Stamp Collecting

Some of you may say that stamp collecting boring, a hobby for old people. But, what you do not know is that stamp collecting is one of the world's most popular hobbies. The number of collectors ranges up to twenty million in the United States alone.

Surprising, you may say but it is true. There are up to twenty million stamp collectors in the United States and this number is still growing. What is stamp collecting? Well, stamp collecting is the collecting of postage stamps and related objects such as envelopes or packages with stamps on them.

Collecting vs. Philately
Some of you may think that collecting stamps and philately are the same. Well, you are wrong. Philately is the study of stamps but a philatelist need not collect them. Most stamp collectors however, collect stamp but do not pay attention to the tiny details of the stamp like a philatelist does. Nevertheless, collecting stamps in large quantities require some philatelic knowledge. In some small countries, elaborate and rare stamps are created so that stamp collectors buy them.
Stamp enthusiasts who have been observing rare stamps for a very long time may find that the prices of rare stamps are rising. Some stamp collectors have also indulged in Philatelic investment.

Keeping your stamps safe
Since some stamps are rare and are not in production anymore, it is important to keep your stamps safe. In order to keep them safely, they should be kept in an album or in a stock sheet. The stamps should also be kept in a non fire hazard area just to take precaution.
Types of stamp collection

There are different types of stamps that people prefer collecting. The most common type of stamps collected is known as definitive stamps. These stamps are generally printed daily.
Other type of stamps that people collect is commemorative stamps. These stamps are printed on special occasions to commemorate events. These stamps are usually sold for a limited period of time and are mostly available at stamp dealers.

Some people prefer collecting pictorial stamps. These stamps are usually printed with the lifestyle of the country as well as the country's scenery. These stamps are sometimes printed with the country's famous monument.

Revenue stamps which are used in government documents are also collected.
Stamp collecting is a widespread practice, even at present. This is a hobby which people of all ages can enjoy. It is also an attractive art and is studied by a section of people.

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