How To Collect Stamps

Discusses where and how to obtain stamps; tools, accessories, catalogues, and albums; identification of stamps; and the history of stamps. Includes a dictionary of terms.

This is the ultimate guide to getting the most out the world's most popular hobby, with countless examples of rare, vivid and historical stamps spanning almost two centuries, plus advice on price and guidance about acquisition. Read some of the fascinating stories behind the world's most sought-after stamps, from the famous commemoratives of American presidents to issues from some of the most remote post offices in the world. Stamps trace the character and history of the country from which they originate, and this encyclopedic visual directory is a stunning account of some of the most bizarre, vivid and poignant examples ever created.

Postage stamps have evolved quite a bit since Great Britain’s 1840 Penny Black, the world’s first adhesive postage stamp. From simple designs featuring the monarch to works of art literally condensed to postage stamp size, hundreds of thousands of different stamps have been issued in the past 164 years—and the great majority of them remain reasonably priced for collectors. With so many stamps to collect from so many countries, a philatelist’s choices are virtually unlimited--which can be both a blessing and a curse, especially if you’re a newcomer to the art of stamp collecting. Interested in starting a stamp collection, but not sure where to begin? This is the guide for you. Expert Richard Sine fills you in on everything you need to know about selecting, finding, buying, presenting and caring for stamps. An internationally recognized collector and author on stamp collecting (he used to write the New York Times stamp column) he also has much wisdom to impart to collectors who’ve been at it for a while. A gold mine of expert advice and guidance, Stamp Collecting For Dummies is on how to: Start or diversify your collection Decide what to collect Catalog and organize your collection Handle, protect, store, and display stamps Identify rare and valuable stamps Buy stamps online and through auction houses Unlike most authors on the subject who tend to be pretty stuffy—to put it politely—expert Richard Sine focuses on the side of stamp collecting that’s enjoyable, educational, and fun. With humor, tons of interesting anecdotes about stamps and the men and women who love them, and loads of insider tips, he covers all the bases, including: Getting the biggest bang for you stamp-collecting buck Researching, locating and buying stamps through traditional sources and online Showing off your collection at exhibits Customizing your collection Housing your stamps and protecting them against the elements The ten keys to identifying and authenticating stamps Stamp Collecting For Dummies is your total guide to starting and building on a really cool stamp collection.

Discusses where and how to obtain stamps; tools, accessories, catalogues, and albums; identification of stamps; and the history of stamps. Includes a dictionary of terms.

An introduction to stamps and stamp collecting, with guides to identifying American and foreign stamps, a glossary of terms, and maps.

The most popular hobby in the world, stamp collecting has millions of fans in the United States alone. Many are adults who have turned a childhood interest in philately into a pleasurable (and often profitable) lifetime avocation. This volume has everything needed to start a personal stamp collection: Entries for nearly 200 countries; Spaces for more than 2,600 stamps; Over 1,100 black-and-white illustrations of stamps; Easy-to-use Stamp Identifier Table and Index. Clear instructions for using the album and the Stamp Identifier Table are included, along with many useful hints and tips on building a collection. An entertaining, inexpensive way to learn about faraway people and places, stamp collecting brings a sense of excitement and adventure with each new acquisition. This book offers would-be collectors that ticket to discovery.

Bonus Book: HOME SECURITYDo you have a partially filled stamp album stored away at the back of the closet just gathering dust? Was it a gift from a favorite aunt or grandparent that seemed like a good idea when you were 12? Has that album always remained a "someday" thing? Maybe it is something that you are always going to do "someday" when you have time. Well, drag that dusty album out of the closet because "someday" is here.Chances are you are just like the rest of us these days. Stressed out and stretched thin. No time for fun, leisure or recreation. Let me tell you that Stamp Collecting can be good for your health and well being!That's not a joke. It's the truth. Read every book or article on stress and a common denominator is to find a relaxing past time. Well, getting caught up in the enthusiasm of collecting stamps can be just what the doctor ordered.There is no better hobby to help you relax and tune out the daily stress factors than collecting stamps. That dusty album combined with our "The Stamp Collecting Guide" can provide you with hours of fun and relaxation either by yourself or teaming up with a friend.In fact, you couldn't find a better hobby to share with a child or another loved one. Re-capturing the excitement you felt when that family member first introduced you to the hobby and sharing those feelings with your own child is priceless.There is quite a bit of information that you need to know to begin your hobby and "The Stamp Collecting Guide" has everything you need to sharpen your skills.Having the correct information right at your fingertips will give you a successful launch of your new hobby.Just take a look at what's inside:Learning the LingoYour First Stamp AlbumWhat Are The Different Types of Stamps?Basic Tools a Stamp Collector NeedsWhere to Get StampsWhat Are the Different Methods for Collecting Stamps?How to Soak, Sort, Identify and Mount StampsHow to Judge the Condition and Grading of StampsShould You Collect U.S. Stamps or International StampsWhat Are Rare Stamps and How to Spot ThemWho Are Some Famous Collectors?How to Spot a Fake or ForgeryWhat Are Expert CertificatesWhat Are Special StampsStamp Investing - All About the MarketWritten in plain English "The Stamp Collecting Guide will help answer all the questions you may have in order to make an intelligent decision about whether to purse this worthwhile hobby.The purpose of our guide is to give you an over view of stamp collecting as well as provide you with information about the different steps you need to take to get started. So, why do you need "The Stamp Collecting Guide?" Because it gives you what you need to know!Thousands of people may be stamp collectors. However, they may not be getting the best deals on obtaining stamps. Or worse yet, they may be getting ripped off or defrauded. Learning how to detect fake stamps is an important step in the process of growing your collection.If you are a new hobbyist trying to figure out what stamps to buy and sorting out the difference between commemorative and special stamps, "The Stamp Collecting Guide" is just what you need to learn all the ins and outs of your new hobby.Regardless of your motivation and goals, creating a hobby requires commitment talent and above all else - knowledge! "The Stamp Collecting Guide" has the answers you need. Grab your copy today and start collecting tonightTag: stamp collecting book, stamp collecting books and supplies, stamp collecting cards, stamp collecting for beginners, stamp collecting for dummies, stamp collecting for kids, stamp collecting for kids in books, stamp collecting guide, stamp collecting price guide, stamp collecting reference books