In the era of rapid digitalisation and advancement, collecting stamps has become even more of a novelty. With the technological growth that the world has seen, collectors are now seeking innovative ways to organise, showcase and trade stamps. If you are one of the rare kind who is looking to expand their stamp collection then you have come to the right place.
Let us discuss some of the easiest ways you can build a collector-like repertoire. Continue reading to find out more about how to source them, maintain them and get more knowledge about specific stamps-
- Identify the source of your stamps: Stamps can be found almost anywhere. You can get them at the local post office or vintage stores. People also tend to source their stamps directly from dealers or local businesses. Attending exhibitions, fairs and philatelic events could also enable you to get your hands on some exotic stamps. Several bidding events happen worldwide. Hence, if you are an avid collector then you must register yourself on such event portals to stand in contention of acquiring some of the most sought-after stamps in the world.
- Ask your family members or build some foreign contacts: More often than not your family can come to your rescue when it comes to accumulating collector-grade stamps. The saved letters of parents and grandparents may bear some stamps that have now become a rarity. You could also ask them if they had a collection too and if you can pick something from their pile. International pen-friends or associates could also help you get your hands on some rare stamps from different parts of the world.
- Buying a Stamp Catalogue: A stamp catalogue can be purchased from a library and a plethora of bookstores in the country. This can help you get an idea of different stamp types, the sizes and the rarity of stamps. It will also help you greatly in understanding the variety of stamps circulating in the country. It can also help you understand the brief history of the particular stamp along with some unknown facts or trivia.
- Sort out the type of stamps you want to collect: The next move you must make when it comes to collecting stamps is identifying the type that interests you. Stamps can be large, small, or colourful. They can also commemorate different special events like Christmas or some other holiday. Stamps can also vary from country to country and can be found in either mint or used conditions. Stamps are broadly categorised into three main types including commemorative, definitive and special.
- Optimise your collection using a professional kit: The primary things that you will require to ensure the delicate handling of your stamps are a pair of tweezers, a magnifying glass and a stamp album. You might also need to purchase stamp hinges or mounts depending on the album that you purchase. This will enable you to purchase and maintain hundreds of stamps while staying organised.
