An Introduction to Postage Stamp Collecting

Stamps are used by millions of people daily yet few of us give them any thought. We take them for granted, seeing them as mere functional objects. It is true that they are functional objects but not only. Ask any stamp collector and he or she will tell you that a stamp is a lot more than that. In the case of used stamps, a lot of them tell a story and reflect the period and mood of the country in which they were issued.

Let us backtrack for a while and talk about the history of stamps and how they came about. It is commonly accepted that stamps were first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1840 with the penny black stamp. It was a revolution of sorts since it meant that the sender had to pay the postage fee and not the recipient like before. Shortly after the two pence blue stamp was issued. On thing to note is that the United Kingdom is to this day the only country whose name does not appear on its stamps.

As you know, stamp collecting is a very popular hobby throughout the world. Some people prefer to collect brand new stamps while others prefer to collect used stamps that actually served their purpose. Some of course do not discriminate and collect both. There are a lot of different types of stamps. Some stamps are issued for collecting rather than postal use. Let us have a quick look at the type of stamps available and their characteristics.

First is the definitive stamp. This is simply your regular stamp in any denomination that you can buy at the post office. These stamps often feature symbols of the country of issuance. They usually begin at the smallest unit of currency and can go up to fifty to a hundred times the usual postage rate. Collectors are looking to collect every denomination of a definitive series.

The commemorative stamp, like its name suggests, is a stamp issued to commemorate an important event, person or location. A few of these are usually issued each year, the first day of issues normally taking place where in the location associated with the person or event.
Pictorial stamps, also referred to as simply pictorials, are stamps depicting a representative landscape of the country of issuance.

Revenue stamps are stamps that were not intended for mail (although some stamps could be used both for revenue and postage) but for collecting taxes and fees. These stamps actually predate the postage stamps. Revenue stamps are issued by the finance ministry.

A Quick Guide To Collecting Stamps

Stamp collection is nothing new in the society. The world of stamp collection may seem to be easy to get into. However, for some it involves some serious work.
For someone who wants to start a collection, here is a guide in stamp collection.
Stamp collecting does not only involve stamps and a paper where you can paste them. You will first need to buy a couple of supplies to start your new hobby. Before checking out and buying different kinds of stamps, the following are some of the basic supplies you will need:
* Stamp tongs – These are tweezers-like tool used to handle the stamps so as not to be soiled.
* Stamp Album – This is where you will put your stamps. It will provide protection for stamps from dirt and stains.
* Hinges and Plastic Holders – These are used to hold some stamps in place. Although for some stamp albums, there will be no need for hinges and plastic holders.
You may include old or new stamps. You can buy them or you can ask your friends or family members if they can give you the stamps from the letters they receive. If a friend or family member is going to take a trip you can ask them to buy stamps from there for your collection. Arrange your stamps either by country or a theme or even color. It depends on how you want it to be categorized.
The following are terms that you would need to know in stamp collecting:
* Coil stamps – stamps in a roll
* Commemorative stamps – these stamps, that are usually larger than the regular stamps, celebrate special occasions or events.
* Face Value – this is the price written on the stamp. It is not the value of the stamp.
* Pane – separate division of stamps
* Postage Due Stamps – these can’t be bought. These are placed by the post office when the letter or envelope does not have the enough amount of postage on it.
* Postmarks – these are found printed on used stamps. These prevent the stamp from being used again. Re-using stamps are punishable by the law
There are some basic facts that need to be remembered by the average stamp collector. First, when a stamp as a printed defect it is usually more valuable. So watch out for stamps with print defects make them part of your collection.
Second, store your stamps in a cool dry place and away from direct sunlight. Moisture and sunlight will favor stamp deterioration. Use your stamp tongs in dealing with the stamps.
These are simple ways to jumpstart your stamp collection. Have fun!

How to start a coin collection without spending too many coins?

The hobby of coin collecting is unlike any other hobby. It is an entertaining past time that millions of people around the world enjoy. When your collection grows, you start to discover that there is a story behind each and every coin. Special coins can take you on a special tour through the past and provide you with better understanding of our history. Other coins tell you the journey they’ve been through. But most off all you can enjoy wonderful memories and have a legacy that lasts generations to come.

If you’d like to get into the coin collecting business there are a few things you should know – that’s why we’ve got this list together so you can have an easy start.

1. Which coins you would like to collect? There are many and many different types of coins from all over the world and from different time frames. It’s better for you to start by focusing on a theme that interests you most. You can collect coins by years or by countries. You can collect themed coins like coins that depict your hero or a subject you’re interested in, like nature or airplanes.
2. Start with collecting coins that are available or in circulation and see if you like it. Collect the State quarters or ask from friends that travel abroad to bring you back some coins. This is an exciting and inexpensive way to start a coin collection.
3. If you see that coin collecting is your calling, start with doing some homework. You can find information online or in various magazines about coins and professional collectors.
4. Get a protective album or book where you can safely store your coin collection. These albums are great when you want to display your collection and they also keep the coins protected.
5. Finish a set before moving on to the next. Once you start a collection, you can get easily tempted to get other coins and different themes. When you finish a set, it makes it easier to have an organized and valuable collection.
6. When your coin collection starts to gain scope and value, you should think about safe storage. Buy or rent a safe because coin collections are the first thing thieves are looking for. If you don’t have a safe, make sure that the collection is kept in a well hidden place, and not displayed around the house.

Another benefit of collecting coins is the fact that it can become pretty valuable with time. Try and work with metals that will rise in value like silver and gold but don’t go over the top. It takes time for your collection to gain value and in the meanwhile you should know your budget.

If you are looking for more information about coins and coin collections, head on to www.ContinentalMint.com were we help Coin Collectors start and expand their collection with a wide selection of coin sets and collectors’ supplies, at the best prices available. At www.ContinentalMint.com we are dedicated to bring you a memorable piece of U.S. history, a professional, knowledgeable Customer Service and discounted prices and shipping rates.

Continental Mint helps Coin Collectors to expand their collection with a wide selection of coin sets and collectors’ supplies, at the best prices available.

US Silver Coins – Amazing Pieces for Any Collection

Coin collecting is a very popular hobby among many, and involves collecting legally minted currency from all over the globe. The most sought out coins are those that were only in circulation for a short period of time, and are usually minted with especially beautiful or historical pictures. A US silver coin is a great addition to any coin collection, and is one of the most treasured varieties of coins in the world.

The US silver coin is most widely known for the underlying message issued on many of them, ranging from stern warnings to messages of hope and everlasting peace. The face of our beloved “liberty” is also commonly seen on the us silver coin, usually with an olive branch and a protective shield. The American eagle is also popular among silver pieces, usually holding the olive branch for peace and a set of arrows representing war.

Many coin collectors were amazed by the time and effort put into each US silver coin, which actually lead to them no longer being in circulation and a very hard item to come by. Because the silver coins were only in circulation for a short period of time, the supply has decreased at a very alarming rate and made the US silver coin one of the rarest coins to have in a coin collection.

The Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most sought out coins in the US silver coin collection, and is considered one of the most beautiful of all United States coins. They were minted back in the late 1800s, and even after 100 years are still considered the King of all United States coins that have ever been in circulation. It is a coin that shows the detailed excellence put into each piece of money, and also shows long term profit potential in the hot coin collecting market.

The silver market offers collectors and investors a wide variety to choose from, since silver was used for several pieces that were put into circulation. Dimes, quarters, and half dollars dated prior to 1965 were minted out of 90% fine silver, and many pieces in circulation condition are readily available. They are typically sold in bags with a face value of $1000, with 2,000 half dollars, 4,000 quarters, or 10,000 dimes in each bag.

Bags containing coins in uncirculated condition, meaning in almost perfect condition, carry a higher value per bag than those in circulation condition. Bags that contain coins with the same date are also valued higher than those with different dates, with the 1964 Kennedy half dollar being the most popular and expensive uncirculated US silver coin.

The most widely collected coins in the world are the US silver dollars, especially those minted between 1878 and 1904 or 1921 to 1935. They are nicknamed cartwheels, and come in two different designs. Like other silver coins of the same time, the silver dollars were minted of 90% pure silver and 10% copper. Each coin has a silver net content of 0.77344 ounce, with a bag weighing at least 50 ounces more than a bag of silver quarters, dimes, or half dollars.

Even those who are not devoted coin collectors like to invest in silver coins, because they are some of the most beautiful pieces of silver ever created. Both circulated and uncirculated pieces contain some of the most intricate and detailed designs, most of which are nothing compared to coin designs currently in circulation. A US silver coin is an amazing piece to add to any coin collection, or even a nice item to cherish by even those who are not into coin collecting.

The various ways of collecting celebrity signatures

The various ways of collecting celebrity signatures.

Autographs and signatures of our favourite celebrities have always been in demand. It might seem like a strange thing to want but the appeal lies in having just a little piece of the star you really admire, it might be a photograph or a film still signed by a movie star or a football autographed by your favourite team, whatever it is you know the person has handled the item and signed it personally.

Some people are general collectors. If you have your own autograph book it might be your personal goal to get all the pages filled. Some even go to a lot of effort and expense to track down that coveted name.

There are a lot of ways to obtain an autograph. Quite often fan clubs and groups associated with a particular star will have signed photos they can send out to fans, but with this method there aren’t really any guarantees as to who actually signed it.

You could go for the personal approach and travel around to try to meet the star in person. If you’re looking for an actress or actor try attending film premiers or promotional events. Of course, if you happen to bump into them on the street or in a restaurant this would be a great opportunity to ask them to sign something. But remember to respect their privacy and boundaries; if they’re eating a meal with their family they might not appreciate the interruption!

If you’re looking for music stars you could try waiting at the stage door after gigs. There’s no guarantee of seeing them or them having time to stop but it’s worth a try and you’ll have enjoyed a good show whether you meet them or not!  

Probably the most practical way of getting all the autographs you want without spending a fortune in travel and show tickets is to buy items from reputable sellers.

There is a huge business built around celebrity memorabilia and you can probably find what you’re looking for with a lot less hassle.

The internet has made tracking down wanted items a whole lot easier. You could try ebay or other auction sites where a lot of people are selling this kind of thing. The internet will also come in handy with researching other retailers specializing in this kind of merchandise. If you’re looking for something rare or from a particularly elusive star it’s worth talking to a professional who can help you track it down.

When you’re buying online though, always make sure you’re buying from a trustworthy source.

It might be worth doing your research before you buy, make sure you know what the signature you want looks like so you’ll be more likely to be able to spot a fake and avoid being scammed.

Another thing that’s worth a try is local sales and fairs. This method isn’t so good if you’re looking for something specific but for a general search you never know what you might find!

Perhaps the best way though is conventions and events where you will be able to see and handle the item before you buy so you can decide whether it’s genuine. You can also talk to the sellers in person who might even be able to give you proof of authenticity.

Wherever you buy from though, it’s worth setting yourself a budget as it’s very easy to get carried away, especially if you’re looking to complete a set or buy something unusual. Make certain you know what things are worth and don’t get talked into paying more than you want to.

If you are looking for something for your collection or as a gift, visit <a href=”http://www.genuinememorabilia.co.uk/sporting/cat_18.html”>Genuine Memorabilia</a> who have a huge collection of signed items!