Why collect postage stamps?

Stamps are some of the most highly collected objects around the world. There's even a word specifically for stamp collecting—philately—and avid collectors proudly identify as philatelists. You may wonder what the fascination is with stamp collecting. What makes stamps so intriguing that millions of people everywhere find themselves compelled to acquire, trade, and collect these small, sticky-backed tags? Some postage stamps are miniature works of art, detailed and colorful as any museum painting. The postal authority carefully considers every stamp design that artists submit, and sometimes commissions specific artists to create the images for a theme they have in mind. Not only does the front art make stamps so collectible, most end up on an envelope to be mailed off, so very few become preserved for posterity. Stamps issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) depict the history, geography, and people of the United States, reflected in picturesque nature scenes, notable historical figures, and scientific achievements. Each year, the USPS releases around 35 new stamps. The United States Postal Service typically issues a series only once, and some enjoy only a limited release, which only adds to the rarity of certain sets. Many other countries also issue their own postage stamps. In fact, Great Britain was the first nation to issue an adhesive-backed stamp in 1840, known to collectors the world over as "The Penny Black." This iconic black tag of paper depicted a profile bust of Queen Victoria facing left. Many collectors live for the thrill of acquiring rare finds and comparing their stamp collections with other like-minded enthusiasts.

What do I need to begin collecting stamps?

If you've been bitten by the stamp-collecting bug, you're not alone. The fascination with this beloved pastime is spread wide and it runs deep. Here's what you'll need to get started with your first postage stamp collection. Tweezers: Use stamp tweezers to pick up and move your stamps. Picking them up with your fingers can transfer body oils which accelerate fading and might discolor your miniature treasures. Magnifying glass: Collectors can distinguish many valuable stamps by miniscule details that are often only identifiable with the help of a magnifying glass . Stamp album: Of course you're going to want a place to hold your treasured finds. An album or some other specialized book for stamp collections gives you a mode to keep, preserve, and easily transport your collection.

Where do you get stamps?

There are several ways of acquiring stamps for your collection. Here are some of the best ways to get your collection off these little paper treasures started: Save your stamps: When you buy a book of postage stamps from the post office, set duplicates aside to put into your collection. You never know which ones might be valuable in the future. Look online: Shops on Etsy offer many vintage collectibles—including stamps, coins , and militaria to name a few. Join a collector's club: Whether in-person or online, a stamp collecting club puts you in contact with other philatelists, giving you options for trading you might not otherwise have.

Postage Stamps

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Vintage Topical Love Stamps - 100 Stamps Many Duplications 1980's - 1990's

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Botanical Beauties .. Unused Vintage Floral Postage Stamps | mail 10 letters | 68c rate | for your special mailings and Wedding Invitations

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Mountain Flora Postage Stamp Booklet

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$19.99

From shop theoldantiquestore

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Spring Lilac Assortment | Vintage Postage Stamps | Purple | Green | Curated | Set | US | Nature | Wedding Invitation | Botanical

(1,263)

$14.95

From shop MerrilyPost
100 Hundred 15 cent vintage unused postage stamps // 30 DIFFERENT DESIGNS! // Face value 15.00

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$15.00

From shop AxmxZ

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Old Worldwide mostly mint stamps in fine to very fine condition. Some with good values. A very nice lot

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$6.87

From shop LetMeHelpYouToo

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Unused Vintage Postage Stamps - Collection of Blue US Postage - Variety of Blue Stamps / No Duplicates / Stamp Values 1 cent to 25 cents

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20 Vintage Unused Gardening & Horticulture Mail Stamps / Green USPS Postage / 3 cents US

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$23.99

From shop HeritagePostHouse

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$1.79

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Mint US Flag Freedom Booklet Pane of 20 Forever Stamps Scott# 5790 (MNH)

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$12.95

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20 Vintage Unused Colorado Statehood Mail Stamps / Mountains Blue Columbine USPS Postage / 13 cents US

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$13.99

From shop HeritagePostHouse

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50 Unused Vintage Shades of Purple Postage Stamps - Collection of 3 Cent Purple US Postage - Grab Bag of Stamps all 3 cents

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100 unused VINTAGE BLUE postage stamps vintage unused postage US commemoratives shades of blue invitations weddings standouts

(619)

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$20.00

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Expedited Shipping Rate

(3)

$25.00

From shop KingstonLaneHomeCo

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Sets of 10+ Stamps - 20c LOVE WRITTEN in FLOWERS | Unused Mint Vintage Postage (Issued 1982 #1951) Invitations, Collectors, Stationers

(45)

$20.95

From shop postagepaperco
Hundred 68 cent stamp combos // face value 68.00, selling for 80%

(11,964)

$54.40

From shop AxmxZ

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NORTH CAROLINA DOGWOOD White Blossoms Constitution Ratification Sheet of 50 signed by Designer Bob Timberlake Mint Stamps - FreeUSA Ship

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$69.88

From shop FOREVERstampsAndMORE

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Postage Label, or Leather Band (For replacement)

(381)

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Sale Price $11.93
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From shop MerryloveUS

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4 Unused Vintage James Madison Blue Postage Stamps / High Denomination Postage Stamps for Wedding Invitations / 2 Dollars / Scott 2875A

(3,805)

$16.95

From shop PostageStampStudio

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20 Vintage Unused Pink Rose Mail Stamps / Love Series Pink and Green Botanical Rose Flower USPS Postage / 25 cents US

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$26.99

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Silver Antique Stamp Collectors Case

(93)

$97.98

From shop KimsCollectablesUK

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Great Britain #3 - Black plate 1840 1d - IJ- Plate 9 red brown Queen Victoria, unused condition are very scarce and RARE

$4,000.00

From shop Roadshowbox

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1840 1d. grey-black plate 11 - IJ exceptionally fine used with good margins superb central upright strike of a magenta Maltese Cross SIGNED

$2,000.00

From shop Roadshowbox

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(1,153)

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Ten 37c Lilac and Roses Stamps .. Unused US Postage Stamp .. Perfect for wedding Invitations, Save the Date, RSVPs. Pack of 10 | Victorian

(7,284)

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From shop TreasureFox
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$14.95

From shop MerrilyPost
20x Blue Airplane Airmail 1958 7c Unused Vintage Postage Stamp. Free Shipping! #1 Source The Best Prices on Vintage stamps

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$5.49

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Postage, Shipping Upgrade , Postage Label, Replacement

(833)

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From shop TarikMasterJewelry

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Vintage Topical Transportation Stamps - 50 Different Stamps 1960's - 1990's

(1,640)

Sale Price $2.99
Original Price $4.99 (40% off)

From shop BeautifulBanknotes

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40 Stamps EL SALVADOR Vintage Postage Stamps Lot Bundle Latin America South American Country For Collecting Or Crafts

(294)

Star Seller

$7.95

From shop DejaVuEphemera

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10 Vintage Unused Black-Necked Crane Stamps / Black White Green Bird USPS Postage / 29 cents US

(1,153)

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From shop HeritagePostHouse

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Vintage The International Postage Stamp Album Part II circa 1947 by Scott Publications

(1,667)

Star Seller

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From shop CandilandArt

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From shop apartmentshop
Etsy’s Pick
Worldwide Postage Stamps (Mix) of New/Used-Vintage/Modern Postage Stamps-Collectables-Scrapbooking-Junk Journal-Philatelic-Gift/on/off paper

$3.81

From shop Zealift
Mini Stamp Collection Kit/Album, Holds 150-300 Stamps

(3,485)

$16.99

From shop FizzyWire

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20 Vintage Unused Pink Rose Mail Stamps / Love Botanical Roses Flower USPS Postage / 32 cents US

(1,153)

$29.99

From shop HeritagePostHouse

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10 Love Flowers, 20 Cent 1987 Unused Postage Stamps, Colorful Flowers

(1,124)

$21.00

From shop EpochPost
Curate Your Own Set of Stamps - 10+ Stamps of Your Choice - Please Read Item Details for Instructions - Vintage Unused Postage Stamps

(7,070)

$10.00

From shop VintagePostageShop
Etsy’s Pick
10 Vintage Unused Rainbow Trout Stamps / Wildlife Conservation USPS Postage / 8 cents US

(1,153)

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From shop HeritagePostHouse

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Postage Stamps

Postage Stamps

Vintage Topical Love Stamps - 100 Stamps Many Duplications 1980's - 1990's

World stamps 10,000+ off paper stamps - New Stock - vintage to modern picked at random from a large collection

Botanical Beauties .. Unused Vintage Floral Postage Stamps | mail 10 letters | 68c rate | for your special mailings and Wedding Invitations

1,000 Stamps - Gigantic Lot of 1,000 Used Worldwide Stamps for Decoupage, Paper Crafts, Collage and More...

Mountain Flora Postage Stamp Booklet

Spring Lilac Assortment | Vintage Postage Stamps | Purple | Green | Curated | Set | US | Nature | Wedding Invitation | Botanical

100 Hundred 15 cent vintage unused postage stamps // 30 DIFFERENT DESIGNS! // Face value 15.00

Old Worldwide mostly mint stamps in fine to very fine condition. Some with good values. A very nice lot

Unused Vintage Postage Stamps - Collection of Blue US Postage - Variety of Blue Stamps / No Duplicates / Stamp Values 1 cent to 25 cents

20 Vintage Unused Gardening & Horticulture Mail Stamps / Green USPS Postage / 3 cents US

Worldwide Vintage Stamps - No Duplicates! Used, off paper. Wide variety of sizes and countries

Mint US Flag Freedom Booklet Pane of 20 Forever Stamps Scott# 5790 (MNH)

20 Vintage Unused Colorado Statehood Mail Stamps / Mountains Blue Columbine USPS Postage / 13 cents US

Vintage Topical Wildlife/Botany Stamps - 75 Different Stamps 1950's - 1990's

50 Unused Vintage Shades of Purple Postage Stamps - Collection of 3 Cent Purple US Postage - Grab Bag of Stamps all 3 cents

100 unused VINTAGE BLUE postage stamps vintage unused postage US commemoratives shades of blue invitations weddings standouts

Expedited Shipping Rate

Sets of 10+ Stamps - 20c LOVE WRITTEN in FLOWERS | Unused Mint Vintage Postage (Issued 1982 #1951) Invitations, Collectors, Stationers

Hundred 68 cent stamp combos // face value 68.00, selling for 80%

NORTH CAROLINA DOGWOOD White Blossoms Constitution Ratification Sheet of 50 signed by Designer Bob Timberlake Mint Stamps - FreeUSA Ship

Postage Label, or Leather Band (For replacement)

4 Unused Vintage James Madison Blue Postage Stamps / High Denomination Postage Stamps for Wedding Invitations / 2 Dollars / Scott 2875A

20 Vintage Unused Pink Rose Mail Stamps / Love Series Pink and Green Botanical Rose Flower USPS Postage / 25 cents US

Silver Antique Stamp Collectors Case

Great Britain #3 - Black plate 1840 1d - IJ- Plate 9 red brown Queen Victoria, unused condition are very scarce and RARE

1840 1d. grey-black plate 11 - IJ exceptionally fine used with good margins superb central upright strike of a magenta Maltese Cross SIGNED

20 Vintage Unused Love Swans Mail Stamps / Love Series Wedding Love Valentine's Day USPS Postage / 55 cents US

100 Unused Green Vintage stamps Unused mint vintage green stamps from the 1940s and 1950 mostly 3 cent stamps Post office fresh. wedding

Ten 37c Lilac and Roses Stamps .. Unused US Postage Stamp .. Perfect for wedding Invitations, Save the Date, RSVPs. Pack of 10 | Victorian

20 Vintage Unused Christmas Poinsettia Stamps / Red Holiday USPS Postage / 22 cents US

Green Assortment | Vintage Postage | Unused | Postage Stamps | Mix | Postage | 10 Stamps | US | Nature | Wedding Postage | Botanical

20x Blue Airplane Airmail 1958 7c Unused Vintage Postage Stamp. Free Shipping! #1 Source The Best Prices on Vintage stamps

Postage, Shipping Upgrade , Postage Label, Replacement

Vintage Topical Transportation Stamps - 50 Different Stamps 1960's - 1990's

40 Stamps EL SALVADOR Vintage Postage Stamps Lot Bundle Latin America South American Country For Collecting Or Crafts

10 Vintage Unused Black-Necked Crane Stamps / Black White Green Bird USPS Postage / 29 cents US

Vintage The International Postage Stamp Album Part II circa 1947 by Scott Publications

109 Neutral Muted Colour Postage Stamps, Canadian Vintage, Neutral Color Lot, Wedding Calligraphy Envelopes, Stationery Flaylay, Beige, Grey

20 Vintage Unused Hawaii Statehood Mail Stamps / Hawaiian Island Ship USPS Postage / 20 cents US

20 Vintage Unused Love Flowers Mail Stamps / Love Series Botanical Flower USPS Postage / 20 cents US

20 Vintage Unused Louis Comfort Tiffany Stamps / American Treasures Stained Glass USPS Postage / 41 cents US

8 Flower Portugal Postage Stamps, Vintage Unused, Bright Colors, Orchid, Violet, Foxglove, Wedding Calligraphy, Botanical, Plants f1

Worldwide Postage Stamps (Mix) of New/Used-Vintage/Modern Postage Stamps-Collectables-Scrapbooking-Junk Journal-Philatelic-Gift/on/off paper

Mini Stamp Collection Kit/Album, Holds 150-300 Stamps

20 Vintage Unused Pink Rose Mail Stamps / Love Botanical Roses Flower USPS Postage / 32 cents US

10 Love Flowers, 20 Cent 1987 Unused Postage Stamps, Colorful Flowers

Curate Your Own Set of Stamps - 10+ Stamps of Your Choice - Please Read Item Details for Instructions - Vintage Unused Postage Stamps

10 Vintage Unused Rainbow Trout Stamps / Wildlife Conservation USPS Postage / 8 cents US

There's so much more for you to discover

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