Getting Back Into Collecting

I began collecting US stamps back in the late 1950s and kinda stopped around 1965. Still have my collection from those days. I have a lot of catching up to do, but have a few basic questions:

1. Albums, I used the Scotts American Album for United States Stamps back then and still have it. Used to buy the supplements. Last one I have is 1964. WHAT'S THE CURRENT GOLD STANDARD FOR ALBUMS?

2. Any other tips for a returning addict?

Welcome back. One thing you will notice while you were gone is that stamp prices jumped (a lot) and have now fallen back to Earth. As for albums, Mystic offers their three volume Premium set for short money. You will need extra binders which they also sell.

Try this: https://goscf.com/t/17127...

Jack Kelley

The Mystic Albums are probably the best bargain for U.S. stamps.

Agree with center stage. All you have to decide is if you want hingeless and if not whether to hinge or use mounts

I think the Scott National Album is better. It is more complete and allows for black mounts. The Mystic album has clear mounts already afixed.

It's a perfect opportunity to decide what you would like to collect

All US ?

US only to a certain date ?

Mint or Used ?

Specialize in am area ?

With the inflation of the 80s and all of the Priority Mail stamps it can get a little pricey catching up. I tried it and soon gave up and settled on a smaller genre.

I think you'll have a lot more fun this time around. The internet has added greatly to the opportunity. You'll be able to acquire items you never dreamed possible when you were younger.

Good Luck

For USA, the Scott Platinum Hingeless was pretty amazing, though I don't think it's in print any longer. Amos offers the Schaubek Hingeless album which is in the same ballpark of quality and price.

The Mystic American Heirloom hingeless album is the best value hingeless album out there, I think. It's around a third of the price of other hingeless albums. Mystic's prices for most stamps are silly high, but their albums are priced right.

You also have the option of making your own album. There are several programs which can help you design it, one page at a time, so it fits what YOU want.