Stamp collecting is more than just a hobby. It’s a never-ending adventure exploring the rich tapestry of different cultures and countries all over the world. If you’re just taking your first steps into stamp collecting, you need a guide to walk you through the intricacies of this colorful journey.

Here at NobleSpirit, we deal in all kinds of collectibles, but specialize in rare stamps and coins. Company founder Joseph Cortese began collecting stamps from a young age, and as he expanded his expertise and founded NobleSpirit, he grew the company to be one of the most successful online businesses in the history of eBay. Now our team includes several philatelic experts and researchers, who have a wealth of knowledge and advice to offer beginner and seasoned collectors alike.

What is Stamp Collecting?

Stamp collecting is the art of delving deep into every culture, learning more about it, and getting an intimate look into the lives and artwork of diverse peoples and cultures. Stamp collectors, or philatelists as we like to call ourselves, don’t just collect stamps. All things related to the mail and postage are considered collectibles. This includes envelopes, covers, postage meters, revenue stamps, Christmas Seals, and mail markings, explains Joe Cortese.

What makes stamp collecting such a popular hobby is that it’s a flexible pastime that suits every age. It doesn’t have a steep learning curve, nor does it require special tools or equipment. Anybody can start this hobby and watch their stamp collection grow over time. So the question is, are all stamps collectible? And if not, which stamps should a beginner focus on?

Which Stamps Should You Collect?

According to the philatelic experts here at NobleSpirit, you should start a stamp collection that matches your interests. Some collectors gather stamps from all over the world, while others only focus on certain countries or regions that they have a keen interest in. However, you might find it hard to get many stamps from a specific country. So, Joe Cortese’s advice for beginners is to cast a wide net, collect as many stamps as you can, and build your collection. Then you can narrow your scope to the categories or countries that interest you.

The more time you spend building your stamp collection, the better you get at appreciating the different stamp classifications out there. Some collectors prefer mint stamps, while others only collect used ones. And then there are those who specialize in coil stamps used to pay for special services or deliveries. It all comes down to your personal preferences.

NobleSpirit Discusses Where To Find Stamps

With emails becoming ubiquitous, you might think that stamps are going out of fashion or are on their way to becoming extinct. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Believe it or not, stamps are alive and well. According to the experts at NobleSpirit, you won’t have to go out of your way to find stamps. Just a small trip to your mailbox or your local post office would yield a decent trove of stamps. If you fancy stamps from different countries, then pen pals are your best option. Not only will you ensure a steady stream of exotic stamps all year round, but you’ll also make new friends along the way.

There are also other ways to get your hands on stamps. You can subscribe to newsletters from local businesses and encourage your friends and family to go back to old-fashioned snail mail. And, there’s always the option to join local stamp clubs to trade stamps and brag about your stamp collection with other like-minded philatelists.