Many people spend fulfilling years in pursuit of collectible stamps. Some of these stamps are extremely rare and can be worth thousands. You can stumble across these stamps anywhere--from old collections sold at garage sales, in antique stores, at auctions, and in your relatives' attics.
The two major components you need are: stamp equipment and a knowledge about what you should look for. Beginners should get their practice with modern stamps that have a limited print. In this way they can start with something that will one day be worth a great deal, though if it is ruined in their early stages of stamp mounting, they will not have ruined a great piece of history. They can just run to the post office and buy another one.
The penny black is the staple for all collectors. It is the first stamp every in existence and has Queen Victoria on it. Used penny blacks are really common and if the the condition is superb (despite them being used) they can range up to two hundred dollars. The elusive unused penny black can cost you far more.
One should love stamps in the first place and be eager to study them, not just collect them. You will have to if you want to collect anything of value. Checking for damage, watermarks, signs of use, and especially checking for fakes are the only way you can get rare ones. Knowing what to look for and knowing its condition is a good way not to be cheated.
The tools you use are likewise important. They are cheap and readily found, which is another reason why the hobby is so popular. A stamp book is where you keep them. Stamp tweezers are used for the placement of the stamp in the book. A magnifying glass can let you spot defects.
The thing you attach them with is a stamp hinge. Some avid collectors prefer hingeless mounts because it risks even less damage. Never try to lick the stamp to put it in or use glue.
Learn more about Collectible Stamps. Stop by our site where you can find out all about stamp collecting stamps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Barille
The two major components you need are: stamp equipment and a knowledge about what you should look for. Beginners should get their practice with modern stamps that have a limited print. In this way they can start with something that will one day be worth a great deal, though if it is ruined in their early stages of stamp mounting, they will not have ruined a great piece of history. They can just run to the post office and buy another one.
The penny black is the staple for all collectors. It is the first stamp every in existence and has Queen Victoria on it. Used penny blacks are really common and if the the condition is superb (despite them being used) they can range up to two hundred dollars. The elusive unused penny black can cost you far more.
One should love stamps in the first place and be eager to study them, not just collect them. You will have to if you want to collect anything of value. Checking for damage, watermarks, signs of use, and especially checking for fakes are the only way you can get rare ones. Knowing what to look for and knowing its condition is a good way not to be cheated.
The tools you use are likewise important. They are cheap and readily found, which is another reason why the hobby is so popular. A stamp book is where you keep them. Stamp tweezers are used for the placement of the stamp in the book. A magnifying glass can let you spot defects.
The thing you attach them with is a stamp hinge. Some avid collectors prefer hingeless mounts because it risks even less damage. Never try to lick the stamp to put it in or use glue.
Learn more about Collectible Stamps. Stop by our site where you can find out all about stamp collecting stamps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Barille
