StampCollecting.docVIP

Stamp Collecting Introduction Stamp collecting is fun, relaxing, and popular for many reasons. You can collect stamps at no cost, as they come in your mail every day. And even if you buy new stamps in sets they are quite inexpensive. Another way people get stamps is to swap with friends, or ask friends and relatives to save any special ones they get in the mail. In addition to your local Post Shop, many stationery shops sell inexpensive collectors packs of overseas stamps. There are also special shops that specialise in selling old stamps. The people who run these shops are called stamp dealers and several of them publish special catalogues that list all the stamps ever issued in New Zealand, and the cost of the stamps if you wish to buy them. One of the easiest ways to start a collection is to get an old collection. Perhaps a relative or friend have one they no longer want. If you cant find a spare collection, you can buy a Stamp Collectors Beginners Pack from a large stationery store or New Zealand Post. In this pack you get an economy stamp album, stamp hinges, some stamps, possibly a stamp catalogue, a beginners guide and a stamp identifier. Or you can buy a modern stock sheet stamp album, a packet of stamps, and join the local stamp club where you will find lots of people willing to show you how to sort out where each stamp comes from and exactly where it should be mounted. Youll have many hours of fun in the hobby of philately, as stamp collecting is called, seeking out stamps; sorting out where they come from; placing them in your stamp album; and carefully noting underneath the stamp what it is, where it comes from and anything else interesting you know about the stamp. Buying Stamps It is a good idea to decide to spend a small amount each week on stamps so that you can get stamps regularly. Just a few dollars a week will soon build up a very impressive collection. Recent stamp issues are available from any Post Shop or you can buy stamps issued over the la