Making Progress With Collection - A Few Of My Favorites

I think that I will specialize in Mexico (1st) and US 2nd. Currently I am still organizing and reading and learning everything I can - I need to see the big picture (lol) as in what do I have before I can actually start working on more specifics.

I mean I still am trying to figure out how to use a perf gauge :) ha! - I also read into definitions of many things so that is helping me learn. For my Mexico collection specifically, I would like to fill in some of the gaps I have with the very early stamps and revenues and maybe get my numerals checked out. I seem to be able to find very good prices on MX stamps :). I also would like to learn more about my Exporta series and expand it if I can (I have about 300 of those stamps - but know there are tons of varieties). last but definitely not least - I would just like to identify all of my pre-1940 US stamps. I do not have a ton of them so I think I can get there. Thank you for checking out this newbies stamps.

Think that is a sound plan. Just me spouting off; but collecting any country/genre will give you a basic education about perfs, overprints, papers and all the other nuances if you are diligent and enthusiastic; which you certainly seem to be. (Keep it up! :-) Would recommend a Scott or other catalog to help you identify what you have as well. Are you planning to keep your collection in Vario pages or start albums?

Goal is to have a US and Mexico Album. But Vario for now. I'm Hinge shy at the moment... I'm going to take my time to decide and focus on learning the papers, perfs, cancels etc. I'm using my Mystic heirloom album and catalog to help me with Scott numbers. I'm in no rush, just truly enjoying the art of collection and learning on this forum. I'll get there trial and error.

Do you use Mystic's online catalog? Or did you purchase their catalog? I have trouble with their online version because I feel like you have to know what you're searching for and I don't know what I'm searching for half the time!

Good morning CJ,
I have a printed small catalog that I use (from mystic that they mailed to me) - however, it is definitely not complete - I use the heirloom album and stamp smarter to cross reference. I know getting a Scott catalog would be ideal - I have a public library close by maybe I check it out :)

Yes my library has reference catalogs that are fully illustrated. They are split into volumes at my library, so I can only check a couple out at a time.

CJ - If you still want me to help with adding to your Mystic album U.S. it would help if you can match the stamps you need with the Scott Catalog numbers of same. Easiest is if you can check out the Scott U.S. Specialized catalog from your library.

That is, when you get to 50 and can email me.

Dave

I will absolutely email you when I reach 50. Thank you!

You might want to keep an eye out for Scott Specialized that are a few years old on ebay. Back in July I was able to find a 2017 for $15. I like worldwide too much to focus on U.S., but the Specialized works well for me with revenues.

Dale

I have a 2010 US specialized for $10 plus shipping. Very clean. It is an extra and I am using it away from my stamp desk so I can look up stuff without having to use the stairs.

nice thing about stamp collecting is you can do it at any age. I started as a kid and still collect at 74. it is great to learn about countries, their capitals and their currencies. also learn from the stamps about their cultures and their dress. the names of some of the countries have changed over the years as well.

Now that I am back home, I had a chance to organize a few more world (non US/MX) into my stock books. additional French, British Colonies, Africa and some CTO :)

a few additional Argentina

I remember getting a British Empire stamp album asa teen from which I learned geography and history.
Good luck with your collection.