Difference between revisions of "Collect Stamps"
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Collecting stamps can be a rewarding hobby at any level of skill or expense. A beginner or child can be perfect with an album of pretty pictures. An advanced collector can be enthralled with a detailed study of a single stamp, or by the challenge of tracking down the last stamp to complete a themed collection. The right way to collect is the way that makes you happy. | Collecting stamps can be a rewarding hobby at any level of skill or expense. A beginner or child can be perfect with an album of pretty pictures. An advanced collector can be enthralled with a detailed study of a single stamp, or by the challenge of tracking down the last stamp to complete a themed collection. The right way to collect is the way that makes you happy. | ||
| − | [[Category:Stamp Collecting]] | + | [[Category: Stamp Collecting]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#Cut off most of the envelope. Used stamps are typically removed from the envelope before storing. If you like collecting the cancellation marks, or the post office ink mark over the stamp, cut out a rectangle of paper around the mark and skip ahead to the storage step in this section. Otherwise, cut a small square around the stamp itself. You don't have to be precise, since the steps below will remove the remaining scrap of paper. | #Cut off most of the envelope. Used stamps are typically removed from the envelope before storing. If you like collecting the cancellation marks, or the post office ink mark over the stamp, cut out a rectangle of paper around the mark and skip ahead to the storage step in this section. Otherwise, cut a small square around the stamp itself. You don't have to be precise, since the steps below will remove the remaining scrap of paper. | ||
#*Because the cancellation mark takes up a lot of space in your collection, most collectors only save the most interesting ones. | #*Because the cancellation mark takes up a lot of space in your collection, most collectors only save the most interesting ones. | ||
| − | #Soak most stamps in lukewarm water. This traditional method works on U.S. stamps from before 2004, and most stamps from other countries. Put the paper-backed stamps in a bowl of lukewarm water, with the stamp face up. Use enough room for each one to float to the surface. <ref>http://stamps.org/Stamp-Tips</ref> After 15–20 minutes, once the stamps have begun to separate from the paper, use your stamp tongs to transfer the stamps to a dry paper towel.<ref>http://postalmuseum.si.edu/stamp-collecting/introduction-to-stamp-collecting/introduction-to-stamp-collecting.html</ref> Handling the wet stamp very gently, scrape off the remaining paper. If the paper does not come off, let the stamp soak longer. Do not try to peel off the stamp. | + | #Soak most stamps in lukewarm water. This traditional method works on U.S. stamps from before 2004, and most stamps from other countries. Put the paper-backed stamps in a bowl of lukewarm water, with the stamp face up. Use enough room for each one to float to the surface. <ref name="rf1">http://stamps.org/Stamp-Tips</ref> After 15–20 minutes, once the stamps have begun to separate from the paper, use your stamp tongs to transfer the stamps to a dry paper towel.<ref name="rf2">http://postalmuseum.si.edu/stamp-collecting/introduction-to-stamp-collecting/introduction-to-stamp-collecting.html</ref> Handling the wet stamp very gently, scrape off the remaining paper. If the paper does not come off, let the stamp soak longer. Do not try to peel off the stamp. |
#*Stamps on brightly colored paper or with purple ink marks should be soaked in separate bowls, since the ink on the paper might bleed and dye the stamps. | #*Stamps on brightly colored paper or with purple ink marks should be soaked in separate bowls, since the ink on the paper might bleed and dye the stamps. | ||
#Rinse and dry the stamps. Once the paper is removed, rinse the back of the stamp in fresh water to remove the last of the gummy residue. Let the stamps dry overnight on a paper towel. If the stamps curl, you can place them between paper towels and sandwich them in between heavy books. | #Rinse and dry the stamps. Once the paper is removed, rinse the back of the stamp in fresh water to remove the last of the gummy residue. Let the stamps dry overnight on a paper towel. If the stamps curl, you can place them between paper towels and sandwich them in between heavy books. | ||
| − | #Remove self-adhesive stamps with air freshener. Self-adhesive stamps, including all U.S. stamps since 2004, cannot be removed from paper using the traditional warm water method.<ref | + | #Remove self-adhesive stamps with air freshener. Self-adhesive stamps, including all U.S. stamps since 2004, cannot be removed from paper using the traditional warm water method.<ref name="rf1" /> Instead, find a non-aerosol, 100% natural, citrus-based air freshener, such as Pure Citrus or ZEP. Spray a small amount onto the paper attached to stamps, so the paper is soaked and translucent. Turn the stamp face up, roll the paper corner slightly, and slowly peel off the stamp. To remove the sticky back, dip your finger in talcum powder and wipe the back of stamp lightly.<ref name="rf3">http://stamps.org/userfiles/file/education/Removing_selfadhesive_stamps.pdf</ref> |
===Storing and Organizing Your Collection=== | ===Storing and Organizing Your Collection=== | ||
#Sort your collection. After some time spent on the hobby, most stamp collectors decide to narrow in on a particular subcategory of stamps. Even if you decide to collect a much broader selection, choose a theme to help sort your collection. Here are some options to choose from: | #Sort your collection. After some time spent on the hobby, most stamp collectors decide to narrow in on a particular subcategory of stamps. Even if you decide to collect a much broader selection, choose a theme to help sort your collection. Here are some options to choose from: | ||
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#*Topical collecting / Thematic collecting — Pick a stamp design that means something to you, or just one you find pretty or interesting. Butterflies, sports, famous people, and airplanes are just a few common stamp subjects. | #*Topical collecting / Thematic collecting — Pick a stamp design that means something to you, or just one you find pretty or interesting. Butterflies, sports, famous people, and airplanes are just a few common stamp subjects. | ||
#*Color or shape — Sorting by color can make an attractive collection. For a challenge, try to track down stamps in unusual shapes, such as triangles. | #*Color or shape — Sorting by color can make an attractive collection. For a challenge, try to track down stamps in unusual shapes, such as triangles. | ||
| − | #Purchase a stamp album. Stamp albums, or "stock books," protect your stamps from damage and keep them in visible, sorted rows and pages. Some of them come with printed images of stamps from a particular country or year, so you can place your stamps over the images as you collect them.<ref>http://www.stamp-collecting-resource.com/stamp-collecting-supplies.html</ref> | + | #Purchase a stamp album. Stamp albums, or "stock books," protect your stamps from damage and keep them in visible, sorted rows and pages. Some of them come with printed images of stamps from a particular country or year, so you can place your stamps over the images as you collect them.<ref name="rf4">http://www.stamp-collecting-resource.com/stamp-collecting-supplies.html</ref> |
#*Some albums are bound, while others are binders that can have new pages inserted. Black backgrounds tend to display the stamps more clearly. | #*Some albums are bound, while others are binders that can have new pages inserted. Black backgrounds tend to display the stamps more clearly. | ||
| − | #Mount your stamps. In some albums, you can store stamps by sliding them into plastic pockets. On others, you'll need to use a specialized adhesive that won't harm your stamps. Choose between these two options:<ref | + | #Mount your stamps. In some albums, you can store stamps by sliding them into plastic pockets. On others, you'll need to use a specialized adhesive that won't harm your stamps. Choose between these two options:<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*"Hinges" are small, folded pieces of paper or plastic. To use one, moisten the short end, stick it to the stamp back, then moisten the long end and attach to the stamp album. These are not recommended for valuable stamps.<ref>http://www.iswsc.org/iswsc_begbook.shtml</ref> | + | #*"Hinges" are small, folded pieces of paper or plastic. To use one, moisten the short end, stick it to the stamp back, then moisten the long end and attach to the stamp album. These are not recommended for valuable stamps.<ref name="rf5">http://www.iswsc.org/iswsc_begbook.shtml</ref> |
#*"Mounts" are plastic sleeves, which are more expensive but better for your stamps. Fit the stamp into the sleeve, moisten the back of the sleeve, and stick it to the album. | #*"Mounts" are plastic sleeves, which are more expensive but better for your stamps. Fit the stamp into the sleeve, moisten the back of the sleeve, and stick it to the album. | ||
| − | #Separate pages with plastic sheets. If your album pages have stamp storage space on both sides, use plastic sheets to prevent them rubbing into each other or tearing. Mylar, polyethylene or polypropylene are examples of effective protective plastics, but you may be able to find others.<ref>http://postalmuseum.si.edu/stamp-collecting/preserving-and-conserving-your-collection/vinyl-enclosures.html</ref> | + | #Separate pages with plastic sheets. If your album pages have stamp storage space on both sides, use plastic sheets to prevent them rubbing into each other or tearing. Mylar, polyethylene or polypropylene are examples of effective protective plastics, but you may be able to find others.<ref name="rf6">http://postalmuseum.si.edu/stamp-collecting/preserving-and-conserving-your-collection/vinyl-enclosures.html</ref> |
#*Avoid vinyl sheets, which cannot effectively protect materials long-term. | #*Avoid vinyl sheets, which cannot effectively protect materials long-term. | ||
| − | #Store your album safely. Humidity, bright light, and temperature fluctuations can ruin your stamp collection, so keep it out of hot attics or damp basements. Don't store your collection near exterior doors or concrete walls, as these may introduce moisture. If you are storing your collection near the floor, place it in a box first.<ref>http://postalmuseum.si.edu/stamp-collecting/preserving-and-conserving-your-collection/index.html</ref> | + | #Store your album safely. Humidity, bright light, and temperature fluctuations can ruin your stamp collection, so keep it out of hot attics or damp basements. Don't store your collection near exterior doors or concrete walls, as these may introduce moisture. If you are storing your collection near the floor, place it in a box first.<ref name="rf7">http://postalmuseum.si.edu/stamp-collecting/preserving-and-conserving-your-collection/index.html</ref> |
===Identifying Rare Stamps=== | ===Identifying Rare Stamps=== | ||
#Refer to stamp collector books. Stamp catalogs and price guides are excellent resources, having illustrated lists of stamps, arranged by year, that give a current market value for a given stamp issue. The most widely recognized catalogs are: the Scott Postage Stamp Catalog, Stanley Gibbons for Great Britain issues, Yvert et Tellier for French issues, Unitrade for Canadian issues, and Minkus and Harris US/BNA for United States issues. | #Refer to stamp collector books. Stamp catalogs and price guides are excellent resources, having illustrated lists of stamps, arranged by year, that give a current market value for a given stamp issue. The most widely recognized catalogs are: the Scott Postage Stamp Catalog, Stanley Gibbons for Great Britain issues, Yvert et Tellier for French issues, Unitrade for Canadian issues, and Minkus and Harris US/BNA for United States issues. | ||
#*You can often find these books in a large library, if you don't want to purchase them yourself. | #*You can often find these books in a large library, if you don't want to purchase them yourself. | ||
| − | #Examine stamps with a magnifying glass. With the designs of many stamp issues only differing by a line or a dot, magnifying glasses are probably the stamp collector's most valued tool. Small jeweler's loops are effective for most hobbyists, but extra valuable or difficult to identify stamps could call for a high-powered magnifying glass with a built-in colored light source.<ref>http://www.stamp-collecting-resource.com/postage-stamp-collecting-supplies.html</ref> | + | #Examine stamps with a magnifying glass. With the designs of many stamp issues only differing by a line or a dot, magnifying glasses are probably the stamp collector's most valued tool. Small jeweler's loops are effective for most hobbyists, but extra valuable or difficult to identify stamps could call for a high-powered magnifying glass with a built-in colored light source.<ref name="rf8">http://www.stamp-collecting-resource.com/postage-stamp-collecting-supplies.html</ref> |
| − | #Use a perforation gauge. This tool measures the size of the perforated holes around the edge of the stamp, and is only necessary for advanced stamp collectors. These gauges tell you how many perforations fit in 2 centimeters (0.79 inches), which can greatly affect the price of a valuable stamp.<ref>http://www.kenmorestamp.com/perforation-gauge-cms</ref> | + | #Use a perforation gauge. This tool measures the size of the perforated holes around the edge of the stamp, and is only necessary for advanced stamp collectors. These gauges tell you how many perforations fit in 2 centimeters (0.79 inches), which can greatly affect the price of a valuable stamp.<ref name="rf9">http://www.kenmorestamp.com/perforation-gauge-cms</ref> |
#*If a stamp guide lists two numbers, such as "Perf 11 x 12," the first number refers to the horizontal perforation and the second number refers to the vertical. | #*If a stamp guide lists two numbers, such as "Perf 11 x 12," the first number refers to the horizontal perforation and the second number refers to the vertical. | ||
| − | #Identify watermarks. The paper used to print stamps sometimes has a watermark, often too faint to identify by holding it up to the light. If you have a stamp that can only be identified with a watermark, you'll need a special watermark detection fluid that is non-toxic and safe for stamps.<ref | + | #Identify watermarks. The paper used to print stamps sometimes has a watermark, often too faint to identify by holding it up to the light. If you have a stamp that can only be identified with a watermark, you'll need a special watermark detection fluid that is non-toxic and safe for stamps.<ref name="rf2" /> Place the stamp on a black tray and drip the fluid onto it to reveal the watermark. |
| − | #*This is also a good way to find creases and hidden repairs on a stamp.<ref | + | #*This is also a good way to find creases and hidden repairs on a stamp.<ref name="rf8" /> |
| − | #*If you don't want to get your stamps wet, purchase a specialized tool for this purpose, such as a Sinoscope or Roll-a-Tector.<ref | + | #*If you don't want to get your stamps wet, purchase a specialized tool for this purpose, such as a Sinoscope or Roll-a-Tector.<ref name="rf5" /> |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
