How to Start a Stamp Collection

Stamp collecting is a hobby that is enjoyed by many.  In fact, it is an activity that is enjoyed by individuals of all ages.  When it comes to stamp collecting, one of the biggest questions asked is “how do I get started?”  For more information on how you start enjoying the great hobby of stamp collecting, continue reading on.

Perhaps, the first step in starting a stamp collection is developing a plan.  Although a having a set plan in place is not required, it can assist you as a stamp collector.  One of the first points that you will want to examine is if you want to collect stamps for profit or for the sole purpose of enjoying it as a hobby.  This question is one that can enable you to determine which type of stamps you should acquire for your collection.

Another point that should be examined is that of stamps.  If you are solely interested in collecting stamps as a hobby, you may be interested in focusing on a particular theme.  For example, you may want your collection to include limited edition stamps, stamps with flower themes, and so forth.  Of course, you can sway from your original stamp collecting aspirations later on, but you may find that most of the fun is hunting for the type of stamps that you seek.

Regardless of your stamp collecting goals, the first step in starting a stamp collection is collecting stamps.  Even if your sole purpose of stamp collecting is to one day sell your collection for a profit, it is important to remember that all stamp collectors must start from the ground up.  Simply saving and preserving all stamps that come on your mailings is a great start.  Generally speaking, many beginners generate more interest and pride when they have even just a few stamps in their collection.

As previously stated, saving and persevering all stamps that arrive on your mail is advised.  Not only is this a great way to start a stamp collection, but you should also keep value in mind.  It can sometimes be difficult now to tell which stamps may be valuable fifty or even a hundred years from now.  To preserve all stamps that arrive on mailings, cutout the stamp and place it in a warm bowl or cup of water.  After a few minutes, about ten to be exact, the stamp should separate itself from the envelop.  Carefully remove the stamp from the water and set it out to dry.  Curling is likely to occur, so once the stamp has dried, take steps to flatten it, such as by placing the stamp in between pages of a large, hardcover book.

Another important component of stamp collecting, especially for beginners is storage.  It is not uncommon for many beginners to simply toss their stamps in a box.  Of course, this approach is more than doable, but you may find success with alternative storage arrangements.  Stamp display books, also commonly referred to as stamp stock books, can be purchased.  They often have individual slots for collected stamps.  Many hobbyists also use photo albums to store their stamps.  Properly and prominently storing and displaying a stamp collection will not only help to maintain or increase its value, but it should also give you a sense of pride.

It is also important to touch on the purchasing of stamps.  If you would like to expand your stamp collection with ease, purchasing stamps may be a wise idea.  What is nice about this approach is the options that stamp collectors have.  Stamps for collections can be purchased new directly from the post office and in a wide range of conditions from online auction websites, like eBay, as well as from professional stamp collectors and dealers.

The above mentioned tips are ideal for developing a first time stamp collection.  All stamp collectors are urged to keep their options open, even if the original intent is only to collect for fun, as what the future may bring for certain stamps and their values is often unpredictable.