The Art of Stamp Collecting: May 2010

How to Buy and Sell Stamps?

Friday, May 7, 2010

Stamps won't make the casual collector rich, but as a hobby they're almost unbeatable. They don't take up much room, and your postal carrier brings new opportunities every day--for free!

Buy
Instructions :

Step

Decide what you want to collect. Topical collecting (looking for any stamp with a flag, train or other specific item on it) is the latest trend. For example, an extensive collection can be made from collecting the Christmas stamps of just one country, especially if you include all the varieties of each issue. Some people even collect postmarks.

Step

Look in the Yellow Pages for a shop that specializes in stamps. The store owner will know of upcoming stamp shows in the area.

Step

Ask the shop owner about auction houses that sell stamps. Order an auction catalog. Expect big-ticket items; most auction houses want their lots to sell for more than $100 to make it worth their while. Look in collector magazines for advertisements by mail-order stamp sources.

Step

Search online. Some stamp dealers have opened shop online, and a few auctions feature stamps. The U.S. Postal Service (usps.gov) also has information on starting a collection.

Step

Select stamps with a bright color--fading can be caused by sunlight, artificial light, dirt, pollution and natural skin oils. The stamp should not be torn or damaged, and all perforations should be complete. It should be centered inside the white border.

Sell

Step

Look through your collection for pre-1940 stamps for investment quality material. Many fewer stamps were printed in the old days, making good specimens more difficult to find. For the most part, today's stamps are not going to greatly appreciate in value over the years because so many are in circulation.

Step

Join a stamp club--it's a great way to find fellow collectors looking to buy. Clubs often hold their own stamp shows for members.

Step

Ask a stamp dealer to assess your collection if you want your money right away. Face-to-face interactions are best.

Step

Keep in mind that auction houses won't even look at your collection if they don't think it will sell for hundreds of dollars, and it may take a month or more to receive the proceeds.

Step

Sell your stamps online. This method can be time-consuming: You must submit a photo and description for each stamp or lot.

Read More...>>>

How to Care for Stamps?

Stamp collecting (or philately, as it's called) can be interesting and enjoyable. Here's how to take good care of your collection so you can preserve your stamps and participate in your hobby for many years. Have fun!
Instructions :

Step

Keep food, drinks and tobacco products away from your collection. Keep them off your desk or table when your stamps are there.

Step

Use special flat-bladed stamp collector's tongs (not regular tweezers) to handle stamps. Stamps are fragile and require the delicate care that tongs provide. Tweezers can damage your stamps.

Step

Use peelable stamp hinges (designed with adhesive backing) to mount your collection's used stamps in an album.

Step

Use stamp mounts (clear plastic sleeves with gummed backing) for your "mint" condition stamps. They preserve the original adhesive gum on the backs of your best stamps.

Step

Use stamp albums, which are binders with pages specifically designed for storing stamps, or stock books with pockets you can insert stamp mounts into.

Step

Buy the highest-quality supplies for your collection. Look for archival-quality materials, especially for album pages that your stamps will be in contact with.

Read More...>>>

How to Examine a Stamp Collection?

Knowing how to "read" a stamp's features can help you figure out its condition and value.

Instructions :

Step

Examine the postmark date on the envelope, or what is visible of the postmark on the stamp. This often plays a role in determining a stamp's value.

Step

Check the stamp's denomination, or face value.

Step

Examine the frame between the central design of the stamp and the surrounding perforations (the holes that separate one stamp from another on a sheet). Is the design centered?

Step

Examine the perforation teeth (the stamp's jagged edges). Use a perforation gauge, which measures the number of holes for each 2 centimeters of surface area; the perforation number is one factor that determines the stamp's value.

Step

Examine the margin, or unprinted area, around a stamp.

Step

Examine the vignette, or central design, of the stamp. Check for color alterations and fading.

Step

Use a magnifying glass to examine the stamp closely. Check for creases, tears, uneven perforation teeth, vivid colors, frail paper, the quality of gum on the backing and signs of repair on the surface.

Read More...>>>

How to Selecting Your Stamp Collection

Collecting rare stamps is one of the wisest investments that you can make, and is also a popular and interesting hobby. Learning to select rare stamps can help increase the value of your stamp collection.

Step

Start by finding resources. We all get mail every day. Used stamps are collected just as much if not more than unused stamps. Why spend money on something that you could get for free.

Step

Let all your friends and coworkers know that your child is collecting. When you rescue a stamp tear the corner of the envelope off. There should be paper all the way around the outside of the stamp. If there is a post mark you may want to include it to validate the origin time of the stamp.

Step

The holidays are the best time. There are thousands of Christmas cards sent around the world and they all have stamps on them. Ask everyone you know to save them for you.

Step

If you get mail in the office check with the office manager to make sure you are not violating any rules before taking the stamps that are normally thrown away.

Step

Another great way to collect stamps from other countries is to sign up and write to pen pals. This is not only a great way to make long distance relationships but a way to find some stamps that you would never have access to otherwise.

Step

Find other stamp collectors. Maybe they don’t have some of the stamps you have more then one of. They may have more locations to find stamps. As always it is a hobby and the name of the game is fun.

Read More...>>>

How to Start Stamp Collection?

Are you looking for a low cost hobby to start your children learning? Stamp collecting can be inexpensive way to teach them. You can follow the history of our country and any other country through the progression of stamps.

Step

Start by finding resources. We all get mail every day. Used stamps are collected just as much if not more than unused stamps. Why spend money on something that you could get for free.

Step

The holidays are the best time. There are thousands of Christmas cards sent around the world and they all have stamps on them. Ask everyone you know to save them for you.

Step

If you get mail in the office check with the office manager to make sure you are not violating any rules before taking the stamps that are normally thrown away.

Step

Read More...>>>

Bagaimana Mulai Mengoleksi Perangko?

Monday, May 3, 2010

Anda mencari biaya yang murah untuk hobi anak-anak Anda untuk mulai belajar? Mengoleksi perangko dapat menjadi cara termurah untuk mengajari mereka. Anda dapat mengikuti sejarah negara kita dan negara lain melalui kemajuan dari perangko.

Petunjuk :

Langkah 1:
Mulailah dengan mencari sumber daya. Kita semua mendapat surat setiap hari. Gunakan perangko yang dikumpulkan hanya sebanyak tidak lebih dari perangko yang tidak terpakai. Jangan menghabiskan uang untuk sesuatu yang Anda bisa mendapatkan secara gratis.

Langkah 2:
Beri tahu semua rekan kerja dan teman-teman Anda bahwa anak Anda mengoleksi perangko. Ketika Anda melepas perangko dengan merobek sudut amplop. Disana seharusnya ada kertas yang mengelilingi jalan di sekitar luar perangko. Jika ada tanda cap pos, Anda mungkin akan memasukkan itu untuk mencocokan keaslian waktu dari perangko.