Re-Building A Collection

I am attempting to get into the hobby again, which I enjoyed as a kid and teenager. Unfortunately my US Stamp collection somehow disappeared. So what would be the best way to build up my "new" collection? ebay, Online dealer, etc. Should I stick with Mint, used or combination of both. I know for sure I could only afford some stamps in a used condition. Appreciate any advice.

Hi Gerry, and
If I were you I would try to find an old collection to build on - you can find boyhood collections at general auctions, car boot sales or on ebay. I have bought at auction many times, and generally (if un-picked) the collections are great value for money. Plus doing it that way will provide a look at stamps of many countries, to give you a flavour of what is out there to collect. Don't forget to try to get hold of some catalogues to help identification - they don't have to be the latest issues unless you desperately need current 'market value'. The other 'must' is a pair of stamp tweezers (or tongs).
Good luck, but beware! Once you start on this hobby you get hooked!
DavidR

Collect what you like the most! If cost is an issue, start with used and replace items as you can afford. There's no wrong way to collect!

Welcome to SCF, Gerry!

Gerry - I've sent you email via this forum

I guess I'd buy a collection of used stamps for starters. I'm also guessing that your thinking of classic U.S. since you chose this forum. Probably lots of collections available on ebay or at stamp shows. I'd go the show route first if you live in an area that has them fairly frequently. You would have a better opportunity to exam the stamps before buying at a show. Nothing wrong with collecting used. I prefer them, especially those with an attractive cancel.

Don

Gerry, Greetings:

Like you, I am a 'returnee' ... in my case, after 40-odd years.

I would like to suggest that you start by buying everything of one; that is, pick one inexpensive-but-reasonably-classic US stamp - perhaps one of the 1922-25 definitives, or one of the inter-war 3c commemoratives - and buy it in several forms - singles, pairs, strips, blocks, plate blocks - mint, used, on/cover, off/cover, FDC cacheted/not, to/from famous people, supplemented for air/international mail, with parcel post stamps or special delivery stamps or postage due stamps or registry labels and, of course, <prejudice> the crown of any collection, GPU (Genuinely Postally Used) on postcards & postal cards </prejudice>.

This will achieve three goals:

1) It will give you a chance to compare the various formats of how we collect stamps; and not just in your head, but in your hands. Your tastes may have changed. After that, you can trust your feelings, Matured SkyWalker.

2) There ain't no such thing as completion, but collecting everything of one might at least let you feel that you've stepped on it pretty good.

3) It will give you a useful "teaching album". If someone asks you what you've been doing, or you want to introduce someone to the hobby, you've got something more to show them than page after page of single stamps (never mind the empty bits).

PS: I've been writing-up proposals on "reforms" to make the hobby more accessible & interesting to newcomers; the "teaching album" (I prefer "teaching" to "demo" or "tutorial", but that's me) is one of them and, some day (without taking a vow) I will start new threads based on these proposals.

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey

There are so many ways that you can go. Mystic has a starter album for $19.95 and if you keep your interest you'll outgrow it but it's a minimal investment. There are packages of used US stamps that are also quite reasonable. After a period of time you'll find something that sparks your interest. I joined the American Philatelic society years ago and they're a great source of assistance and information.
Tom

What you don't want to do is jump in too deep to start before you learn more or you'll end up overpaying.

Gerry welcome to SCF. To answer your question. First you didn't specify if you were going to focus on U.S. or world wide. Second you never said if you still had your old stamp album or albums. So before a accurate answer can be given we need more information. There are tools you absolutely will need including as mentioned already. Stamp Tongs, Rounded not pointed tweezers. A minimum 10 power Magnifier. Adjustable or 20 power is better. Stamp Hinges. DO NOT use Hinges on MINT stamps. Use Mounts Clear or Black Background. I prefer Black as it makes the stamps pop but it is really only a matter of personal preference. A good Album is also recommended. Mystic's American Heirloom is the most popular and cheapest $39.95 for U.S. There are no cheap WW Albums worth having. Liberty also makes a good starter Album and probably the cheapest of all WW Albums. One other tool is a good Perforation Gauge. Google in Mystic Stamp Co. Also Amos Stamp Co. They both have good resources and are about the most reasonable. Let your favorite search engine be your friend as there is a wide choice of resources out there on the cloud. I hope I have helped and again welcome to Stamp Community Family "SCF".

Welcome to the forum, its a pretty good bunch. One thig that really hasn't been mentioned are your on-line resources and there are many.
For starters and not in any particula order and there are lots more, try these sites:

http://stamps.org/services
http://www.1847usa.com/
http://www.ebay.com/gds/20TH-CENTUR...70528/g.html
http://www.stampexpertizing.com/
http://www.stamp-collecting-world.c...cstamps.html
http://www.philatelicfoundation.org...f-1851-1857/
http://www.3cent1861.com/
http://www.americanairmailsociety.org/index.htm
http://www.slingshotvenus.com/stamps/fake137.html
http://www.jlkstamps.com/webpage/index1.htm

Art

That is exactly why I said to start with a minimum investment.
Tom

Wait a minute -------IT IS NOT A INVESTMENT , first start off reading various parts of this chat board . Find a area that interest you and then spend some money buying a few cheap lots to look over and learn ......waste some money .....have fun learning . Come back and ask a few more questions and then buy a old catalog and get some ideas and waste a few more dollars buying supplies and maybe a book or two . Enjoy it and learn after a year or two ,then look to start on the collection you want to build .

Why people here make this so difficult is puzzling . Enjoy it and learn ,start by studying the subject and spending money to learn ,the learning process works as you make mistakes.

I'm in a similar situation and got back into the hobby by buying a "starter collection" on E-bay. Not only will you end up with the stamps that you want but will also have an album if find the right deal.

Several previous posts suggest the Mystic Heirloom Stamp Album (3 volumes). I have that, also. For the price point (under $40) it's probably the best value for the money out there for the beginning collector. Also, if you buy it under the "M8104 stock number", they'll include a package of stamp hinges and 200 used US stamps "free", which makes it an even better value for someone getting back into the hobby:

http://www.mysticstamp.com/viewProd...sp?sku=M8104

Nothing wrong with buying on ebay as some of the posts here suggest, but just realize that a majority of those collections are remainders. If you're willing to shell out a bit more, you'll get a better value bidding on box lots and collections yourself on SAN (stamp auction network). You don't have to spend a ton to score a decent collection there, just decide your limit and bid on several different lots using the "Or" option and/or a total bid limit.