Top 5 Stamp Collecting Classifications

1. Worldwide

There are over 190 countries in the world, the majority of which have a postage stamp program. While collecting every stamp from every country could become costly, it is possible to obtain a more manageable yet interesting selection of worldwide stamps. Depending on condition, as well as age, one can easily buy a nice packet of worldwide stamps for under $20.00. Often times, beginning stamp albums come in kits, which include such packets. Worldwide collecting is best for the beginner, because it offers a wide variety of stamps at a low cost.

2. Topicals

From Elvis to sports to animals, stamp subject matter has become increasingly varied over the past sixty years. Many stamp enthusiasts are choosing to collect only stamps which portray a certain topic which appeals to them, hence the term topicals. Because of this increasing trend, stamp-producing countries are starting to cater to the wants of their public. In the United States, for instance, the postal service has issued a number of stamps featuring well-known comic book heroes, exciting a new era of young collectors.

3. By Country

The intermediate philatelist may chose to narrow down their collection to one or two particular countries. This may be a country they reside in, such as the United States, or a country that peaks their interest in some other way, perhaps the country their grandparents were born. Narrowing your choices down in this manner allows you to have a more manageable collection, although it may become more costly. Earlier issues of stamps tend to be more expensive and can reach upwards into the tens of thousands, depending on condition.

4. First Day Covers

Whenever a stamp is issued that honors a historical event, person, or place, a first day of issue cancellation for the stamp is also issued. First day covers are special envelopes (many of which have designs printed on them pertaining to the stamp also known as cachets) that contain the postage stamp and the unique one day only cancel. First day covers are best for the intermediate collector due to their cost and limited quantity, but anyone can enjoy the appeal a first day cover can bring to their collection.

5. Specialized Stamps

More experience philatelists chose to narrow their hobby down to certain particular specialized stamp categories. These range from airmail stamps (stamps designed specifically for use on mail transported by plane) to errors to proofs (samples of stamps used in printing that were not intended for mail.) Because of the complexity of identifying these stamps, as well as the rarity, it is best for the collector to have some knowledge of stamp collecting before focusing on specialized postage stamps. The cost may be high, in this case, but these stamps make a good investment for the long–term collector.