If you have never attended a public auction--one where the bidding is done right there before your very eyes--do not jump into the stamp auction without understanding what you are getting yourself involved in. If it is possible you should attend a few stamp auctions as an observer first before you d

Not every person who is interested in stamp collecting is in fact a collector. Some people are simply pack rats, which seems to be a cousin to a collector. Still other folks cannot bear to keep anything that doesn’t have a perceived use.

No matter how many local stamp clubs exist or how many people may attend the various stamp shows and bourses week to week, stamp collecting is generally a haven for introverts.

While a stamp catalog value represents a theoretical approach to the worth of a given stamp based upon research and calculations, the market value is closer to reality. A stamp’s “market value” is the amount that you will pay a stamp dealer for a stamp, set, lot, collection or whatever.

One good thing about stamp collecting is that you can sell off your collection whenever you desire to do so. Of course you may be disappointed at what your collection will bring if it only consists of common stamps. Commonly available stamps rarely appreciate significantly in value. There is nothing

In some hobbies, enhancing and older item is condoned and generally considered to be part of doing business. In stamp collecting it is considered to be unethical at the least if not outright fraud.

Before postage stamps arrived on the scene in 1840, whoever received the mail had to pay for the postage. Think what a nightmare this would be today with all of the junk mail that you receive, especially the political junk mail. You would be required to pay the postage on all of the junk mail that y

While many people think stamp collecting is an individual undertaking, it doesn’t have to be such. Stamp collecting is a great hobby for the entire family to enjoy. It is one way to become aware of history, geography, and much more.

Every hobby has its expenses and stamp collecting is no exception to this rule. With a hobby, you have some control over how much money you want to spend on it. Granted you may not have any judgment and just jump in and spend your money recklessly. But stamp collecting can be done on the cheap.