albums. These types of albums generally use the Scott numbering system, and make it very easy for you to identify your stamps. When you mount your stamps into these catalogs, always use mounting corners or gummed corner so that your stamps are not damaged.

Proper Storage Containers

If you have an extensive stamp collection or are a stamp vender, there is a good chance that you don’t have room to store all of your stamps, books on stamping, and cataloging items lying around your home. Before you choose to store these items, however, you need to place them in secure storage containers. Generally plastic bins with built in shelving are adequate as they both alleviate the pressure of stacking catalogs on top of one another and they prevent the elements from getting in.

A Good Storage Facility

Stamps should never be kept in an area where they can easily be affected by temperatures. Excessive heat and bitter cold can affect stamps and cause them to age more quickly. If you are unable to store stamps in your own home, consider placing them in a climate controlled storage unit. These types of units are maintained at specific temperatures and humidity levels which can often make them more secure than even your home.

Trying to figure out what to do with your stamp collection is often a difficult one. You love having them around and easily accessible, but the space they often take up can be highly aggravating. If you choose to store your stamps, simply make sure that you take all necessary precautions before your store so that your stamps will stay in prime condition. You’ve worked hard to collect them, and placing them in adequate storage would be similar to throwing your stamps in the garbage.

Photo Credits: Rachel Ford James

Originally posted 2011-08-02 18:26:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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