Stamp Collecting
Stamp collecting, also known as philately, is a popular hobby enjoyed by enthusiasts worldwide. It involves collecting postage stamps and related items, with many collectors appreciating the aesthetic, historical, cultural, and educational aspects of these miniature works of art. The hobby dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, starting with the introduction of the first postage stamp, the "Penny Black," in Great Britain in 1840. Over the years, the practice has expanded to include the collection of postal stationery, postcards, and other related items.
Stamp collecting trends have evolved, influenced by changes in postal services, including the advent of airmail and commemorative stamps. Although interest in collecting has waned among younger generations, it remains a rewarding and educational pursuit for many. Collectors often prioritize the condition of stamps, using proper storage techniques to preserve their value. While novices may find enjoyment in the hobby without financial gain, serious collectors can potentially profit from rare stamps or themed collections, necessitating significant investment and dedication. Various organizations and resources are available to support collectors, further enriching their experience in this enduring pastime.
Stamp Collecting
History
Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Since 1981, October has been officially recognized in the United States as National Stamp Collecting month.
Many collectors value stamps for their aesthetic appeal, and consider them miniature works of art. Others collect stamps for their historic, cultural, and educational value. Some collectors seek out stamps on a theme or subject of personal interest, which can be anything from bagpipers to baseball. Regardless of the reasons for taking up the hobby, those who collect stamps are formally called "philatelists," and the hobby is known as "philately."
Although the history of stamps begins in the mid-nineteenth century, postal services operated long before then, in ancient Egypt and China. The first letters were cuneiform tablets made of clay. The oldest postal inscription dates to 3000 BCE, with "In the name of the living king, speed!" stamped on a letter addressed to and from Egyptian court officials.
The first postal stamps were wax seals and handwritten notes that designated not the payment of postage, but the amount due, for it was the recipient who had to pay the postage.
The first postal stamp originated in Great Britain on May 6, 1840, and started the custom of pre-paying for postage. Called the "Penny Black" because the background was black and it cost one cent, it featured the portrait of Queen Victoria.
The first US stamps appeared in 1847. For mail traveling less than 300 miles, a 5-cent stamp featuring the portrait of Benjamin Franklin was issued. For letters going farther, the sender would purchase a 10-cent stamp depicting George Washington.
As new stamps appeared in the United States and around the world, collectors sought to obtain them all. Enthusiasts also began to collect postal stationary, postcards, envelopes, cancellation marks, revenue stamps, and other related items.
The first stamp exhibition was held in Vienna, Austria, in 1881. An American exhibition was held in New York City several years later. Both events issued historic catalogues.
In 1893, the United States issued the first commemorative stamp series, which honored the World Columbian Exposition. The series featured a total of sixteen stamps depicting Christopher Columbus' expedition to the New World. As more commemorative stamps were issued, interest in stamp collecting grew.
Stamp collecting trends have changed along with postal service. The initiation of airmail in 1918 inspired new collectors, many of whom were interested specifically in the cancellation marks that documented the mail's path. Interest in stamp collecting may have declined later in the century, after the introduction of self-adhesive stamps, which are notoriously difficult to remove. The hobby has attracted fewer young people, leading the Junior Philatelic Society of America to close down in the early twenty-first century.
Things to Look For
The condition of a stamp is the primary consideration for pricing and resale value. Collectors should store stamps in a low-humidity environment, away from extreme heat, sunlight, and dust. Archival materials should be used for storage, and tongs for placement. A stamp's condition is graded from "superb" through "poor" based on the following criteria:
- Paper condition
Design
Color
- Cancellation marks
Gum
- Perforations
- Margins and selvages
Faults
Rarity
Stamp descriptions usually refer to the different parts of a stamp. One should consult a diagram, usually provided in introductory books, as well as consult a glossary for additional stamp collecting terms. The following are the main parts of a stamp:
- Vignette: The subject or portrait
- Frame: Often surrounds the vignette
- Country of origin
- Denomination
- Cancellation/postmark
- Watermark: Anti-counterfeiting printing mark on paper
- Margin: An unprinted border
- Perforation: Tiny holes that allow for easy separation of stamps printed on sheets.
- Perforation teeth: Edges that are created in the perforation process
- Gum: Coating on back of stamp
- Gutter: Spaces in between stamps on a sheet
- Selvage: Leftover paper from a sheet, still attached to stamp
Collectors usually specialize in one or more types of stamps or other postal items, which allows one to complete a collection or simply focus attention on a particular interest.
Examples of collections include the following:
- Definitives (regular-issues)
- Covers (envelopes, postcards, packaging, and other covers with cancelled stamps)
- First-day covers
- Airmails
- Postage-due stamps
- Revenue stamps
- Cancellation marks
- Commemoratives
Topical
- War stamps
- Forgeries
- Balloon posts
Inverts
Trends
The most popular auction site for buying and selling stamps is eBay. As with all online sites, collectors are strongly advised to be aware of potential fraud and always double check the value of stamps in published catalogues.
The United States, Canada, and other countries now offer customized photo stamps. Individuals can make postal stamps in various denominations using digital photos of their choice. These usually commemorate a special event or loved one. The value of these stamps to collectors remains to be seen.
Stamp Collecting for Fun vs. Profit
Novices should approach stamp collecting as a fun, educational activity that will provide a great deal of personal satisfaction. Profits among amateurs will likely be minimal; however, the possibility exists to make greater profits when selling a complete themed collection or a rare stamp. This takes a considerable amount of time and investment. Serious stamp collectors can also become dealers and educators.
Learning More
Organizations
American Philatelic Society <http://www.stamps.org/>
American First Day Cover Society <http://www.afdcs.org>
Philatelic Foundation <http://www.philatelicfoundation.org/>
American Topical Association <http://www.americantopicalassn.org>
National Postal Museum, Smithsonian Institution <http://postalmuseum.si.edu/>
Books
Datz, Stephen R. Stamp Collecting. Loveland, CO: General Philatelic Corp., 1999.
Hobson, Burton. Stamp Collecting as a Hobby. New York: Sterling, 1986.
Mackay, James. The Complete Guide to Stamps & Stamp Collecting. Hermes House, 2018.
Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue. 6 vols. Sidney, OH: Scott Publishing Co., 2007.
Williams, L.N. Fundamentals of Philately. rev. ed. State College, PA: American Philatelic Society, 1990.