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.
