How one collects stamps and types of collections

(See at the end for some tips)

The nature of collections varies from person to person. One may collect all the stamps he can lay his hands on. His sources are letters coming to his family,

Neighbours, office and friends. Some collectors concentrate on a specialized branch like stamps of a particular continent, a country, sports or space. There are certain well-to-do whose interest is confined to ‘mint’ or unused stamps. Some people take a fancy to collecting first day covers. But, whatever be the field of specialization, a genuine interest in the hobby, spare time, willingness and the ability to spend some money (Don’t over do it!) are the pre-requisites of a good collection.

Here are some tips how to collect stamps(for both newbies and experienced)

1. Mostly used stamps are collected. When any new stamp arrives in the post office, buy it and send it to self addressed envelope. You will have a used stamp for collection.

2. Used stamps are commonly available in some stationeries at a cheap rate (sometimes!) you can buy it from there.

3. While removing stamp from covers. Don’t tear it. Even a small tear in the stamp will make it lose its value. To remove it, tear the portion of the cover around the stamp and then soak the portion containing stamp in water for few minutes. Then slowly peel it off.

4. Use hinges or stamp collecting books (albums). Use stamp tweezers to prevent it from getting soiled (These are available in stores) to store stamps in it. Using notebooks to store stamps may spoil the stamps. the picture of stamp tongs is given below.

5. This tip may sound ridiculous but stamps are not easy to collect. Ask your friends, Neighbours, colleagues for stamps. They may give you if they have any. If you have relatives living abroad request them to send you new stamps. It won’t be long until you have a huge collection of exotic stamps.

6. If you have the 2 or more stamps of the same kind, don’t throw it away. You can exchange it for another stamp with your friends. In this way you can help your friends in increasing their collection as well as your collection. this is the most effective way of collecting stamps.

7. Ask stamp dealers for valuation of stamps. It is not enough just to stare the picture in the stamp. try to know about the stamp, on which occasion was it released etc. you will get lot of information from this

8. And, don’t at once go for costly stamps you may get it in future. lay your hands on stamp which is affordable and convenient.

HAPPY STAMP COOLECTING!!!!