|
BEGINNING A STAMP COLLECTION
Many people consider stamp collecting a fun and interesting hobby.
There is some basic information for one to know and understand
before beginning a stamp collection. Understanding classification
of stamps is one way to begin.
Stamps are classified into four separate types. They are Stamp
Types, Purpose, Formats and Condition.
Stamp Types generally means the difference between a definitive
stamp and a commemorative stamp. A definitive stamp most always
showed a portrait of some famous person at present time or in
history, although recently these have expanded to include the U.S.
flag or the White House. Typically these stamps are relatively
small and ordinary looking. They can be purchased at different
denominations to pay for the different types of postal mail. These
usually get printed in large numbers and remain in effect until
the postal rates changes. Commemorative stamps are larger than the
definitives and are printed in much smaller numbers. They’re
usually sold for the standard first class postage rate. The
pictures usually show images of historical events. Once these
stamps run out, they usually are not printed again. In recent
years there has been another stamp type called the Special. A good
example of these stamps would be the Christmas stamps that are
printed out for the holidays. These are larger, decorative stamps
that are sold at the standard postal rate for a certain time
period until the supply runs out.
Purpose shows what the stamp is for. Most stamps are classified as
regular stamps because they are used on your every day basic mail.
However, immediately after the postage stamp was distributed came
along other stamps showing different purposes. Some show postage
due for the mail that had insufficient monies applied to the
postage. Other stamps were created to show classified mail,
airmail and a variety of other special services.
Stamps are issued in a variety of ways. Format is another
classification term used to show how these stamps were originally
issued. Whether it was as a sheet, booklet, coil or panes.
Condition of a stamp is very important to many collectors. Mint
condition is one that has never been used and is still in the same
condition as when it was issued. If one has been in a collection
held in an album with a hinge then it is considered an unused one.
The reason for the difference is that the one that was in an album
has had its “gum” disturbed. One that has been sent through the
postal system and been stamped is considered used.
Other classification types are whether they are perforated, what
kind of printing is used and whether a watermark was used.
By understanding the different classifications, one can begin
their collection based on certain criteria. Many collectors have a
certain theme to their collections. There have been billions of
stamps that have been issued over the years that it would be
literally impossible to have a complete collection. Many people
choose a certain topical theme or perhaps stamps from a certain
country only. Whatever you decide to create your theme around,
it’ll be interesting and fun for you to study.
Original Article Source:
http://www.RareStamp.com |
