Stamp collector facts for kids
A stamp collector is someone who enjoys gathering postage stamps as a fun hobby. People who collect stamps are also called philatelists. They often keep their stamps safely in special books called stamp albums. Philatelists don't just collect stamps; they also learn about different kinds of stamps, how they are canceled (marked as used), and other interesting items related to stamps.
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What is Stamp Collecting?
Stamp collecting is a popular hobby enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It involves finding, organizing, and learning about postage stamps. Stamps are small pieces of paper that show you've paid for mail to be sent. Each stamp tells a story about history, art, nature, or famous people.
Why Collect Stamps?
Collecting stamps is a great way to learn about many different things. You can discover:
- History: Stamps often show important events or people from the past.
- Geography: You can see stamps from countries all over the world.
- Art: Many stamps feature beautiful designs and artwork.
- Science: Some stamps show animals, plants, or scientific achievements.
- Culture: Stamps can teach you about the traditions and customs of different places.
It's also a relaxing hobby that can help you connect with other collectors.
Tools for Stamp Collectors
To start your collection, you'll need a few simple tools:
- Stamp Album: This is a special book with pages where you can safely place your stamps.
- Stamp Tongs: These are like small tweezers that help you pick up stamps without touching them with your fingers. This keeps the stamps clean and prevents damage.
- Magnifying Glass: A magnifying glass helps you see tiny details on stamps, like printing errors or special marks.
- Stamp Catalogue: This book lists many different stamps, often with pictures and information about their value.
Joining Stamp Clubs
There are many stamp collecting clubs and societies all over the world. Joining a club can be very helpful for new collectors.
Benefits of Joining a Club
- Learning: You can learn a lot from experienced collectors.
- Trading: Clubs often have events where you can trade stamps with others.
- Magazines: Many clubs send out special magazines with articles and news about stamps.
- Help and Advice: If you have questions about your collection, club members can often help you find answers.
- Shows: Clubs might organize or tell you about large stamp shows where you can see rare stamps and meet dealers.
For example, members of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada get magazines, phone support for their questions, and can even get special insurance for their collections at a lower price.
Related Topics
Images for kids
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Le Philatéliste by François Barraud (1929).
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A young collector
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Queen Victoria's profile was a staple on 19th century stamps of the British Empire, shown here on a half-penny stamp of the Falkland Islands, 1891.
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Collectors and dealers at an outdoor French stamp bourse
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The first UK commemorative stamps, 1924
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Stamp depicting birds
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A large stamp show of Stampex 2011 containing a bourse at which collectors and dealers meet.
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John Lennon's stamp album
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Stamp tongs with rounded tips help to prevent damage to stamps from skin oils and rough handling
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Clockwise from top left: hinge-mounted stamp, stamp about to be hinge-mounted, stamp damaged by a hinge, stamp hinges
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Making stamp mounts at home by hand
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Perforation gauge. Also known as an odontometer
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A stockbook with clear plastic pockets is one of the safest ways to store stamps. Some collectors prefer a traditional stamp album.
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Pre-printed stamp album with United States country pages affixed
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Custom printed loose-left album page displaying stamps postmarked in Prague
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The Three-Skilling Yellow of Sweden was sold for CHF 2.88 million (then about $2,300,000) in 1996 and again for an undisclosed amount in 2010.
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David Feldman sold this Blue Mauritius stamp for CHF 1,610,000 (approx. $1.1 million) in 1993.
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One of the first two Mauritius Post Office stamps. This orange stamp was sold for CHF 1,725,000 (approx $1.2 million) in 1993.
