Stamp Collecting for Veterans

Stamp collecting for veterans can be a relaxing and pleasant pursuit which can celebrate their time spent serving their country. Many military veterans choose to collect U.S. stamps which have a special significance to them. There are stamps which were issued to honor veterans and these are quite popular with many collectors. If you or a loved one are a veteran seeking a new hobby with historical meaning, philatelics just might be for you. Here are some tips to get you started:

First, you will need to gather some supplies. Stamps cannot be stored just anywhere. You need an album which is especially designed for stamps. The pages must be acid-free as pages which contain acid can damage your stamps. You will also need special tongs or tweezers made for picking up and handling stamps without damaging them. The oils from your fingers can compromise the integrity of stamps therefore you should not pick them up this way. Stamp hinges are used to attach the stamp to the album without damaging it. You should also invest in a good magnifying glass to view tiny details. A few books about philatelics and the identification of rare stamps is also a good thing to have.

Once you've got your stamp collecting supplies ready, it's time to get the stamps. Stamps can be removed from envelopes by soaking them in a shallow bath of cool water. Certain rare stamps and/or dark colored stamps should not be soaked. You can purchase stamps from your post office or order them from the USPS via telephone or even online. The USPS often releases collectible and limited edition stamps which are very popular with many collectors. The Internet is also a great place to search for additions to your collection. There are numerous online shops that sell rare stamps from around the world. Ebay is also a treasure trove of rare collectibles which include stamps.

Stamp collecting for veterans can be a hobby the whole family can enjoy. Grandparents and parents can bond with younger generations over a treasured stamp collection. Searching for new stamps to collect can be exciting and rewarding for many collectors. Some collectors view their stamp collection as an investment, while others see it as a sentimental heirloom. No matter how you look at it, your stamp collection is rich with value and history which grows as the years go by.

Copyright 2007 Janice D. Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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