A good thing to get is stamp tongs (tweezers made especially to handle stamps with a rounded tip) Different types exist and you can have more than one type for different uses, or just end up liking one type. Good to have a second pair because you may misplace the first at times.
A stock book of a good quality. Cheap will not be pleasing in the long term. A stock book will allow you to sort stamps out an keep them in slots on the pages, displayed so you can see what you have, and keep them safe.
Books as mentioned are always a good resource, although a lot of info is on the net, not everyone likes to read on the net and a book is nice to hold.
Catalogue (s) of some sort to help you understand stamp terms (in the front) and info so you know if you have a rarity or a common stamp (prices) and information so you know what you are looking at and how what will (or should happen) when you measure the stamp or look for watermarks or try to determine what kind of paper or find out what year or what other stamps are in the same set. Not all catalogues are online and some cost to use. An older used catalogue is OK to start and will serve you for years.
Depending on what stamps you will be collecting right away, perhaps some glassine envelopes for sorting and storage. Number 4 is a good all purpose size for single stamps and multiples of them.
Glassine stamp Hinges or plastic Stamp Mounts for displaying stamps on paper album pages. Hinges on mint stamps usually lower the value if that is a concern for resale. Loose Vario or other brands plastic pages can also be used exclusively or in addition to a regular album.
Any album or binder you use for loose stock pages really should have a dust cover as dust is a big enemy of stamps. Dust and dark and damp make mold which attacks stamps and eats them.
The above mentioned sites are good but also don't forget to use the Search button top right on Stamp Community also. Lots of information on this site, not arranged as nicely perhaps, but still here.
The catalogues will state a price, that is for you buying from a recognized, trusted dealer, stamps of very fine (very nice) condition and grading (look in the front of the catalogues again). Anything of lesser quality should be of a lesser price, unless you really want it for that special collection and don't mind paying extra or more than catalogue. Prices usually increase yearly (always exceptions).
If collecting used stamps also get to know about cancels and postmarks. All kinds exist, some people collect stamps with only certain cancels on them (or covers and envelopes).
The more you learn and find out about stamps, the more there is to know, but you can stop and pause and rest and enjoy at any point, no rules except the ones you create.
I type a lot. Remember to have some caffeine before reading any post by me.
Posted 07/10/2012 10:57 pm
