Introduction to Collecting by Stamp Type
Stamp collecting is a highly flexible hobby suitable for nearly all ages, requiring no special skills or great wealth to enjoy. According to the American Philatelic Society, some individuals begin collecting as young as age four and continue throughout their entire lives. While many beginners start by collecting stamps from all over the world or focusing on a single country, specializing by the physical type or purpose of a stamp is an increasingly popular method.
Collecting by type allows you to customize your collection around specific postal functions or physical characteristics. Using a digital tool like StampSnap can help you log your findings and create a likely identification of a stamp's type before you dive deeper into specialized catalogs.
Collecting Airmail and Special Service Stamps
One of the most common ways to collect by type is to focus on stamps issued for specific postal services. The American Philatelic Society notes that many collectors specialize in airmail stamps, which were created specifically to pay for the carriage of mail by air. Other collectors focus on stamps used to pay for special services, such as special delivery or postage due issues.
These specialized stamps often feature distinct designs, unique inscriptions, or specific color schemes that set them apart from standard definitive issues. Collecting these types of stamps provides a fascinating look into the history of postal operations and how mail delivery systems evolved over time.
Understanding Coil Stamps and Format Varieties
Another popular category for type-based collecting is coil stamps. Unlike traditional stamps issued in flat sheets, coil stamps are manufactured in long rolls. They typically feature straight, imperforate edges on two opposite sides and perforations on the other two sides.
The American Philatelic Society points out that collecting stamps based on their format, such as coil stamps, appeals to philatelists who enjoy studying the technical aspects of stamp production. Because handling loose stamps can easily cause damage, collectors should always use a pair of stamp tongs with smooth ends to pick up their stamps without direct finger contact.
Exploring Physical Traits: Shapes, Colors, and Cancels
If you prefer a more visual or creative approach, you can collect stamps based on their physical traits rather than their postal function. The American Philatelic Society highlights that some collectors choose to focus exclusively on stamps of a certain shape or color, such as collecting only yellow stamps.
Others build collections around stamps issued on their birthday or focus on cancellation marks, such as trying to build a collection with cancels numbered from one to one million. This level of creative freedom ensures that your collection can be whatever you want it to be, focusing entirely on your personal enjoyment rather than market value.
Essential Tools for Identifying Stamp Types
To successfully identify and organize stamps by type, you will need a few basic tools. The Smithsonian National Postal Museum identifies a simple pair of stamp tongs, an album, and a general reference book as sufficient starting tools for any new collector.
To examine the fine details of a stamp's design, a magnifying glass is highly useful. Additionally, a perforation gauge can help you distinguish between look-alike issues by measuring their perforations. For those who wish to specialize further, advanced aids such as watermark detectors, color guides, and catalogs are excellent resources to add to your toolkit.
Verifying Your Finds Safely
When collecting by type, you will occasionally encounter stamps that look nearly identical but belong to different categories. The Smithsonian National Postal Museum advises that physical observations should always be compared with reliable references rather than treated as conclusive on their own.
Catalogs are essential because they record specific details such as the original issue date and the printing method used. You can use StampSnap to quickly organize your collection records and keep track of your specialized categories as you build your personal archive. By combining physical tools with reliable reference materials, you can safely and accurately build a unique collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a coil stamp and a sheet stamp?
Coil stamps are issued in long rolls rather than flat sheets. They typically feature straight, imperforate edges on two opposite sides and perforations on the other two sides, making them a popular format for collectors who specialize by stamp type.
What tools do I need to safely handle and identify different stamp types?
According to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, a basic collecting kit should include a pair of stamp tongs with smooth ends to prevent direct finger contact, an album, and a general reference book. A magnifying glass and a perforation gauge are also helpful for identifying small design details and distinguishing look-alike issues.
Can I collect stamps based on creative themes like color or shape?
Yes. The American Philatelic Society notes that stamp collecting is highly flexible, and you can choose to collect stamps based on physical traits such as a specific shape, a single color, or even unique cancellation marks.
How should I verify if a stamp is a specific type or variety?
You should compare your physical observations with reliable reference materials like stamp catalogs, which record details such as issue dates and printing methods. The Smithsonian National Postal Museum notes that physical observations should not be treated as conclusive on their own without catalog verification.