Stamp Collecting Q & A:
Q: How do I start collecting?
A: You can start by saving stamps from letters, packages, and postcards. Many
beginning collectors choose a favorite subject like art, history, sports,
transportation, or animals as the theme of their collection. You can have a
great time on a limited budget with just a few inexpensive accessories such as
an album and stamp hinges.
Q. What types of stamps are there?
A: There are many types of stamps–for example, commemorative, definitive, and
special–and formats such as sheets, booklets, or coils. Stamps may be
conventional adhesive (“lick-and-stick”) or self–adhesive (“no-lick,
peel-and-stick”).
Definitive stamps are the most common. Generally less than an inch
square, they are printed in large quantities, and often more than once. A
definitive stamp is a postage stamp, that is part of a regular issue of a
country’s stamps (often referred to as a ‘regular issue’) available for sale by
the postal service for an extended period of time. The term is used in contrast
with a “provisional stamp“, one that is issued for a temporary period
until regular stamps are available, or a “commemorative stamp“, a stamp
“issued to honor a person or mark a special event” available only for a limited
time. Commonly a definitive issue or series includes stamps in a range of
denominations sufficient to cover many or all postal rates usefully. (An “issue”
generally means a set that is put on sale all at the same time, while a “series”
is spread out over several years, but the terms are not precise.)
Commemorative stamps, larger and more colorful than definitive, are
printed in smaller quantities and typically only once. They honor people,
events, or subjects of importance to life or culture. Special stamps, like
Christmas and Love, Holiday Celebration, international rate, Priority Mail, and
Express Mail, are usually on sale for a limited time only.
Q: How do I remove stamps from an envelope?
A: Soaking is the best way to remove stamps from envelopes. Tear the envelope
around the stamp, leaving a small margin. With the stamp facing down, place into
a pan of warm, but not hot, water. After a few minutes (self-adhesive gum may
take longer), the stamp should sink to the bottom. When all adhesive is
dislodged, remove the stamp preferably using stamp tongs. Place the stamp
between two paper towels and put a heavy object, such as a book, on top to keep
the stamp from curling as it dries. Leave overnight.
Q: How can I tell what a stamp is worth?
A: When figuring the value of a stamp, ask yourself two questions: “How rare
is it?” and “What condition is it in?” Stamp catalog prices will give you an
idea of the stamp’s rarity. However, the stamp may sell at more or less than the
catalog price, depending on its condition. Stamp dealers categorize stamps
according to their condition. A stamp in mint condition is the same as when
purchased from the Post Office. Hinge marks on mint stamps can reduce value,
which is why stamp mounts are recommended for mint stamps.