Philately - The Hobby of Kings
Queen Elizabeth had one of the largest stamp collections in the world.
•PHILATELY is the collection and study of postage stamps and related postal history.
•The word “Philately” comes from the Greek words ‘philos‘ (love) and ‘ateleia‘ (exempt from charge), signifying love for stamps.
•The first postage stamp, the “Penny Black,” was issued in the UK in 1840
Why is stamp collecting educational?
Geography
History
Science
Arts
Parts of a Postage Stamp
Types of Stamps
There are several types of postage stamps, each serving a specific purpose or commemorating special events. Here’s a list of the most common types:
Definitive Stamps:
These are regular postage stamps issued for everyday use. They are typically printed in large quantities and often remain in circulation for several years.
Commemorative Stamps:
Issued to celebrate or commemorate significant events, anniversaries, famous people, or historical moments.
Special Stamps:
Similar to commemorative stamps but issued to highlight certain themes such as wildlife, art, or sports.
Personalized Stamps:
Many postal authorities offer the option to create personalized stamps with photos, logos, or other custom designs.
Mint stamps:
They are postage stamps that have never been used and are in pristine condition. These stamps are exactly as they were when first issued by the postal authority, meaning they still have their original gum (adhesive backing) and have not been canceled.
Basic Philatelic Tools
Tools you must have:
Stamp Album:
A stamp album is a specially designed book to store and organize stamps to keep them free from dust, dirt, and handling damage.
Tweezers:
Stamp tongs are used to handle stamps without touching them with your fingers. This is crucial because oils, dirt, and moisture from hands can damage or stain stamps.
Magnifying Glass:
A magnifying glass helps examine stamps closely to identify tiny details such as perforations, watermarks.
Beginner's Philatelic Kit
