Ideas for Starting a Stamp Collection

Here are some ideas for starting a stamp collection. Stamp collecting is one of the easiest hobbies to get started. With nothing more than a trip to the Post Office or simply collecting stamps that are received in the mail, a novice collector can quickly collect a wide array of stamps for very little cost. The US Postal Service and other national postal services even provide special products for stamp collectors to encourage the hobby. Stamps have been and continue to be made with a wide variety of subjects that will interest almost anyone. Here are some themes for collecting stamps that a beginner might want to consider collecting.

Personalities

Collecting stamps featuring sports stars, actors, musicians, politicians and others is a popular way to collect stamps. Those who collect memorabilia can almost certainly find related stamps that may be of interest to them and go well with their existing collection.

Regional Subjects

Collectors can start a stamp collection based upon a regional theme. These might include state specific stamps, famous people from the area, local events, landmarks, etc.

Foreign Countries

By using the internet, collectors can collect stamps from other parts of the world more easily than ever. Another related theme would be stamps of countries that no longer exist such as the USSR, East and West Germany, etc.

Historic Period Stamps

Stamps can also be collected from historic periods. Stamps from the American Civil War, World War II, the Great Depression, and other historical periods may be an interesting collection for those interested in history.

Types of Stamps

The US Postal Service and other national postal services create stamps for regular use as well as special stamps for collectors. The postal services aren't just being nice to stamp collectors by making these products, these special made products are highly profitable. A visit to the local post office will turn up a variety of ready made collectible items. One of the better known collectible products are the First Day Covers. First Day Covers are actually an envelope with a stamp that is specially cancelled in its first day of use. The envelope is generally very decorative and provides information on the stamp or its subject. A first day cover will cost significantly more than the price of a stamp and envelope.

Postmarks

Related to stamp collecting is the collecting of postmarks. A postmark is simply the ink stamp that the post office has placed over the stamp canceling it. Some collectors collect postmarks from various locations around the world, postmarks from historic dates, special postmarks, etc.