What is Philately ?
Philately is the study and collection of postage stamps, postal history, and related materials. It includes analyzing the design, production, and usage of stamps and covers. While often associated with stamp collecting, one can be a philatelist without owning stamps, as the focus may be on research and study.
What are the main types of Philately?
Philately encompasses several specialized fields, including:
Thematic Philately: Collecting stamps based on themes like animals, space, or historical events
Postal History: Studying the development of postal systems and mail transport methods
Aerophilately: Focusing on airmail stamps and related postal history.
Astrophilately: Collecting stamps related to space exploration.
Traditional Philately: Examining technical aspects like stamp design, printing methods, and watermarks
What tools are used in Philately?
Common tools include:
Stamp Tongs: Tweezers for handling stamps without damage.
Magnifying Glass: For examining fine details.
Perforation Gauge: To measure perforations on stamps.
Watermark Detector: For identifying watermarks.
Stock Books and Hinges: For organizing and storing stamps securely.
How do I start a stamp collection?
To begin:
1. Choose a theme or area of interest (e.g., countries, topics).
2. Obtain basic tools like stock books and magnifying glasses.
3. Source stamps from post offices, online marketplaces, or philatelic societies.
4. Learn to safely remove, store, and preserve stamps to maintain their condition
Is stamp collecting profitable?
To begin:
1. Choose a theme or area of interest (e.g., countries, topics).
2. Obtain basic tools like stock books and magnifying glasses.
3. Source stamps from post offices, online marketplaces, or philatelic societies.
4. Learn to safely remove, store, and preserve stamps to maintain their condition
What is the oldest philatelic society?
To begin:
1. Choose a theme or area of interest (e.g., countries, topics).
2. Obtain basic tools like stock books and magnifying glasses.
3. Source stamps from post offices, online marketplaces, or philatelic societies.
4. Learn to safely remove, store, and preserve stamps to maintain their condition
What are “mint” and “used” stamps?
Mint Stamps: Unused stamps in pristine condition.
Used Stamps: Stamps that have been postmarked or canceled after mailing.
Both types are collectible but serve different purposes in collections.