Stamp Collecting

Stamp Collecting

Stamp collecting is considered to be one of the most popular hobbies among the people of all ages. This activity involves collecting various philatelic items such as stamps, covers, postmarks etc.

It is essential to divide such notions as a stamp collector and a philatelist that differ in many aspects. A philatelist may, but does not have to, collect stamps. It is not uncommon for the term philatelist to be used to mean a stamp collector. Many casual stamp collectors accumulate philately items for one aim – enjoyment and relaxation. They do not worry about special philately knowledge considering philately to be the study for scientists or historians. In spite of this fact the creation of a large collection, generally requires some philatelic knowledge and will usually contain areas of philatelic studies.

Usually stamp collections are created according to the following principles: the historical value, geographical aspects or subjects to which they are devoted.

Stamp collectors are not only enthusiastic philately lovers they can be also an important source of revenue for some small countries. The Post Offices of such states create a special run of stamps designed for collecting. The stamps produced by these countries may far exceed their postal needs. The revenue from selling these philatelic items can be quiet large thus the country receives considerable amount of money from this branch.