People began collecting stamps in the 19th century. Modern philatelists collect thematic and chronological collections, hunt for canceled and uncanceled stamps. Collecting stamps can be described as a way of life rather than just a hobby.
Instructions
Step 1
People who collect and study postage stamps are called philatelists. Philately began to develop almost immediately after the postal services came up with the idea of marking paid envelopes with letters with stamps.
Step 2
When starting to build your own collection, you need to decide on a few things. First, will you collect canceled or uncanceled stamps? Several decades ago, canceled stamps were very popular with philatelists. Uncanceled stamps were not recognized at all. Indeed, every brand that has made the long journey from sender to recipient has its own unique story. There is a story according to which on December 12, 1912, all post offices in France were filled with philatelists who wanted to receive a postmark with the date of cancellation "12.12.1912". Modern collectors also collect uncanceled stamps - they can also be unique in their own way.
Step 3
Decide which stamp collection you will be collecting. It can be chronological, which will include stamps issued in different periods of time by the same country. It can also be thematic, containing stamps, the image on which is dedicated to a specific topic - animals, plants, historical events, countries, etc. A brand can be attributed to a specific topic not only with the help of an image applied to it, but taking into account the purpose of issuing this series of stamps. The older the stamp is, the more valuable it is in the eyes of philatelists. But this rule does not always work - some Soviet stamps of the 20s are more expensive than those issued in pre-revolutionary Russia.
Step 4
When choosing stamps for your collection, pay attention to their condition - it must be impeccable. If a stamp is wrinkled, has torn edges, it can only ruin the collection. Stained and damaged marks are considered unsuitable. Therefore, when collecting canceled stamps, in no case tear them from the envelope. They should be carefully cut along with the paper and soaked in warm water.
Step 5
You can expand your collection by purchasing stamps from other philatelists or in philatelic shops, as well as exchanging them with your friends. To do this, your collection must have a “reserve fund” of stamps of topics you are not interested in and duplicate stamps. To create such a fund, collectors often ask their friends to give them postage envelopes from letters.
Step 6
Store stamps in special blotting albums. Never stick stamps to albums.
