Hobby Land Stamp collecting

Hobby Land - Stamp collecting

 Stamp collecting was the most popular hobby in the world, lets see what is that.

Collecting

A philatelist may, but does not have to, collect stamps. Many casual stamp collectors accumulate stamps for sheer enjoyment and relaxation without worrying about the tiny details. Stamp collectors are an important source of income for some countries who create limited runs of elaborate stamps designed mainly to be bought by stamp collectors. [edit]History of stamp collecting

Hobby Land Stamp Collecting

People started to collect stamps almost immediately. (See Stamps of the Cape of Good Hope).

Tens of thousands of stamp dealers supply them with stamps along with stamp albums, catalogues and other publications. There are also thousands of stamp (philatelic) clubs and organizations that provide them with the history and other aspects of stamps. [edit]Stamp collecting equipment

Stamp tongs help to handle stamps safely, a magnifying glass helps in viewing fine details and an album is a convenient way to store stamps. Some collectors prefer a traditional stamp album.

Clockwise from top left: hinge-mounted stamp, stamp about to be hinge-mounted, stamp damaged by a hinge, stamp hinges.

Stamp tongs with rounded tips help to prevent damage to stamps from skin oils and rough handling.

Acquiring stamps

Postage stamps – particular countries and/or time periods

Airmail stamps – stamps may be required for airmail, which is typically more expensive and has special postage rates.

Commemorative stamps – stamps to commemorate events, anniversaries, etc., on sale for a limited time.

Definitive stamps – the most common type of stamps

Postage due stamps are special stamps applied by a post office to mail bearing insufficient postage. Revenue stamps – stamps issued to pay taxes.

Topical stamp collecting – many collectors choose to organize their philatelic collection on the theme of the stamps, covers, or postmarks. Birds on stamps

Ships on stamps

Insects on stamps

People on stamps

Stamps on stamps

Sheets

Instead of issuing stamps in large sheets of 40, 100 or even 200 stamps, smaller sheetlets with 20 to 24 stamps are issued with a large selvedge area which may incorporate part of the stamp design or theme.

See example with 10 stamps in one picture. Corner blocks or plate blocks – compose a block of stamps from one of the four corners of the stamp sheet. First day covers – (FDCs) – envelopes with stamps attached and canceled on the first day that the stamp was issued. Cinderella stamps – stamp-like labels that are not valid for postage.

Organizations

A large stamp show containing a bourse at which collectors and dealers meet.

Stamp clubs and philatelic societies can add a social aspect to stamp collecting and provide a forum where novices can meet experienced collectors. Rare stamps

Main article: List of notable postage stamps

The United States "1-cent Z grill" stamp.

The Mauritius "Post Office" stamps.

Some of the most valuable stamps in the world

David Feldman sold thisBlue Mauritius stamp forSFr1,610,000 (approx. $1.1 million) in 1993.[8]

One of the first twoMauritius Post Office stamps. This orange stamp was sold forSFr1,725,000 (approx $1.2 million) in 1993.[8]

Main article: Stamp catalogue

Stamp catalogues are the primary tool used by serious collectors to organize their collections, and for the identification and valuation of stamps. Most stamp shops have stamp catalogues available for purchase. Famous stamp collectors

Franklin Roosevelt, who designed several American commemorative stamps while U.S. President, was a stamp collector.[10][12] John Lennon of The Beatles was a childhood stamp collector. His stamp album is held by the National Postal Museum.[13]

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