Petersun: New To Stamp Collecting

Hello all,

I recently came across several collections of stamps that my grandfather left. Apparently there are sets to complete.

First of all, as a coin collector, I know about commomoratives and definitive stamps. I am sure that there are so many more fields in stamp collecting (types of stamps), so please educate me.

My library does hold a few stamp catalogues. Is there one that most stamp collectors use?

I am seriously laking general knowledge about the basics right now.

Thanks!

Welcome to the Stamp Community Family!

In answer to your question about catalogs, yes, the library should be your first place to look. If your collection is exclusively Canadian, the Unitrade Catalog is the specialized catalog to look for. If US stamps are your speciality, then the Scott Specialized Catalog of US Stamps is the preferred resource.

Most Worldwide Stamp Collectors in both the US and Canada rely on the multiple volumes of the Scott Catalog for international issues. Of course there are other catalogs in use in other countries as well, depending on your collecting specialties.

Just don't put too much emphasis on catalog values. In stamp collecting (as in coin collecting) condition is everything and even the slightest defect in a stamp can make a sizable difference in value. Also, with the exception of true rarities, most stamps issued after 1940 were printed in the millions -- or in some cases even billions -- so with so much material flooding the market, most modern stamps are worth only a fraction of their "catalog value".

Welcome to the forum Petersun

The members in here are more than willing to help with any questions you have.

We are a varied lot and the catalogues we use for our different collections also vary as well.

I may be wrong, but, I think the majority of us are using either Unitrade (Canada & Provinces specialized), Scott (WW + US Specialized), Gibbons (Britain, Colonies & WW), Maury (France & Colonies) or Michel(Germany, States & Colonies and other countries), depending on the country or countries they collect. There are many other catalogues out there.

Chimo

Bujutsu

Thank you for your welcomes and responses!

By the way, I know that there are commomoratives and definitives. Are there any other types of stamps that exist?

"Airmails" generally a separate category, then there are "semi-postals" which have an extra charge on top of the postal rate which goes to a specific charitable fund, "Revenues" which are sometimes postage stamps, sometimes specific revenue stamps, which have been used on a document to show the payment of a specific tax.

I'm no expert so I am sure others will chip in!
Welcome by the way!

A few examples ;

A GB stamp valid for postage or revenue, used as a revenue stamp.


A US Airmail


Maybe someone else can chip in with an example of a semi-postal.

A few I didn't mention above -
a "cinderella" - a paper label which looks like a stamp but has no postal use. Still collectable.


Postal Staionary, where a stamp-style image is pre-printed or embossed onto an envelope or card etc.


"Local Post" stamp not issued by a countries postal administration and not valid for postal use within the normal system, but sometimes printed in say a rural or remote area where a local person will transport outgoing mail to the nearest post office for a small extra fee.

Other types of stamps include "Special Delivery", "Postage Due", and we've recently had another discussion on this forum about Canadian "War Tax" Stamps, too. All of these sort of stamps, including Air Mail and Revenue stamps, are generally considered "back of the book" items (because most are relegated to the back of most catalog references) yet there are many collectors who specialize in these issues.

One thing about stamp collecting is there is no "wrong" or "right" way to collect stamps; collect what interests you and enjoy the hobby. Just don't look at it as a means for monetary gain, as most stamps (except for true rarities) seldom appreciate in value to the point that it will become your retirement fund. Instead, look at it as a relaxing, enjoyable hobby, that will give you hours of pleasure in research and history and cultural awareness of all of the many subjects depicted on stamps from various countries.

Well said!

Thank you! It is the history that interests me.