What Is Stamp Collecting?

An Introduction to Philately

Definition: Philately is the study of stamps and commonly refers to stamp collecting, although technically one can study stamps without owning them. It is a very popular hobby with millions of collectors worldwide wide. Philately can be broken down into four basic categories: Acquisition, Organization, Display and Study.

Acquisition: Collectors acquire stamps through a variety of means. Stamps arrive every day on the mail that they (and friends and family) receive. They can trade with other collectors, buy from stamp dealers, online and real-time auctions, and through the selling services of stamp clubs, to name just a few methods.

Organization: Collectors have numerous choices in how they organize their stamps, including (but not limited to):

• By Country
• Type of item: Examples include stamp, cover, cancellation, postmark, sheet.
• Themes and Topics: This is can be just about anything:; what is shown on the stamp, how the stamp was made, the shape of the stamp, the stamp designer, and so much more.
• Mint or Used: Stamps can be organized depending on if they were postally used or not.

Display: Collectors have numerous options for displaying stamps. Many collectors use albums to hold the stamps. There are albums for almost every way collections can be organized. Some philatelists even design their own albums. as well. Displays can be for personal enjoyment or public showing at stamp shows and other venues, even online.

Study: Collectors have a wide variety of resources to study their stamps. Books, Catalogs, and periodicals cover every aspect of the hobby. Many of these printed works can be found at the local public library. Clubs and forums are available in both the real and virtual worlds. The Internet has many resources created by hobby experts, organizations, philatelic businesses and everyday collectors.

Stamp collecting is an exciting and fun hobby. It is educational and entertaining on its own, and can enhance other interests and hobbies by their philatelic descriptions.