Resources For The Stamp Collector

Resources For The Stamp Collector

Stamp collecting is an enriching hobby because it has educational and cultural value. In about six months, you shall have learned about countries and special events, and a lot about the stamp collecting industry as well. You will probably meet a lot of interesting fellow collectors with whom you can swap notes and news.

Stamp collectors, however, must try to gain knowledge continuously be reading and by joining clubs and seminars and talking to as many dealers as possible so that they get a flavor of current market news. We’ll start with the basic references you will need to help you gain a better understanding of stamp collecting:

Books
Here are some suggestions for stamp collectors:

1. About Stamps: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Philatelic Terms

This was written by Wayne L. Youngblood and targets both the amateur and the more sophisticated collector. The reference is rich in high quality photographs and provides references. It talks about Cinderella stamps, Omnibus issues and uses terms like socked-on-the-nose cancel. In paperback form, published in 2000 by Krause Publications.

2. The World Encyclopedia of Stamps & Stamp Collecting: The Ultimate Illustrated Reference to Over 3000 of the World's Best Stamps, and a Professional Guide ... and Perfecting a Spectacular Collection (Hardcover). As the title suggests, this beautiful hardcover is the collector’s guide to the world’s best stamps.

3. The romance of stamp collecting: Notes from the world of stamps, stamp collecting and stamp collectors. This book by Ernest Anthony Kehr is expensive ($144.00 at Amazon), considering it was published by T Krowell Company in 1947! But stamp collectors who are passionate about their hobby will be attracted to the title – who can’t use a bit of romance even while stamp collecting? Stamp collectors also share their experiences.

4. Blackbook Price Guide to United States Postage Stamps. This EXTREMELY good book is a complete reference and price listing of US stamps as far back as 1847! It’s very well organized (via the Scott numbering system), and also has some wonderful tips on caring for, and grading, stamps.

5. Stamp Collecting. By Stephen Datz, This fun, easy to read, and introductory book on stamp collecting is a must for new stamp collectors. It covers where to find stamps, how to grade them, and how to build a collection from the first stamp to the 1000th. It also has a great glossary for stamp collecting terms.

6. All About Stamps: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Philatelic Terms. This tremendously useful book from author Wayne Youngblood is a beauty all its own. It contains pictures of stamps, reference information, and insight into everything there is to know about stamp collecting. A MUST for the new and serious collector alike!

7. Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps. This wonderful resource, published by the USPS, takes readers on a beautiful historical journey of US stamps and stamp collecting. It includes EVERY stamp ever issues by the USPS, and has gorgeous illustrations that are sure to impress every collector, novice and expert alike!

8. Stamp Collecting for Dummies. What list of book recommendations would be complete without a mention of the astonishingly popular Dummies series? Stamp Collecting for Dummies by Richard Sine is a wonderful and straightforward introduction to the hobby. It covers how to acquire stamps, how to keep them organized, how to care foe them, and how to sell them.

Websites

The World Wide Web – you can start with the philatelic societies of your country and then branch out to philatelic societies in other English-speaking countries.

1. American Philatelic Society – www.stampcampus.org - They have an excellent course program that covers basic stamp collecting, first day covers, using the Internet to collect stamps, and exhibiting your collection – all taught by qualified philatelists.

2. British North America Philatelic Society (BNAPS) –http://www.bnaps.org - This site has tutorials, and many articles on Canada and US stamps. They also have a youth program, a “Krazy Collection”, regional groups and study groups.

3. The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada - http://www.rpsc.org - The site has links to other web resources such as the International Philately Federation, Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation, the Canadian Stamp Dealers’ Association and other useful links.

4. Australian Philatelic Society - http://aps.org.au - Most of the philatelic societies’ web sites will also lead you to links of stamp dealers and collectors. The American Philatelic Society, for instance, will carry sub links to dealer members, shows and conventions, specialty societies, local clubs and chapters.

You’ll never run out of resources. There are stamps and more stamps, and there are collectors who keep growing in number!

Resources For The Stamp Collector